Sierra Hull - 5 Tips on Tone

I get a lot of questions about tone so I wanted to share a few quick thoughts that apply not just to mandolin, but also to guitar.
xx
Sierra
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[@dovahkiin2835]

I’ve been playing a cheap 60 dollar mandolin for about 9 years now. I got to a point where I wasn’t satisfied with the sound. I did some research and set it up properly. Really good strings, the bridge in exactly the right spot and switched to thicker picks. I was amazed at how big of a difference it made in terms of tone. Thicker picks are an absolute must have!

[@Firstinversion899]

Maybe make another, longer video, and call it “25 Tips”? Seriously, you’ve made the best album this year; I’m listening to it over and over and over.

[@jonjensen6745]

Cool thing about the blue chips, if you look at the edges they’re tapered for up and down strokes so that the pick glides past the string easier and with less pick noise. They’re worth the cost in my opinion, especially if you’re playing an expensive mandolin.

[@DSteinman]

Wegen makes nice beveled picks too, a bit cheaper, even Dunlop has some, their Primetone picks and even Gator Grip picks for a cheaper option. But Blue Chips are great picks.

[@flintdavis2]

I was drawn to that pretty face🥰, Then got a lovely voice bonus! What a lovely girl. Talented too!😉

[@MrTheageofinformatio]

Sierra, this is amazing. As a novice self taught musician I always love to hear about techniques from the masters! Please do more!

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

One tip on making videos is "don't look at the screen but but look at the lens". That way you are looking me in the eyes and not off to the side.

[@rdeleon039]

Tanks Dear !!! I have problems with the double step trémolo . Greetings from Maryland. You the best .

[@joshuabenton3785]

4:14 the face someone makes when too much pick is used for a guitar. lol But seriously these are super helpful tips! Thanks!

[@RosaStringWorks]

We are on the very same page. Agree completely. My one addition has to do with setup rather than playing. Intonation... All important to be sure the bridge/saddle is in the correct location. Changes the sound/tone more than anything else (at least in terms of setup). Great job as usual.

[@bonenfant96]

Hi Sierra. Does a mandolin absolutely need medium guage stringd ? Can light guage give a good sound too ? Thanks !

[@CynicalNuggit]

Just Witnessed you at Summer camp, I am forcing myself not to fall in love.. lol but thank you for the insight of the angle on the string, I have been missing out. Thanks for existing.

[@goodcardma]

great tips, but I didn't see any mandolins in this video........just a beautiful face :)

[@travisfrazier83]

What type of pickup do you run on your mandolin if you don't mind me asking...it sounds amazing when your on stage playing a show! Mine doesn't seem to have near the full sound quality :/

[@monsterzero1965]

So I finally understand (I hope) the pick grip am I correct that the thumb is (slightly) angled more downward not straight across the pick? This made a huge difference if I am straight across the pick I get that clickety click sound you say you don't like and it slows me down. The 'X' grip is smooth and causes no tension. There are tons of wannabe teachers on the net that give out harmful advice and never even play anything to demo their techniques! Just blah blah! Thank you for your time and info. You ARE amazing😀

[@rogerpiper330]

Brilliant as usual, but really liked that. I've been self taught playing for almost 2 years and must admit to putting my fingers in the middle of the frets. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Love your playing. Xx

[@davemesker9600]

I have also been playing for a little over two years now too, played guitar before since I was 16, also self taught. Picked up a cheap rogue mandolin and had it set up at a music shop, learned two finger chords, then three finger chords, and some four finger chords. I still can't do a four finger "G" chord. But I really enjoy mandolin, my first two mandolins were A style, then bought a Ibenez F style, which I really love, even installed pick ups in it to electrify it. Anyway just really kind of identified with you. Btw I'm now 67 years young.

[@JohnDuncanfiddler]

Do you think these tips all translate to guitar? I'm sure some folks would love to see a video of your five tips on tone for guitar.

[@kaylibaker9921]

I love this video!!! Please make more like this! I could use all the help I can get! Thanks 😍❤️

[@gustavomatos3449]

Wonderful! Thank you so much, Sierra!

[@cfcolly]

I had no idea about numbers 5. Coming from guitar and being self taught in mandolin, I had no idea

[@Degorff]

do i constantly change up down picking. So the rounded pick isn't necessary?

