Why Guitarists Should Play Mandolin - ASK ZAC EP 25

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 23 апр 2020
  • To Support the Channel:
    Patreon / askzac
    Tip jar: paypal.me/AskZac
    Venmo @AskZac
    Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
    I bought a mandolin after seeing two of my favorite guitarists, Albert Lee & John Jorgenson play mandolin on TV in the early 90s. I loved the sound, and the real change of color and tone they offered the bands they were playing in by putting down their electric guitars and picking up the mandolin. Wanting to be like my heroes, I bought a mandolin and began a long and fruitful journey that I hope you too will consider going on. In this Ask Zac, I cover a few essential techniques for the guitarist to know when they begin playing mandolin, and some mandolin features to look for that make a huge difference in their playability for guitar players.
    My Spotify Playlist for great Mandolin tracks
    open.spotify.com/playlist/39b... #askzac #guitartech #mandolin

Комментарии • 224

  • @J_Fowler
    @J_Fowler 4 года назад +52

    I picked up a mandolin about 3 weeks ago and I love it. It is a great instrument to sing with. You can learn G C and D and just walk around the house with it an hum tunes. I’ve discovered it just a damn good little friend. She will sing with you

  • @johnreilly9748
    @johnreilly9748 4 года назад +32

    Oh yeah mando! There a lot less mando players than guit players! Even tho I am a blazing guitarist!, I have chosen to play bass and mandolin, one of the biggest revelations for me was after learning how to play and buying an old round back mando and playing it the store owner asked me if I was interested in auditioning for his friend whose mandolin player had quit. I got the gig and the revelation was walking into the gig with my tiny little instrument and not lugging giant bass rig and making more $$! That was in 1972. It definitely improves my playing to change up on instruments from acoustic to electric etc.. Thanks for another informative video!

  • @seanandben
    @seanandben 4 года назад +28

    Fantastic Zac! As a guitarist who is just getting into playing the mandolin, I've learned more from you in your 20-minute video than I've learned from anyone else in hours.

  • @skoffco
    @skoffco 9 месяцев назад +3

    Remember, you don’t have to play bluegrass to love the mandolin although I do, but it’s great for playing old time fiddle tunes as well. The mandolin taught me more about music theory then I’ve learned on guitar over the last 55 years.

  • @sboy1955
    @sboy1955 4 года назад +18

    Grew up around Blue Grass but never really appreciated Mandolin until John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin powerfully interjected the instrument into songs like Going to California and Battle of Evermore. The mandolin made what would've been pretty good songs into amazing songs. Somewhat spell-binding would be a good description of his mandolin effect.

    • @blairmichaelhogan4502
      @blairmichaelhogan4502 3 года назад +2

      Same here with JPJ but I didn’t know anything about bluegrass at the time. I only got a mando because I was a zep obsessed guitar kid. It wasn’t until years later when I started playing guitar for singer songwriters that I started getting familiar with bluegrass and roots music and finally learned some proper mandolin technique. Never would’ve happened without all that great mandolin work from Jones though!

    • @sboy1955
      @sboy1955 3 года назад +2

      Blair Hogan - yea JPJ was the glue for LZ, his bass work was flawless, timing like a Swiss watch. Paige was no fool when he put that band together.

  • @philkaelin9779
    @philkaelin9779 Год назад +5

    This is great advice! Several years ago I was in a bad accident and it took about 2 years to recover. I wasn't able to pick up a guitar at first but could sit in a comfortable chair and play the mando that I had bought and neglected. After hours of breakthrough instruction on RUclips I had learned enough to entertain myself jamming with CDs like I do to practice guitar. It's a wonderful instrument with a wonderful voice and very satisfying to play. BTW I bought an Eastman after my starter and they are also first rate for the money! Thank you!

  • @julielazaro6844
    @julielazaro6844 3 года назад +8

    I've played guitar most of my life. 1 year ago i got my first mandolin. I have been intrigued by its sound for years. Never regretted this. Love playing mandolin.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 года назад +2

      Go for it!

  • @TheSpeenort
    @TheSpeenort 4 года назад +11

    I added the mandolin because I'm left-handed with right-hand instruments. Picking, to me, is like writing with the wrong hand. It's nearly impossible to play the mandolin without a pick so I've improved my picking immensely.

  • @julesborges7396
    @julesborges7396 4 года назад +3

    Happy Birthday, Brother! Thanks, so much, for all you share with us.

