Intro to Merlin G, tuning, strumming, beginning chords

Here is a good beginner video showing you how to start playing your Merlin. I have a “G” model that is tuned to open G. I show you how to tune it, several ways to strum it, I talk about the diatonic fretboard, and show you beginner chords.
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[@deborahtullos1378]

You were absolutely fabulous. I just bought my Merlin a couple weeks ago. And I’ve been looking for videos for beginners. It’s all very confusing. And the couple of guys that I found that do videos teach way too fast. Your excellent. I wish I could get some kind of a printed chord chart. That would be super helpful

[@davidbrock4104]

Great video. The Merlin is an underrated instrument in my opinion. It's the perfect instrument for folks who struggle with the guitar or just don't want to spend the time necessary to learn to play. Great job introducing folks to the Merlin. It should be required viewing for all who buy one.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thank you David! I agree with you, it is definitely underrated.

[@brittneypryor2616]

Could you potentially do another video with more merlin G chords? Can't find much out there and I just got one and love it! Plus you teach in a way that I can learn. Love your videos

[@BanjoLemonade]

www.cigarboxguitar.com/knowledge-base/cigar-box-guitar-chord-forms-for-3-string-open-g-gdg/

[@tiernandevine2849]

Hello Andrew I have been playing it for a while myself nine is The banjo is a lovely instrument I did not know the merlins legend in that case you can get them five strings as well

[@patriciadenise3048]

Hello! I have just bought a S. Merlin, and I have been looking for introductions and tutorials, and by far, your explanations suit me best. Thank you very much! I have a question though. My parents gave me a D Merlin. Would it be possible to tune it to G without having to change anything on the main frame? Your response would be greatly appreciated! God bless you 😀

[@BanjoLemonade]

Hey there, thanks! Ok so you can tune your DAD Merlin to GDG if you’d like. BUT, here’s how you do it. You tune the top (larger string) string DOWN from D to G. But it might rattle, in that case you’d need a heavier string. The other strings should be fine. But beware you may brake that top string.

[@AnnHolland-o1u]

Thank you so much for your videos. I am from Western Australia and am visiting Canada and fell in love with the Seagull and hence bought one today. Can you recommend where I can get sheet music please? I would love to have a hard copy of the cords to follow along with you. Cheers Ann

[@BanjoLemonade]

I don’t do sheet music but my website has 150 merlin lessons and a beginner merlin video course. I have tabs. I have a sale on memberships right now too - banjolemonade.com/shop-home/

[@AncientlightInsights]

You are great! 🥰🙏🏼🌟 Thank you so much! Do you do private lessons?

[@BanjoLemonade]

I have a website with lessons and courses. banjolemonade.com

[@BanjoLemonade]

For TONS more lessons, tabs, practice tracks, ebooks, and more PLUS a FREE 7 DAY MEMBERSHIP, head on over to - www.banjolemonade.com

[@dbaron-gamedev]

Thank you for the video, helped me a lot with my new Merlin.

[@suelaliberte3947]

Fantastically helpful! Thank you so much.

[@chrisvalery3678]

Hey banjo, since the D model is DAD tuning..can you play the same stuff as a mountain dulcimer? Guess playing it like a dulcimer would be difficult....seems like a cheaper option than a dulcimer. Cheers

[@BanjoLemonade]

Yes you can play the same stuff, but you play it a bit differently.

[@matthewharvey8755]

I am trying to learn "Down In The Valley" it is a simple starter song I believe, would love for you to do a tutorial 😁😁😁😁

[@acterene1]

Bless your heart! Thanks for this.

[@-jank-willson]

@BanjoLemonade Does the G model also have an electric version with a built-in tuner, or is that only on the standard model? I can't seem to find one online...

[@BanjoLemonade]

Don’t know sorry.

[@acterene1]

Thanks for this! Question....I have a D model. with an electric tuner that you choose, guitar, cello, bass, violin, ukulele...Which should I choose to tune the strings with Or do I just find a D, A, DD anywhere in the choices I am given...?know what I mean? Thanks again. God bless!

[@BanjoLemonade]

guitar will work just fine

[@acterene1]

😋Thanks for the help!

[@barrycarol2]

Thank you for the awesome instruction

[@georgelapierre9275]

Thanks Mandy !

[@mikehumphrey5]

What strings are you using and what string gauge please

[@nicholascrosby12]

Thank you!

[@RobertDizzo]

Hi. Can you use tablature written for 3-string open G, GDG cigar box? I just got my G Merlin and really don't know much about music. It seems like it should work but I'm not sure.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Yes technically, but a cigar box won’t be diatonically fretted. So use dulcimer tab. OR go to my website - I have over 150 Merlin lessons, tabs, ebooks, courses to go with it too.

[@RobertDizzo]

@@BanjoLemonade thanks so much. I'll check out your website.

