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E x p e r t A d v i c e
Are you looking for your very first instrument and are unsure what to buy? Do you want to know what the best book would be for beginning flatpicking? Are you in the dark on where to find a certain accessory?
We would like to assist you in your acoustic endeavors. Please us with any questions you may have regarding acoustic music, instruments and accessories.
F A Q s
Help us start our database of Frequently Asked Questions by ing us what you think others would want to know. We need standard questions on strings, picks, instruments, music styles, etc. to be included in future updates.
Question:
I am thinking of picking up a mandolin, but I have almost no idea what I'm looking at or for. I play a little bit of guitar, so I'm familiar with fretted instruments, but I don't know any tunes, tunings, or techniques for playing a mandolin. How can I tell if I'm looking at a quality instrument, or at a piece of firewood? Thanks for your time, and site! Gary
Answer:
Thanks for touching base with us. We're going to be putting up a lot of material relative to the questions you're asking. Watch for beginner mandolin lessons within the next week or two. We'll also have articles such as: "How to Purchase Your First Mandolin" etc.
It's fortunate that you have a little background in guitar. This helps immensely.
Usually, when purchasing your first instrument, and especially if you're inexperienced in how to play it, you'll have to depend on the name recognition. For instance, if you can afford it, you can't go wrong with a Gibson or a Breedlove. If you're looking for an affordable quality instrument, then there are many more variables and more susceptibility to making a wrong decision.
Another consideration is what style of playing do you plan to pursue with your new mandolin. This is an important benchmark; every style of mandolin will lend itself to different genres, techniques, etc.
For instance, if you're planning on delving into bluegrass, I'd recommend a mandolin with f-holes at the very least; whereas, if you're looking for a woody open sound with lots of sustain, go for a roundhole mandolin.
You're welcome to contact me if you've found an instrument but are unsure of its quality and value by ing:
Question:
I was just looking at your 2 crosspicking guitar lessons on The Flatpicking Guitar Page. While learning to play banjo, it took me a long time to figure out at that I needed to accent certain notes to make the melody of a song stand out from my roll patterns. No one ever really explained this concept to me and I just sort of chanced upon it after many months of practicing.
My only comment would be to add a symbol above the notes that need to be accented. This will help out beginners a great deal. I'm looking forward to the book (Guitar Crosspicking Technique). Will there be a CD with it? Jeff
Answer:
This is so true...although it can become confusing for the beginner to try to comprehend a technique as subtle as accenting the notes. I'm hoping to write an essay on its importance to supplement the online lessons. We will be compiling CDs for both the Mandolin Crosspicking Technique and the Guitar Crosspicking Technique books.
Go to our newest addition for answers/questions regarding acoustic string instruments:
FAQs on all Acoustic Instruments