How to Play the Mandolin Using Basic Note Structure

Although small in size the mandolin is big on sound, making it a fun instrument to play. Using basic note structure, the mandolin is a fairly simple instrument to play for a beginner. The mandolin's rich history and unique sound make it a great addition to country, folk and bluegrass music.

Instructions

1. Hold the mandolin against your stomach with your left hand on the neck and your right hand on the strings.

2. Pluck the bottom strings or the fourth doubled string from the top of the mandolin face. This note is an E.

3. Play each set of double strings going in this order: E, A, D and then G.

4. Move your hand along the neck of the mandolin and feel the fret markers. Each fret represents a note in the scale.

5. Press the double string E in the first fret on the neck of the mandolin and pluck the string. This note is now an E flat.

6. Slide your finger up the string into each fret marker, pressing the string and plucking each note as you go along. The scale you are playing is E, E flat, D, C sharp, C, B, B flat, A, A flat, G, F sharp, F and then E again.

7. Play these notes all the way through once more to play an entire octave.

Tips & Warnings

• Use these same steps on each one of the double strings to understand the note progressions for each key.

• The strings on a mandolin are doubled in order to produce a fuller sound. Work on your hand position carefully, especially if you are used to playing a guitar.