Things You'll Need:
- Mandolin Simple sheet music Picks Mandolin fingering chart
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Step 1
Learn the names and location of the notes on your mandolin. Starting with the thinnest string, the notes on an 8-string mandolin are E, A, D, G. An 8-string mandolin is strung in pairs, with each pair tuned in unison (the same note and pitch) to give the instrument a fuller sound. You can purchase a mandolin fret chart or find one on the Internet that will show you all the notes on your mandolin.
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Step 2
Learn to tune your mandolin. You can tune with a pitch pipe if your ear is developed enough to hear the notes. If not, there are many inexpensive electronic tuners available. Staying in tune is essential to sounding good when you play.
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Step 3
Practice picking and plucking. These two techniques are important to mandolin players. Because the neck of a mandolin is short, like the neck of a violin, a mandolin does not have the sustain a guitar has. Holding a note out on the mandolin is achieved by rapidly picking the string. Practice doing this as you play your scales.
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Step 4
Play scales regularly. Scales are sets of notes arranged in a musical key. The key of C, for instance, contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B and the octave C. You can purchase a chart that will show you all the major and minor keys as well as where those notes can be found on your mandolin.
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Step 5
Play the pairs of strings simultaneously. The eight strings on your 8-string are paired to be played simultaneously. You'll need to practice bending your wrist so you can stroke the strings comfortably. Your goal is to achieve a smooth wrist action that will allow you to quickly alternate short up and down strokes that produce the distinct mandolin sound.
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Step 6
Train your ear. Reading music is a good idea for any musician, but learning to play by ear is helpful. Play along with some of your favorite recordings and try to match what you hear. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it at first. You'll get better with time. Developing a good ear is helpful when you want to learn a song and no sheet music is available.