  • @Wildman9
    @Wildman9 4 года назад +4

    Happy Birthday Zac, hope you have a great day. I've had several mandolins over the years and your right about having a frequency nobody plays in.They round out the sound of a combo group. Drums ,Bass ,acoustic guitar either a banjo or fiddle .Thanks for you videos.What got me started was when I went to a Rod Stewart concert ,when they played Maggie May .That was it I wanted one.Hahaha. 🎸

  • @amundsel
    @amundsel 4 года назад +15

    Happy Birthday Zac! Thanks for all the videos and you're kind and gentle style in these troubling times. You're a champ.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад +2

      I appreciate that!

  • @swamification
    @swamification 4 года назад +5

    Great video! Thanks Zak! My first mandolin was one I hand built in 2001 in a class/workshop in Front Royal VA. I still have it and it plays great and sounds better each year. I’m a guitar player and fell in love with the mandolin listening to the Steve Earl / Del McCoury record called The Mountain. Love your Breedlove!

  • @70snuttodd95
    @70snuttodd95 4 года назад +2

    I bought a mando with same mindset of style, country Rock, blues and rock. Awesome contribution to any jam

  • @BrannonHancock
    @BrannonHancock 4 года назад +4

    Great advice - thanks Zac! I've had a cheap Fender mandolin for awhile, but Guthrie Trapp's videos have recently motivated me to get it back out and try to become a little more proficient. I feel like working on speed and technique on the tiny mandolin fretboard definitely helps my guitar playing (while probably not as much the other way around), so even if one never uses the skill publicly, it can be a great practice tool.

  • @rickbearden6041
    @rickbearden6041 4 года назад +2

    Hey Zac. Happy Birthday man! Great vid as usual. Great to see you. Been down with for a while and have to to catch up. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and showing that even us olds can still learn.

  • @7of9kids
    @7of9kids 4 года назад +1

    I have played lead/rhythm guitar for 50 years and took up mandolin about 15 years ago. I played in a gospel bluegrass band for 12 years or so. Your ideas and techniques are right up my alley. Thanks for sharing this!

  • @lesmcc8103
    @lesmcc8103 4 года назад +1

    You're so right about the compliments! I normally play guitar in church but when I play with another guitarist I'll often play mando and so many love hearing it!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад

      Exactly!!!

  • @fivewattworld
    @fivewattworld 4 года назад +5

    I laughed to myself when I saw your mandolin....just like mine. Of course....
    Happy Birthday brother!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад

      Muchas Gracias, hermano!

  • @scottpeterson9609
    @scottpeterson9609 4 года назад +2

    Happy Birthday Zac! I enjoyed this show, didn't know much about the mandolin, I'm learning a lot from watching both you and Tom B. Thanks for everything and have a great day. Take care..

  • @reverbdeluxe
    @reverbdeluxe 4 года назад +3

    Happy Birthday! My first public performance was on mandolin in church. We played an instrumental version of What a Friend we have in Jesus. My second public performance was on guitar at a highschool fund raiser. We played Hank Jr's Old Habits. I'm sure my parents were thrilled!

  • @amychilds3085
    @amychilds3085 4 года назад +2

    I love it when you play the Mandolin!!

  • @RBZ3
    @RBZ3 4 года назад +1

    Thanks a lot and happy birthday! Appreciated your comments on bluegrass...am in the same boat. Cheers

  • @Deliquescentinsight
    @Deliquescentinsight 3 года назад +4

    I like your wholesome, generous style Zac, nice work!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 года назад

      Thank you

  • @louisnickinellojr4150
    @louisnickinellojr4150 4 года назад +1

    Zac, happy belated birthday. Thank you and appreciate all the knowledge, History & experience, you give and share!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад

      It is today! Thank you

  • @wongnaichungrd
    @wongnaichungrd 3 года назад +5

    Nice one Zac, I've come to a similar epiphany regarding the mandolin!

  • @gtr1952
    @gtr1952 4 года назад +3

    Thanks Zac! I dabbled with it about 30 years ago, in fact I think I have a couple in "the room". Being grounded here you inspired me to dig them our! --gary

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад

      That is awesome!

  • @mchandler7625
    @mchandler7625 3 года назад +3

    Great video, I've been wanting to pick up a mandolin & you gave lot's of great info.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 года назад

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @cass2771
    @cass2771 4 года назад +3

    Looking forward to it! But it’ll go to air at 1.00 am here, I’ll sleep for a bit and watch later!

