Your Very First Mandolin Lesson /// Beginner Mandolin Lesson Series (Part 1)

[@judyhumphries3256]

Trying to learn because my dad bought me a brand new one about a year before he died. I’ve always played piano and he always played stringed instruments. He wouldn’t let me when I was growing up because he didn’t want me distracted. Now I’m 68 and determined to learn this. Thank you for any help you can give me. 🌻

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Ah that’s really special. Glad to have you with us

[@taylor3233]

I've always been a piano player too... wind instruments as well. Always wanted to play strings but struggle. Really love the mandolin...wanting to give it a try myself. Your Dad will be with every step of the way learning! Hope it is going well

[@Romans--bo7br]

@judyhumphries3256... That's Great... I just turned 74, and in 2021 I decided to get back to electric Bass, which I hadn't even "touched" since I was 18 and left for the "service". I'm also self learning the Steel Guitar (lap & console types) since just a year ago (2022)... and now, the Mandolin... which I just bought in October (2023)... an "F" style, Loar. If "I" can do it... ANYONE, can do it... just practice, Practice, PRACTICE!! Lol Are "we having fun... yet"?!? : )

[@hansel1jensen]

Your comment inspires me !!!

[@Not_Hanna]

OMG ME TOO

[@ragdollsmom]

My oldest brother passed away in 2018. All my brothers play an instrument, but he was the only one who mastered the mandolin. I want to learn it to honor him.

[@drewnelson8692]

I'm sorry for your loss, I am sure his soul resonates with each string you pluck ❤️

[@swabbievet]

I'm 71 and just now getting started, so I'd better get with it before it's to late. Looking forward to doing this beginner series. I already memorized the song, but it took awhile.

[@spaghettiland9063]

I’m 72 and just starting

[@danheino7006]

@@spaghettiland9063 you old men! I am just a pup...69 ! lol

[@mcjohnsonsgirl]

58

[@jx1743]

70

[@billleung956]

73 here, looking to learn

[@eric_welch]

I'm buying my first mandolin today and plan to go through your playlist in its entirety. Thanks for your videos

[@ML-xp5ls]

Fun to see how many of us are older starting this journey. I’m 68. Thank you !!!!

[@lindsscott7702]

My 5 yr old has been asking for a mandolin for months. We found your video and he was absolutely glued.

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

So cool! Tell him to keep up the good work!

[@DieBardin]

He will be good at this!

[@lukefisher2113]

I tried to play a stringed instrument in 5th grade and quit. In my mid 30s now and wanted to give mandolin a go. Mine came in today and got it tuned up and stumbled through my first song. Picking up tabs reasonably simple.

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

So cool! Welcome to the mandolin club!

[@bessiebraveheart]

Hi from England, I'm a 77 yr old guitar player. I've just bought a mandolin, and I've just subbed.

[@monties9557]

This is exactly what I needed. I just bought an f-model. I've played bass for 55 years. Looking forward to playing my mandolin. Thank you.

[@Valerie-v9d]

While I took guitar classes in high school, I never got to keep it up throughout my life. A late mandolin bloomer (I'm 62!), I want to learn the mandolin because my grandfather picked guitar and played mandolin. His name was Odell McLeod (stage name Mac Odell) and he wrote the bluegrass staple "Cora Is Gone (My Darlin' Corey is Gone}" made famous by Flatt and Scruggs and many others. He also penned numerous gospel bluegrass tunes like Thirty Pieces of Silver, The Purple Robe, and From the Manger to the Cross. So I am stoked to learn the mandolin and am hoping that my DNA will kick into high gear!!!

[@Maddsgigi]

I cannot wait to get a mandolin & learn this. You have a way of teaching that is not intimidating and I especially appreciate that. It has been yrs since I have held one in my hand so looking forward to it! Tysm for sharing your talent with us!!

[@johnmurdoch8534]

I learned violin (not great player) years ago and just got back into it and my teacher stated that the mandolin and violin are basically the same in tuning and so on so what one learns on one transfers easily to the other. So here i am!

[@anthonylong3179]

Thanks a lot for this lesson for beginners :) I am 54 year old and this is my first lesson on a mandolin that I have bought this week. Message from Malta

[@toddhoffman9640]

So I play guitar and banjo. Eli Gilbert is the best banjo teacher. David is the same great teacher on mandolin. Can't tell you how much I appreciate your lessons! Subscribe to this guy!!!

