| The mandolin is a stringed instrument that looks a | | | | mandolin more, especially those who are |
| lot like a teardrop-shaped guitar. Like the guitar, it | | | | interested in string instruments in general. |
| is strummed or plucked with a pick in order to | | | | The mandolin has a unique sound that is not |
| play the instrument, and the strings are placed | | | | duplicated by the acoustic or electric guitar. It is |
| over a bridge to let them vibrate freely. A | | | | an instrument that would certainly make one |
| member of the lute family, the mandolin was | | | | stand out, because of its different design and its |
| developed from the mandore which was tuned to | | | | sound. People sometimes make the mistake in |
| a higher pitch than the mandolin. It was originally | | | | assuming that this instrument can only be used in |
| an acoustic instrument, though it can be electric | | | | folk music, but it can easily find its place in other |
| these days as well and while the basic shape of | | | | music genres if one dared to try. It is not a very |
| the mandolin is oval, there are mandolins that | | | | difficult instrument to learn. In fact, someone who |
| have unique shapes for those who prefer to play | | | | is already familiar with the guitar may have an |
| something that looks a little different. | | | | even easier time picking it up than someone who |
| Modern mandolins have eight strings, which are | | | | is starting from scratch because many of the |
| divided into four pairs referred to as four courses | | | | basics are the same. |
| and are played with plucks, though the mandolins | | | | As is true with most musical instruments, it does |
| in the past were played with the fingers. The | | | | take practice and patience to learn how to play |
| instrument has also changed over time. In the | | | | an instrument well; however, the mandolin will not |
| past, they had three courses, while today there | | | | take someone too long before they start getting |
| are a number of variations. | | | | the idea. It is quite possible to find a cheaper |
| The common ones will have the eight strings, but | | | | mandolin from a used music store for someone |
| others will have six strings, 12 strings or 16 | | | | who is looking to give the instrument a try. Buying |
| strings. Even though there are electric mandolins, | | | | new mandolins could be a little pricey, depending |
| most are acoustic because the warm, natural | | | | on the model that interests the musician. Finding |
| sound is often preferred. Like the guitar, acoustic | | | | the music for it would also not be too difficult of |
| mandolins are constructed with a hollow body, | | | | a task. |
| which is round or oval-shaped and a neck that is | | | | Kids who have an interest in learning how to play |
| usually fretted. | | | | the mandolin may want to try doing so in school, |
| The mandolin is not always the first choice for | | | | but most public schools will not offer the |
| someone who is looking to learn how to play an | | | | instrument because it is more expensive than |
| instrument. Common instruments that people will | | | | brass. Most people who have an interest in |
| often choose will be the guitar, the saxophone or | | | | learning the instrument will most likely have to do |
| the piano. While those instruments can be fun to | | | | so on their own time. |
| play, many would probably enjoy trying the | | | | |