  • @josephjacobs6458
    @josephjacobs6458 2 года назад +2

    That was great, Zac. I too am starting to play the mandolin. Yeah, you go to a music jam and it seems like everyone pulls out a guitar to play. Therefore you have to wait your turn. Pull out a mandolin and you are the man. So much so, that they don’t want you leave. Anyway Zac, I hope to do a few more videos on that special little instrument.

  • @johnulrich5572
    @johnulrich5572 4 года назад +7

    I got turned on to the mandolin by watching Marty Stuart on tv a long time ago when he was just a kid playing bluegrass (I was a guitar player and wasn't into bluegrass). I was able to see him live with the Fabulous Superlatives several times with Kenny Vaughan. What a great show. Thanks for your videos and stay safe and well.

  • @mgmtrace1
    @mgmtrace1 2 года назад

    Just learning some chords on my Tanglewood mandolin....Zac's post was very informative. 👍🎵

  • @cletussea-ray944
    @cletussea-ray944 4 года назад +4

    I’m gonna need another stimulus check if I keep watching your videos!!...great as always and Happy Birthday!

  • @TheDullBoy
    @TheDullBoy 4 года назад +3

    yeah Zac! You made me want to take out my mandolin and try. The "Cooder" part sounds like John Hiatt's "Crossing muddy waters" album. That's a very fine one! thanks

  • @tomcoryell
    @tomcoryell 4 года назад +8

    I’ve owned a Gibson A type mandolin for about 41 years now. It had its 100th birthday in 2014. Sadly it sits in the case.

    • @johnfrewin7717
      @johnfrewin7717 4 года назад +1

      tomcoryell play it !👍🇬🇧

    • @annunacky4463
      @annunacky4463 2 года назад

      If you don’t play it, sell it, It may be worth a lot…somebody will love it.

  • @StopFear
    @StopFear 3 года назад +2

    I highly recommend for anybody who may be interested in playing guitar to also check out the mandolin. They are such a cool alternative, or an additional instrument to the guitar. What musical concepts you learn on them do carry out to understanding guitar. They have a cool sound. They are quieter if you want to just play around for enjoyment. Also they are small which means it doesn’t take up too much space. They’re also not a “fancy ukulele”, although ukuleles are cool too if you take it seriously and learn more than just chords.

  • @johnwilliamson847
    @johnwilliamson847 2 года назад +1

    I've been watching too many Chris Thile videos and I am thinking of getting a mandolin. This is a good video to help me.

  • @robertshorthill4153
    @robertshorthill4153 2 года назад +7

    Hey Zak, I played rhythm guitar and fill ins in a couple semi- informal bluegrass bands in the late '70s. Now, with mandolin, I play fiddle tunes, Irish and original tunes, mostly composed by others more talented than myself. Not interested in playing standard bluegrass stuff, tho it still is probably my favorite genre of music, but you know, having picked up mandolin, it has keened up my ear to listen to and appreciate most other forms of what passes for music these days. There is another retired gent I have encountered on RUclips that I have enticed to try mando. He'll be a beginner, so I told him to get a "decent quality" mandolin to even consider starting. A $100 chunk of plywood would not do. Told him about the Eastman M 305 as a good bet, or a Northfield A model of some sort in an acceptable price range. I've taught a couple tunes at a fiddle festival workshop a few years ago and the folks where grateful I had something other than Cluck Old Hen or Old Joe Clark to offer. There is just so much great music playable on mandolin, it staggers the imagination. Cheers, my friend and thanks for letting me indulge myself a bit here. Bob (a RUclipsr in Montana)

    • @holboroman
      @holboroman 2 года назад

      Try listening to the Cowboy Junkies; you'll be blown away!

  • @bobbaumeister5243
    @bobbaumeister5243 4 года назад +1

    Happy Birthday Zac! God bless you! You play the mandoline pretty good. Well done :-)

  • @alexs.2221
    @alexs.2221 Год назад +1

    Watched from Canada, that's exactly introduction I was looking for. Subscribed to your chanel.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  Год назад

      Welcome aboard!

  • @Tonetwisters
    @Tonetwisters 3 года назад +2

    I LOVE mandolin!!! But that tuning brings me great frustration after guitar tuning for so many years!

  • @freddymclain
    @freddymclain 4 года назад +1

    The mandolin always brings up images of red checkered table cloths and wine bottles holding candles. I can almost smell the garlicy marinara sauce...'specially when you do that tremolo picking thing. That laminated axe sounds pretty sweet to me. I'll start checking the Corpus C-List classifieds. Maybe a diversion would be nice. thanks for posting , and best o' luck from the mud flats.