[@robertshorthill6836]

David and fellow mando geeks, I have been recovering from a stay in hospital and getting my garden seeds into the ground for summer. My mandolin activities have regrettably fallen by the way side these last few months. I have 4 or maybe 5 new tunes tabbed out I want to mess with in July, if I can find a few hours most every day. This beginner series, which I have seen more than once, inspires me to open my case, tune that Flatiron up, and dive in again. Thanks. Bob

[@wolfy8951]

Dear sir... Your instruction is STELLAR! Found you by accident and will be coming back for more. Where I am coming from: 7 years of Piano and Guitar school and your video answered some questions I've had for those two in addition to Mandolin.

[@lauracragun]

I have played the violin for 25 years (and have taught too!) so I am excited to learn this! SO many similarities but it will definitely take some time to learn. Thank you!

[@jlamond03]

Played guitar for almost 30 years, just picked up a mandolin at a pawn shop because it was always on my bucket list of instruments and it was in good shape and only cost $60 Canadian. Glad I did and found this community.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

I'm turning into a 'jack of all instruments and master of none' - guitar is my main love ❤️ but is so fun to learn a few other instruments to an ok level, keyboard, harmonica, and especially other string instruments like bass guitar, Mando, uke. Just wonderful. Now I'm starting a new instrument for the very 1st time and have the excitement again! 🙌

[@ElNico48]

It's funny we have the same main love and the exact same side instruments haha

[@mrtambourineman6107]

@Nicolas I love the feeling of learning a bran new instrument. Keyboard is the one I've struggled to get any passion for practice tbh , all the others I can at least get a few decent tunes out of. Any particular instrument you've struggled with more than others? I've been playing Mando a week now, and can already feel myself falling in love with playing it. You have a massive advantage with Mando if you can play guitar and know some music theory. 🎶

[@joemanifesto8742]

I like that and also resemble that remark 😜

[@Classic_Jackson]

Just got mine for Christmas! This is so helpful!

[@arrchee2010]

Self-taught in college [1963-1967]. Married a l after who hated 'pinky plink sounds'. Sadly, she passed away this summer so it will no longer be an issue. In spite of neuropathy, surgeries, arthritis and such, I want to get back to music I love. Looking forward to your guidance. Thank you. 😊

[@catmus1506]

I know it's 2 years late, but I just got a mandolin today. Subscribed and saved this playlist to my library, and I'm looking forward to working through these lessons on my holidays. Cheers, mate!

[@musa2775]

How did it go? My first mandolin (first instrument since barely learning clarinet in middle school, truly) arrives tomorrow!

[@DionysusleapNbounds]

​@@musa2775 Youve had your mando for a month now, how is it coming along

[@BudFord-t2i]

My father in law is buying me one for Christmas. I pick at the banjo lol. I love it. I hope to enjoy this as well

[@Shexarist]

Just bought my first mandolin, and now going through your course, hope it will help me a lot

[@bebefreed]

Great lessons. I've learned so much in one week of following and practicing, my sound has improved incredibly. I used to hear a few complaints around the house when I practice--No more!

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Awesome! Keep up the good work!

[@oldwelshwitch]

"Accidentally wrote a book" lmao. I just joined on patreon! I grew up listening to bluegrass so I am super pumped to learn this instrument! I am 30 and starting from scratch, but it's exciting! (I have a little experience with guitar already)

[@Blankman776]

Same here but I’m almost 40! Haha

[@dakotaepling5966]

Any tips for lefties?

[@dustinduvall5699]

@@romeohio19 🤣

[@BrownCoatCaptn]

Funny you mention your age cuz well I just picked it up yesterday and I'm 30 🤣🤣🤣

[@karinberryman2009]

I’m 71 and about to buy a Tanglewood I fell in love with 2 days ago.

[@PSkyukido]

I've moved up the pitches steadily, from drummer, to bassist, to guitar, and now to mandolin. This is a great resource, and I'll be watching more of your videos for sure

[@birdiecardillo8827]

Thank for the video David! Embarrassed to say how long I've had my mandolin...was collecting dust but is now tuned and I remembered more than I thought I did.