[@boby6328]

Where can I find a printable cord sheet for all the G cords. Thank you love your videos.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Try this Bob - www.pinterest.com/pin/759912137096638799/

[@lindazimmerman751]

Do videos it is your thing

[@harsimrankaur2955]

I have a question: could you just tune the D merlin to the GDG instead of DAD? I mean is that a viable way to interchange D merlin for G merlin? Also, can you play single finger bar format you are talking about? is that the same as chords at the end of the day? I am complete beginner do not know music at all - I have the D merlin, don't know If I should return it and get a G or just switch to a 3 string guitar, because as a complete beginner with no teachers in my area, I'm sorta unsure what would be easier, Also, I don't understand transposing, so I feel like a G format would work better for the tunes that I am interested in learning... I also don't want calluses =P Thank you for putting out these videos, you are such a lovely soul. I have so much love & respect for you and what you do!

[@BanjoLemonade]

Hey Harsimram, the strings on the D are much smaller than the strings on the G model. The grooves in the nut (at the top) and the bridge (at the bottom) are much too small to accommodate the thick strings on the G model. The D is easier to play in that the strings are much easier to press down onto the frets. Bar chords, yes you can play those anytime you want. There are also free chord charts available for the D model merlin, just search it. The G is great also, but if you want easier and haven’t played anything with strings, I’d recommend you just keep your D model. Thanks for watching!

[@harsimrankaur2955]

@@BanjoLemonade Thank you for getting back to me =)

[@merlinscat]

When my merlin arrived the melody strings were tuned an octave apart is this right ?

[@BanjoLemonade]

Yes, that’s right.

[@Absolutelynot1552]

How do you tune the last two strings i dont get it

[@1121gypsy]

Where can I find the Seagull Merlin m4 G without the numbers on the fretboard?

[@BanjoLemonade]

I don’t know. I saw once someone said that the UK has the one without the numbers, but I’m not sure.

[@matthewharvey8755]

I just bought one from my local guitar shop lol. $125. Soooo happy!

[@jenniferflesburg2138]

So I have a D model …. Can I just put on different strings for the G ?

[@BanjoLemonade]

Yes you can.

[@jenniferflesburg2138]

@@BanjoLemonade where can I buy them ?? I can’t seem to find any information about it . Any help would greatly be appreciated! Thank you so much

[@MartynRavensdale]

You're very good.

[@nesicus]

Somewhat confusing, the tuning. I wonder why it is as it is? I mean, it's tuned to open G, fine, but there's a minor 7th in the fret sequencing, an F. That would indicate Cmajor or its relative minor, A. So how is it diatonic exactly? It's diatonic to C, even though the open chord is the dominant chord (fifth) of the major scale. I suppose I'm just wondering why the instrument is referred to by the chord produced with its natural resonance, as opposed to its tonal range (key.)

[@BanjoLemonade]

There’s an F# not an F, sorry I misspoke there. It is diatonic. The D model has very light strings on it more kin to a regular dulcimer, while the G has thicker strings more kin to the baritone dulcimer. Sorry for any confusion.

[@SamurajBoga]

I tuned mine to D because that's what the book that came with it said. G sounds cool too.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Are you saying you have a G model? Their book is terrible really. It’s like they made the G model as an afterthought and didn’t bother. Anyway if you have the G you should try GDG it sounds absolutely amazing. Are the strings floppy?

[@SamurajBoga]

@@BanjoLemonade no I have the D model. I didn't realize there were 2 different ones until I watched your video. So thank you for that.

[@lindazimmerman751]

Good job girl

[@hanlinhanlin1811]

Good

[@boby6328]

Are the cord fingering the same for the G and D merlins

[@BanjoLemonade]

Yes and no. Using the exact same fingerings will give you chords - yes. But obviously the chords will not be the same. For instance a C chord on the “G” merlin using the same fingering on the “D” Merlin is a G chord. If you place your fingers on any chord on one, you can put your fingers in the same spot on the other model, but the chord is a different chord. So if you see me use a certain fingering one one model (D OR G) you can mimic the exact fingering on the other model. It will be the same song, but in a different key. I hope that makes sense to you. Any tab you see will be interchangeable and you can use the same fingering, but the actual notes will be higher on the D model than the G model.

[@boby6328]

Thank you for the info. I like you always respond your a good musican.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks Bob!

[@randybarrios2383]

Can you tune a dad to geg

[@BanjoLemonade]

yes you can tune down not up.

[@mikesparks2032]

Can you use a capo on this

[@BanjoLemonade]

Yes but you would limit your frets a lot. Give it a try. Also try leaning to transpose into a different key so you wouldn’t need the capo.

[@mikesparks2032]

BanjoLemonade ok thank you I play electric bass and upright bass. I thought about giving this a try

[@kdstinson4727]

Oh Mandy, you're putting a spark in my heart for a Merlin instrument. He looks like fun to learn! Very understandable instructions and I really appreciate how cear the video is. Fantastic video! 👏

[@BanjoLemonade]

Morning Karen! I’m gonna send you an email.