[@picksalot1]

All great tips, and critical to getting a good tone. It's important that an accomplish player like yourself shares their insight and experience, as that helps players pay special attention. I play guitar, and pick material makes a big difference, as does string gauge. Experimenting is important, as what sounds good on one instrument may not sound good on a different one. A good guide is what feels thin and floppy tends to sound like that as well. Thanks

[@jadonx]

Tune the flat strings first ,then the sharp strings as the neck tension/flex flattens them anyway.

[@boasmasso]

How long playing mandolin to get to that level? 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@banjoplayingbison2275]

Is that a Tenor Guitar in the background?!?

[@TheChristopherBlood]

Awesome. Thanks Sierra! Your pick grip technique has totally changed my playing. I was holding it all wrong. I was struggling to keep picking without it slipping out or sounding softer. I never realised it had to be anchored like that. But it totally makes sense. Thanks so much. :)

[@gregglind]

Seconding! Moving mine "deeper" using your "handshake method" has added control, allowed my other fingers to add power to upstrokes and "unanchored" my right hand. Very good visual demonstration!

[@ArtFernandez1]

Really enjoyed your concert at The Fonda Theater. Thanks for the lesson. I like that 4 String Gibson.

[@jeffhucle6436]

Ive heard flattening the G string on a guitar can actually help some songs

[@richtfingers]

Good tips, Sierra ... and can I have that mandolin, please?

[@johngreen523]

Sold tips and thanks for calling me "dear". @ 2:14 Lol

[@steelandwoodbluegrass2270]

Thank you for your generous sharing and teaching! You’re awesome!

[@joelharding1586]

Great lesson video, particularly for newbies. What are your thoughts on a tone guard metal 'spacer' on the back of the instrument? Lots of players swear by these for increased volume and tone retention.

[@Ublomor]

Sei bravissima Sierra!!!! Love from Sicily, where we like bluegrass too!!!

[@jimthompson9992]

Well...of the 5 tips Sierra gave...I did none like that! I probably did the world a great service by giving up playing and just listening instead...your welcome, world! But, oh! To be able to play any stringed instrument like her...to have those magic fingers...a dream that will have to remain a dream...but I can still listen with the best of them! Play on, young lady! Play On!!!❤👍

[@maicovimuto6341]

Love your playing Sierra! Just bought my first mandoline, I was interested in the opening tune that you play. I believe you said its an original, what's it called if I may ask?

[@maicovimuto6341]

Just saw that it's The Last Minute ;) Will check it out!

[@JohnPaulsEuropa]

Super ...love the knowledge nuggets that go with subtleties of a craft.

[@billsilverman3133]

Thanks, Sierra. Appreciate the tone tips. I think the difference between a good musician and a great musician is tone!

[@micsayre]

Izzat so?

[@vulcanred4500]

So awesome to have a player of Sierra's calibre giving out tips like these. Fantastic.

[@vmcelvis]

Always so generous with your knowledge and experience. Picked up a mandolin during this shutdown and fell in love. I've played guitar for 50+ years and understand it's machinations pretty well.My guitar brain was having a hard time seeing that in the mandolin until a saw a Reverb video where you broke it down. Your break down of Get Up John is stellar. Got a better instrument and gave the other to my 2 granddaughters whose Dad likes to pick too, Thanks again

[@fmps2950]

No he entendido nada, pero eres maravillosa.

[@MultiStratoman]

Hi sierra! Do you got very low action on your mandolin?

[@anthonyruda2021]

Sierra, do you ever use a mandolin armrest on your instrument?

[@drew369]

Awesome! Great tips and very enjoyable learning. Thank you.

[@dylanseaman5163]

Sierra. YOu are always teaching everyone. Thx for the shares as always.

[@RUuser]

Thank you, Sierra...I never even thought about LH finger placement on frets. I recently switched to a medium pick after years of using a heavy picks...not that anyone listens to me! I'll go back to a heavy and experiment with my grip.

[@spitfirekid1]

Your tone is outstanding! #5 was what I needed to learn. Thank you.

[@AviationNX]

I find this video very helpful my self

[@dknecht1971]

Hey Sierra, great video.. Bluechip TD60 gives three bevel options. Does it matter to you which one you use? I've been using a 1.5mm (same as "60") Dunlop light purple teardrop, and it is my favorite. But I'm thinking of getting a Bluechip, just curious about the bevel option.

[@patricelongchamps9880]

OMG playing Bill Monroe as easy is just amazing !!

[@DieterLo1]

Very informativ! Just started a month ago with Mandoline in Germany. Wonderful instrument!

