How to Learn the Parts of a Mandolin

The mandolin evolved from the lute, one of the world's first musical instruments. Popular with traditional country musicians, the mandolin has also appeared through the years in rock and roll bands such as Led Zeppelin. Today, the instrument shines in the "unplugged" format popular with both types of music. Before learning how to play this versatile instrument, you need to learn the parts of a mandolin.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the top of a mandolin and you'll see the headstock, which is usually arched, scrolled and decorative. The tuning keys look like buttons and attach to the headstock; they let the musician tune the instrument.

2. Place your hands around the head or the long stick part of the mandolin and note the fret board, the front part of the head over which the strings stretch. The white strip at the bottom of the headstock is the nut, the part of a mandolin that holds the strings above the fret board.

3. Run your hands down and over the body, the smooth, middle part of the mandolin. You'll see holes on the front in the middle of the instrument called sound holes or F holes.

4. Notice the bridge, the part of a mandolin that holds the strings above the body. Eight strings produce the sound and tone, which can be different depending on what kind of strings you use.

5. Practice stringing a mandolin by first removing the three screws that hold the tail piece at the bottom of the instrument. Made from nickel-plated steel or brass, this is the part of the mandolin where the strings attach.

Resources

• The Mandolin Café serves up chords, lessons and more.
• This site is all about the mandolin.