  • @ottovonfledermaus4594
    @ottovonfledermaus4594 4 года назад +3

    Hey Zac ! if it's your birthday i wish you 1000 of these days ! :) can't wait to see the video !

  • @scrimmerman
    @scrimmerman 3 года назад

    Cool! Just came across this vid. Got myself a mando also about 2 yrs. ago. Great fun instrument to have around and jam on.
    Not ever gonna be a Chris Thile or Sam Bush, but it's very, very fun!

  • @ParaBellum2024
    @ParaBellum2024 4 года назад +3

    I had a mandolin (sold it now) and my approach was exactly like yours: it's like the low strings of an upside down or left-handed guitar. That made it fairly easy to work out chord shapes. I'll probably get another one, but it's not something I'd use in a band, really.

  • @michaelfinucan9032
    @michaelfinucan9032 4 года назад +1

    Love all your videos! Thank you!!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @RockPopMandolin
    @RockPopMandolin 3 года назад +2

    Great video, Zac. I picked up the mando about four years ago and have rarely put it down, since. My guitars are getting jealous!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 года назад +1

      Go for it!

  • @MichaelNatrin
    @MichaelNatrin 4 года назад +1

    Great stuff, thanks so much.

  • @tommacdonald6295
    @tommacdonald6295 2 года назад

    These videos are always well done and informative. One of the very best on the internet 👏. Thanks 👍

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  2 года назад

      So nice of you

  • @bmoraga01
    @bmoraga01 4 года назад +2

    Zac, a belated happy birthday. Dude I loved this video and I had to laugh when you said that guitarist Albert Lee was one of your influences to pick up the mandolin. I had the exact same experience. Watched a StarLicks video of him about 15 years ago and he threw in a few minutes on the mando. I was blown out of the water and promised myself to learn how to play. A few years after that I saw Albert Lee playing at a club in southern California and made it a point to meet up with him and have him autograph my Tele. He could not have been more gracious! I told him he was the reason I learned mandolin and thanked him for being such a great influence. You might want to check out some of the old Bill Monroe recordings. I know he's bluegrass, but he was about the fastest, baddest, bluesiest mando player I've ever heard. Keep the great videos coming!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад

      Albert has an interesting, guitarist approach to mandolin that I like.

  • @colemcfly3773
    @colemcfly3773 Год назад

    Liked and followed for the groovy intro,rock on brother

  • @stevecollins5290
    @stevecollins5290 11 месяцев назад

    I got bored with guitar so i picked up a fidle...it was slow going, but i dropped in by chance at the bean blossom bluegrass festival and they had a raffle...10 $ for a ticket to win a new mandy....i bought a ticket, and yep you guessed it!! Got me a 10$ Kentucky mandolin, and I had no idea it fingered the same as a violin! My fiddle playing improved,and i agree with you on the not just fer bluegrass anymore!! I love it!! I havent touched my guitar in a year!! Great tip on the cooder thing! Thnx!

  • @lesjohns4359
    @lesjohns4359 3 года назад +1

    I just picked up a used Breedlove Am OF. Lot of fun!

  • @ejaymo6095
    @ejaymo6095 4 года назад

    Happy Birthday Zac!

  • @piosimonsen1205
    @piosimonsen1205 Год назад +1

    Inspiring to listen to this.. im a Gypsy jazz mandolin player . Improvisation is my big thing but i never really liked too play the comp. Feel that i disturb the guitar, seeing this video inspired me to use the single chop or find other ways not to disturb the guitar boot cooperated with him .

  • @ryangunwitch-black
    @ryangunwitch-black 22 дня назад

    I’m just now getting into mandolin and I’m a little bit obsessed. My buddy gave me an old hundred dollar Rogue A style and that was enough for me to gauge whether or not I had any real interest and aptitude for it. I bought a “Honey Creek” 310 something by The Loar and I love it. It’s really much easier to play and sounds great for four hundred bucks! Which is nothing in the f style mandolin world. I’m digging it.

  • @ianwhatmough150
    @ianwhatmough150 4 года назад +17

    Check out Mandolin Orange.

    • @endoalley680
      @endoalley680 4 года назад

      Or the Ronnie McCoury version of "Loser".

    • @tomcoryell
      @tomcoryell 4 года назад +3

      Or a real mandolin player like David Grisman or Chris Thiele.