[@RyanChenMusic]

Regarding pick thickness, I think it depends on the gig too. Bluegrass, definitely thicker pick. Accompanying a pop singer songwriter? Consider a thin/medium pick, at least for acoustic guitar.

[@angelapianomusicstudio3816]

Especially like the playing demos of the different points. Great and helpful to hear you play the differences between them.

[@JoshuaPolak]

Thank you Sierra. I am aware of all those things but I still am a terrible flatpicker (good with the fingers). I guess I need some lessons -). Thanks.

[@artsie8282]

Excellent content, thank you

[@richardjames6111]

Top advice, thanks

[@Steve-si8hx]

First got to be a cutie patootie like you

[@bryanhenderson8807]

For the mandolin I like the Dunlop Tortex Jazz III .73 picks and playing midway between the bridge and finger board or close to the finger board. I play with the finger tips as close to the frets as possible.

[@GaryDeSha]

I'm just beginning. I jsut got an A style mandolin for my 68th birthday. I've always loved the instrument. I love its sound. I've been a drummer for over 50 years...just want to learn something new. I love your playing, demeanor, very pleasant, and you're from the South, and that helps! LOL! Thank you for your easy to understand tips and lessons!

[@rgackerman686]

I appreciate the tutorials. I have been playing guitar with and without picks most of my life. Is there a vast difference in pick hold playing mandolin compared to guitar. I have been following you many years. Your talents across many instruments amazes me and inspires me. I am looking at an entry level mandolin to get started. Thank you for sharing. Maybe one day, we will meet. Safe travels. Peace

[@frankbryant9912]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience and your incredible talent with everyone! I appreciate it!

[@crnatn]

What acoustic guitar strings do you prefer? Brand (or material/blend-i.e. phosphor bronze etc) and gauge please. Thanks!

[@nOrEgReTtOdAy]

Hi Sierra thanks a lot for that video, could you please tell me which Pickup you`re using? Thanks

[@JohnDuncanfiddler]

Thank you so much for these tips. They’re very insightful.

[@daveylocker8]

You are a real inspiration to me. Love your instructional vids.

[@antonyalumkal1526]

#1--yes! My apartment mate in college would play acoustic guitar with a thin pick that would go "flap, flap" when he strummed. I hated that sound! The stiffness of the pick also matters. I like Dunlop Tortex .60 for acoustic guitar. On the thinner side, but doesn't flap because it's so stiff.

[@wyssmaster]

I would consider it entirely dependent on the style of music you're playing and the tone/timbre you want. There's times when I'm recording a guitar track and don't really care so much about hearing the chords and instead just want the attack, which a thinner pick will accomplish.

[@antonyalumkal1526]

@@wyssmaster Good point. I suppose it's not about right or wrong, but what sound you are trying to achieve.

[@michaelogden5093]

Shucks... I was hoping to get some advice that would cause me to go broke and ruin my life.

[@williamwright3629]

Buy you some of them $35 dollar picks and you can go broke quickly, lol

[@michaelogden5093]

@@williamwright3629 True that. Out of curiosity I checked out those Blue Chip picks. I guess when I go "middle-age-crazy... they're cheaper than a Ferrari.

[@leeclawson5346]

Hey Sierra- Wonderful sharing your mandolin expertise!!- What is your feelings on coated strings for Mandolin(like Elizers)- and what do you reccomend?

[@leifberglund941]

Thanks for sharing this video! I'm so impressed by The tone you got when you play Church Street Blues!!!! ( on a Hayes Guitar) (New video)

[@selinaharrison5038]

You are wonderful and I am senior citizen and I have wanted to play since I was kid and my parents got me instrument but never knew how, any step direction application thanks 🙏

[@samael71ful]

Thank you, Im kinda new to this mandolin thing and my old ears and fingers struggle so that was a great help.🙂

[@IanEntwistle]

Thank you Sierra. Points so clearly made!

[@Emmetgriffin9]

❤❤❤❤❤❤thank you 🎉🎉

[@Inflatable__Elvis]

I love you and all your lessons! Always appreciate tips! 😊

[@Dulcietta_LilliaClarke]

Just purchased my first mandolin. I'm coming from hammered dulcimer , hence love of folk, and classical guitar background. I'm used to having thumb low down on back of neck, (not over the top like rock players), to gain maximum arch, ability to play full barre chords, and freedom of movement , using very tip of fingers, and positioned close to fret like you show. Noticed a lot of mandolin players on here have the thumb on the top of the neck, is this correct placement or a bad habit like many guitar players develop ? Also do you need to use a pick or can you just use fingernails like classical guitarists ? Pick that came with it is very very pliable, do I ditch this and use solid wooden one , or is that too solid ?