[@carlwattjr]

Thanks!

[@jonsitron11]

Bought a mandolin today, been wanting one for ages. Looking forward to this!

[@millicentfriendly]

Long time guitar player learning Mandolin. Thanks for the lessons.

[@professorwhoopee]

Thanks for the tip about using rounded edge of guitar pick for better tone.

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Sure thing!

[@robotowl42]

my grandfather just recently gave me the beautiful F-style mandolin he built the year I was born. I'm already a guitar player, so I'm thrilled to pick this up as well

[@user-gb7vx5qu3h]

Thanks David! I've been really enjoying the Moonshiner tune. It's a great pick for a first song, because it isn't trite and I don't get sick of it as I practice. Thanks for respecting us beginners, and not starting us on "Go tell Aunt Rhodie", and humilliating us, older folk learners. If you could give us a beat and show the fingering of the first note before you start strumming, it would also help a lot. The extra beat before starting, gives me a chance to not have to pause it every note! :)

[@antoniodominguezfombella807]

David, thanks for your help.

[@DC_Prox]

I'm 51 and I've been playing guitar and ukulele for decades, and I got an acoustic bass last year. Currently I'm buying a mandolin on layaway from my local pawn shop, I'm definitely going to be going through this series once I pick it up.

[@LoPet6225]

Best intro video I've found!! Look forward to see what other videos you've got stashed away. Thank you!!

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Wow, thanks! Best wishes for your mando journey!

[@dennisdewinter1997]

This is a great video. It’s super helpful with lots of basic beginner information. After playing the guitar, bass and lap steel for many years, a friend lent me his mandolin. Your lesson lesson was just what I needed. I’m looking forward to more of your videos.

[@plathplath]

...or this here: kzbin.infoCWOMSSygGBc?feature=share

[@crookedmouth7221]

You're a great resource for the mandolin. You also come across as a really nice guy. I wish you nothing but the best.😊

[@timmycat2046]

David you are just the sweetest

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Haha! You just don't know me well enough yet 😆 Thanks for watching!

[@Nicholas-dreamlove]

Hi David, I'm a beginner mandolin player, however, I'm at the high intermediate level guitarist and bass as well. There's so much I want to learn with stringed instruments with exotic cultures around them. I have the "tear drop" style mandolin, cheers mate!

[@mrhero-dv1jn]

what a great introduction to the mandolin. Good luck to all the other beginners out there

[@garnetblack5544]

I think it must be fate this video just came across my feed. I picked up a used Olympia f style mandolin from my local music store today. I'm a multi-instrumentalist with harp as my primary, but I have zero experience with guitar oriented instruments (don't know how else to say it). I am beyond intimidated, but excited to add a new instrument to my list of proficiencies

[@captainjimmy7626]

Beautiful first video 🫡

[@davemesker9600]

I've been playing for around 7 years, i am a guitar player that decided to try mandolin. I really wish that i could say that was better playing than i am. I mostly play chords and the songs that i already know. Learning more about cross picking and how to play the notes of the melody, but its hard to pick up as I'm mostly self taught and not really learned in music theory. Every day is a new day though.

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

That's awesome! Keep up the good fight!

[@paulstewart8571]

Brilliant. And thanks for the lesson! I've just bought my 1st Mandolin and tuned it according to your recommendations with the electric tuner. it took me a hour but I've finally managed it. going the wrong way counter clockwise/clockwise but it's all a learning curve. Cheers. Subbed & Thumbs up!

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

So excited for you! It’s all a piece a cake after figuring out the tuning headache!

[@israelhotelhousekeeperchan5999]

Your my best teacher, I easily learn

[@marykim2977]

I'm a fiddle player, was given a mandolin Can't wait to practice!

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Wooo! That's awesome! Excited to have you on team mandolin!

[@paulaloughlin3755]

Really enjoyed playing along with the backing track, Awesome thanks David.

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Awesome! Happy folks are enjoying those!

[@Desertchik71]

You are officially my first lesson! I will purchase your book because I can read music…grade school violin 🎻 amazingly I can still play! Lol My husband is a guitarist and had this Fender mandolin hanging on the wall! Here I go 🖖🏼

[@Allykat8558]

Great lesson, Thank you! My Dad use to play and I wanted to pick it up and try and learn! Appreciate your time and making these videos!! Blessings!!

