Mandolin for Dummies

by Julin, Don; Tichenor, Scott

• ISBN13: 9781119942764
• ISBN10: 1119942764
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-10-01
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

The fun and easy way to learn to play the mandolin The newest addition to the highly successful Dummies instrument-instruction line, Mandolin For Dummies gives you easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction on learning to play the mandolin. Following the time-tested Dummies format, Mandolin For Dummies provides a level of content and instruction greater than anything currently available. Mandolin For Dummies breaks down the fundamentals of this instrument and provides the resources you need to practice and improve your ability over time. Packed with individualized instruction on key mandolin-friendly musical styles, including Irish and Celtic, "old time" American music, blues, bluegrass, swing, and jazz The accompanying CD provides audio tracks from the book and exercises so you can play along and build your skills Clear and useful photos and diagrams ensure you fret, strum, and pick with precision Includes a mandolin buying guide to help ensure you make the right purchases Tips on restringing mandolins and other DIY care and maintenance topics If you're an aspiring mandolin player, don't fret! Mandolin For Dummies has you covered.

Author Biography

Don Julin is a professional mandolin player, instructor, and recording artist. Don has spent the last 30 years challenging the boundaries of the mandolin and developing a reputation for being one of the most eclectic mandolin players on the scene today.

Table of Contents

Introduction  1

Part I: Being Bitten By the Mandolin Bug  7

Chapter 1: Becoming Acquainted with Your Mandolin 9

Chapter 2: Getting to Grips with Tuning and Terminology 21

Chapter 3: Getting a Handle on Your Mandolin 29

Part II: Starting to Play the Mandolin  37

Chapter 4: Making Music on the Mandolin 39

Chapter 5: Picking with the Right Hand 65

Chapter 6: Fretting Notes and Chords with the Left Hand 93

Chapter 7: Playing ‘Jethro’-Style Three-String Chords 115

Chapter 8: Playing Mandolin Music: Scales and Melody 129

Part III: Putting Playing Styles into Practice  153

Chapter 9: Playing Music from Yesteryear: Old Time, Rags and Blues 155

Chapter 10: Giving your Mandolin a Speedy Workout: Bluegrass 187

Chapter 11: Travelling to the Emerald Isle: Irish Mandolin 209

Chapter 12: Taking a Quick World Tour 225

Chapter 13: Swinging to Those Jazzy Rhythms 241

Chapter 14: Blending Styles: Dawg Music 265

Part IV: Purchasing and Caring For Your Mandolin  275

Chapter 15: Selecting and Buying a Mandolin 277

Chapter 16: Building Your Accessories Kit 291

Chapter 17: All Change: Replacing Your Mandolin’s Strings 301

Chapter 18: Caring For and Repairing Your Mandolin 311

Part V: The Part of Tens  321

Chapter 19: Ten (or so) Tips on Becoming a Good Mandolin Player 323

Chapter 20: Ten Mandolin Players You Need To Know 329

Chapter 21: Ten Ways of Tapping Into the Mandolin Subculture 335

Part VI: Appendixes  341

Appendix A: Chord Charts 343

Appendix B: Reading Standard Musical Notation 347

Appendix C: Audio Tracks 359

Index  365