[@TheChristopherBlood]

Can you please do something on 'feel'. How do u get eighth notes to swing in tunes like Foggy Mountain Breakdown or Dusty Miller? It seems to relate to tempo as well.

[@johnalmond650]

I’m a big fan of this young lady! Love the UTube vids of her playing with the Gibson Bro’s.

[@050508david]

You have to have the most beautiful smile i have ever seen. Sierra as if you didnt already know.... you are an absolute gorgeous woman.

[@hankkendall8241]

Don’t plat mandolin... but got a bunch outta this video & appreciate you taking the time to share. ☮️

[@luisvillarreal5262]

Great tips Sierra. For a second there it sounded like you were going to bust out on Paul Gilbert’s Viking Kong solo. At least it started to sound like it, mandolin version. I bet it would sound cool. Of course it’s a totally different style of playing, but I know you would have no problem playing it.

[@gunshow86de]

Great tips. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was you playing on the new Sturgill album. A few songs in I started thinking to myself that the backing vocals sounded familiar (in addition to the tasty mandolin work, of course), I looked up who the session players were and lo and behold.

[@strangsnsuch4765]

I wish I could get more tips from you (for guitar). It helps me so much to play w/ professionals.

[@michalelwartowski3424]

Thanks a lot.

[@lorigillis]

Thanks Sierra! Very helpful tips. What brand of pick up do you have on your mandolin?

[@guillermoelprimero9900]

1:37 lmao i thought she said “relax that n-word” but the realized she actually said “inward”

[@WolfX13]

thanks for your videos they have helped me a lot greetings from Costa Rica!!!

[@galwaytribesman9289]

What a cutie

[@LUISBANJO]

I love you!!!

[@frankking781]

Sound.

[@bfarm44]

So dam inspiring in your music I bought an inexpensive mandolin to give it a shot as I’m fairly proficient at guitar and I’m so glad I did. Thank you for these tutorials you are next level with this instrument and while I don’t think I’ll reach your level I sure do enjoy the mandolin these days. Time to invest in something better than the one I’m using

[@annmason3326]

Do you brace your right hand anywhere, it's hard to see... or does your upper arm cradle the mando?

[@ricklarsen4359]

Also doesn't hurt that she has an amazingly stunning mando from which to coerce that super great tone. :-) Great tips Sierra, keep 'em coming. We love ya!!

[@jonathanjohnson8656]

Thanks for this video. I became aware of your playing recently on the circle network. I've really enjoyed listening to your playing and singing. Best wishes on a long and wonderful career and life. Thanks again.

[@jacobrussell5806]

Have you played any of The Arcadian Wild? Love them so much and they have a lot of awesome mandolin. Love the work you’re doing!

[@alecrenwick7351]

Thank you Sierra. Great tips, will enjoy watching more.

[@ivandubinsky1857]

Great video, Sierra. For an old guy trying to teach myself the mandolin, this was exactly the advice I was looking for. I'm a big fan of yours and think you are just a wonderful person and musician. Cheers from Canada.

[@Josh.Proctor]

I'm not a proficient string player, but I recently learned about pick angle across the strings and it made a world of different in the sound, and the ease of raking it up and down on the strings. Definitely a tip that helped me. All of them are excellent though, and something I'll keep in mind if I go any deeper into the world of string instruments. Thanks for the video!

[@Creative-ik5xm]

It’s so simple and sounds almost ridiculous to say but being in tune is so important. I recorded recently and I kept tuning my guitar more than usual and I came away with a track I really liked. Being on the beat is very important too. I usually play in 4/4 or 3/4 and I’m conscious of my leads hitting the appropriate beats. Thanks for your tips. You’re an amazing player and I love your singing and songwriting too. Very much!

[@dapperyank4427]

Thanks for the practical advice! The set of books on your shelf aren’t Narnia books, are they?

[@vishalmohan3080]

Sierra please tell us about your collaboration with tony rice and his influence on you. Thanx in advance

[@petermartin6813]

Great video, I have started my mandolin journey and your tips and playing are both helpful and informative.

[@joannthomases9304]

What a thorough lesson in 5 steps !!! Fast, and pact full of any question, one could think of. Now this was what i like 10 minutes and a ton of information !!!