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Awesome! Welcome to the mandolin party!

[@judevucovich7068]

Thank you for lesson # 1 …. Watching this video makes me want to continue learn more and calus my fingers tips. Thank you for sharing and teaching. Good job teacher

[@judevucovich7068]

I do not know how to play any musical instruments. I tried to learn the piano, won’t click, the guitar but could find a good teacher. But this lesson is very instructive. Maybe I can understand the music played by the mandolin. Let’s hope

[@ajetmech2002]

I want to learn. My Dad doesn't have a lot of road a head of him. I want to surprise him. He plays the banjo and we love bluegrass. Thank you for beginners lessons.

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

That's awesome! Best wishes!

[@msirilla]

Thank you, David. Very helpful and very informative introduction!

[@ericmurphy447]

I'm pumped to learn the Mandolin. Just it's sound reminds me of the south and Ireland. Both of which I have strong connections to but never been too. Hopefully I'll play mandolin in those places someday

[@funsizefishingadventures4673]

I’m getting a mandolin in the near future and these videos are making me so excited to learn! I’ve played guitar my whole life and decided it’s time for something new!

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

So glad to have you in the mandolin club!

[@israelhotelhousekeeperchan5999]

Excellent teacher❤❤❤❤

[@augustinechinnappanmuthria7042]

Super super super lovely playing Augustine violinist from Malaysia

[@tiredofallthis7716]

57 and I’m waiting for my mandolin to arrive. Been listening to many instructionals and I believe I just found my first teacher. Guess I’ll have to figure out Patreon.

[@rickpearlstein6421]

56 here and I got my instrument yesterday.👍 Let's do this!

[@rickpearlstein6421]

Just noticed this was posted three months ago. How's it going for you?

[@CGMatter]

EXCELLENT tutorial!

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Glad you liked it!

[@sheilamartinotti8751]

This is great for a beginner! Thanks much

[@sonniebadger6514]

Guess I’m learning all the bluegrass instruments now lol. Played the guitar in school, Bought myself a banjo last year, and now my grandmother has asked me to learn the mandolin for her

[@DieterLo1]

Very good Video! Thanks! After playing few other music instrument, have now ordered a Mandoline and shall start after few days to learn it.

[@thesohamsingersongwriter]

Thank you David. 🤘 Best wishes from India 🙏

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

My pleasure!

[@itchitrigger1]

Absolutely perfect lesson dude. Well done.

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Rock on!

[@Newfoundmike]

Very articulate breakdown!💓✌️

[@gustavgeiler4474]

Thank you so much for this lesson!

[@arwingoo3065]

Thank you so much for this series David! Been a fan of your videos and music for a while now. The mandolin isn't popular in my country (malaysia), so it's hard to get a hold of one. I managed to get a cheap chinese made one to start learning with. Just wanted to thank you for these videos once again! Can't wait to learn more from you.

[@daveegan1029]

I got my first Mandolin today, already loving it, thank you

[@janviljoen7001]

Very complete.

[@Fernwald84]

David, I think your advice for angling the left hand fingers on the fretboard (rather than positioning them more at a right angle to the frets) may not be correct for all hand sizes. When you angle the hand, you actually reduce the stretch of the fingers relative to the frets. On the classical guitar, with its much wider fret spacing, angling the hand as you suggest here is a big no-no. I can see that angling the hand on the mandolin is a good thing IF you have fairly long fingers or at least an average man's hand size. This angleing allows the wrist to stay in a neutral position. Otherwise, the wrist would have to bend to reduce the "excess" length of the fingers. However, I've experimented with my smallish hands and I find that keeping the fingers more at a right angle allows me better reach without needing to bend my wrist (because I don't have any "excess" finger length needing compensation).

[@aliadye]

This is so amazing!! Made my first lesson so fun and I already feel like I *play* the mandolin 😍😍🥰

[@ratwynd]

Just ordered my first mandolin. A bit of prior experience with guitar so know basic concepts of string instruments. Know modest theory and scales and such. Don't drop a brick but it is electric ( yea, I feel the heat already from the traditionalists ) but I play on Martin and Gibson acoustic guitars, so got that tradition stuff covered. Learned a few bluegrass songs on guitar. However it will let me play quietly plugged in when noise is not desirable, particularly learning a new instrument and not wanting to torture others. Plus got a massive sale from Eastwood on an electric Mandocaster. I can mod an electric instrument to play and sound great, to get that in an acoustic A of F style would cost many thousands. If I get good I will consider doing that. For now need a convenient tool to learn a new instrument and I dislike cheap acoustic instruments. I subscribed to your channel and look forward to more once I get the instrument.

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Welcome to the mandolin club!

[@ratwynd]

@@DavidBenedictMandolin Wow! A club that will let ME in... Got Mando last week. Already learning chords and scales (upside down guitar) and my guitar teacher thought it was Kool too. Helping to expand my understanding of scales and chord construction.

[@orchardhouse9241]

Thanks! I'm a violinist, and I've been playing for 8 years. The mandolin would be a good first plucked string instrument to learn because it has the same tuning as the violin. I bought my first mandolin last night and am trying to figure it out.

[@CAM-fq8lv]

Lovely.

[@mountainslapstick6170]

yo this rocks! will be following g this closely!!

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Woo! Thanks Sean!

[@margita951]

I play the ukulele and will try it on the uke looking to purchase a Mandolin it sounds so beautiful 😍

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Nice!

[@wulfboy01]

Nice. This is a new instrument for Me!

[@brettlovell571]

This is a great lesson. It is very basic, but that's exactly what I need. Looking forward to watching more of your stuff

[@lindseybugner]

I love my banjo but I wanted something smaller to carry around the campground at my local bluegrass festival so I bought a cheap mandolin on a whim to see if Ilike it. This was really helpful to get me started! Also you look just like my dad back in the late 70s 😆

[@darrylmakepeace]

Thank you for having a KZbin channel! I just bought my very first Mandolin and would love to know the brand/model of ARMREST you have on this lessons mandolin is...please?

[@eldaterrell1564]

Thank you

[@EsmeeAnimations]

My uncle recently gave me his 100 year old Mandolin on my Birthday. In his home it was for display, but I really wanna learn it! I got nee strings, but because the Mandolin is so old the Bridge is slowly breaking. I probably won’t be able to play it very well as its differently tuned, but I’m still gonna try and learn the basics❤️🫶🏻

[@ronniezornes2755]

I wish I were fast learning like most of you but I enjoyed the video.

[@guydimatteo1482]

I am very glad to have found your videos. Thank you for helping us embrace this instrument with your well crafted presentation.

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

My pleasure! Happy picking!

[@erinjones956]

Hello! Appreciate you.

[@joedeloneventers6297]

Thank you, David. Subscribed!

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

My pleasure, Joe!

[@DanielBrownMTB]

I just got my first mandolin, watched this video, and realized it was cracked. omg im devastated

[@donnaarsenault5657]

Thanks so much!

[@steverlfs]

Just got a mandolin for Christmas and have no idea how to bend it to my will. Had been studying flamenco guitar for a few years, so I guess I'm in the ballpark. Hope that you give some gypsy or Arabic melodies for me to learn!

[@clairesamia7079]

I Love it❣️

[@abigailorabby22]

Thank you!! I am considering playing this instrument and you just made it a whole lot easier :)

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Glad I could help! Happy picking!

[@xhibitionism]

Thank you.

[@trent210]

adding a timestamp for practicing with the track at the end : 20:48

[@youssefelbahtimy]

Guitarist for 30 so years, violinist for longer. I enjoyed the tuning and holding techniques.

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

Awesome! Glad this video was helpful!

[@malcolmjones9109]

Very well explained lesson, thanks for posting.

[@elizabethgerron6366]

Yay! My first lesson was so much fun thank you so much!

[@Ana36920]

For now I play on ukulele, but banjo and mandolin are very interesting guitar-like instruments 😏

[@patrickhenry8637]

I've picked up a POS department store mandolin because I'm tired of waiting to try it out. I play guitar, dabbled in banjo, but have always wanted to try mandolin.

[@marydevine7473]

Thanks, very helpful.🎶🎶

[@DavidBenedictMandolin]

My pleasure, Mary!