  • @congerscott6064
    @congerscott6064 Год назад

    Just turned 60 and I'm seriously considering getting a mandolin or a guitar to learn as a hobby for retirement, so far I'm leaning towards the mandolin, great video 👍.

  • @captainzeb1969
    @captainzeb1969 4 года назад

    Going to have to get one. Great video. Thanks.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад

      Right on

  • @colbyjack7074
    @colbyjack7074 4 года назад +13

    Love the Waterloo guitar in the background.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад +3

      It is a killer acoustic!!!!

    • @johnbicknell4748
      @johnbicknell4748 3 года назад

      @@AskZac +I live in England, many years ago from a secondhand bookshop which also sold secondhand vinyl and cassettes I picked up and bought a cassette entitled 'mandolin allsorts'.
      It cost 30 pence.
      It had no other writing on it apart from the title mandolin allsorts.
      It's cover was drawn like a physechedelic picture with which appeared to be felt tip pens.
      No copyright details... Nothing.
      I turned it on my cassette player layed back on the bed and went on an hour long trip in another world which softened my anger and floated my soul.
      I'm not lying, I still have the cassette and believe me I'd rather keep it than give up a first edition of pink Floyd's dark side of the moon or almost any other recording.
      I have absolutely no idea who made it.
      Have you heard of the name of such a recording?
      I could try to record a 'recording of it or record it via the Internet and send the recording to you and the photos of the cassette cover and inside and out.
      It's up to you.
      But its a piece of music that is the cheapest I've ever bought and yet wouldn't part with it for nothing.
      It starts slow and sends you on a journey.
      A good journey.
      What do you think?

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 года назад

      @@johnbicknell4748 can you record some of it somehow, and then send a song to me? zac(at) askzac.com

    • @johnbicknell4748
      @johnbicknell4748 3 года назад

      @@AskZac +yes, I will.
      I'll try the best recording samples I can and send the best one and see if I can send you a photo of the cassette cover and cassette.
      Give me some time to do it right and I'll send it.

  • @somarmd
    @somarmd Год назад

    Very nice sound and demo of the Breedlove K5 mandolin. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  Год назад

      Happy holidays!

  • @RobertEMason
    @RobertEMason Месяц назад

    Just bought one!

  • @glenkepic3208
    @glenkepic3208 4 года назад +1

    Great topic, Zac.
    07 I finally buy a Telecaster, Squier 20th Anniversary Fat Tele. ok, worked up and in love with some titles, Rickey Skaggs Roy B Live Stock, Greg Kihn Again,,, then settled on Rickey Skaggs "Highway 40 Blues".Ray Flacke.
    Not only digging the Solo but RS's mandolin bit before.
    had a hankerin' for a mandolin;.
    btw, never copped Flacke's solo. some things better left unsaid,

  • @Bjorn.Vidinghoff
    @Bjorn.Vidinghoff 5 месяцев назад

    Thanks! A nice, interesting and honest video ☀😎☀

  • @hughtranter5044
    @hughtranter5044 3 года назад +1

    Many thanks Zac, really appreciated, very useful indeed. Hugh

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 года назад

      You're welcome!

  • @datsunlambchops4624
    @datsunlambchops4624 3 года назад +1

    My favorite mandolin players; Tom Cohen, Avi Avital. 2 great mandolin players that a lot of mandolin players in north America have never heard of.

  • @MeneerHerculePoirot
    @MeneerHerculePoirot Год назад

    The fun thing about mandolin is it's portability and versatility. I've done adaptations of Hendrix, Beatles, Stones, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, etc. Angie, Wind Cries Mary, Little Wing, Hey Joe, Pretty Woman, Norwegian Wood, Blackbird, Memphis. Figured out Losing My Religion, Godfather Theme, Pirates Of The Caribbean.
    Years ago I did a 2 month cycling tour of Ireland and Wales. Took a mandolin with me and it was perfect. It also helps my guitar playing alot.
    EDIT: Btw, I play a Richwood RMA-110-VS Pro Series mando.

  • @gilsanderson3275
    @gilsanderson3275 3 года назад +4

    Some great tips here, Zac. I haven't finished the video yet, so I apologize if I repeat or "step on" something you've covered, but I would say something to folks who are intimidated by a mandolin's tuning......it's the same as a violin, so (low to high) G, D, A, E......you can also, (if you're not playing mandolin often) tune it to a ukulele-type tuning......(low to high) D, G, B, E.....just like a guitar. With the high register and double course of strings it will always sound like a mandolin. I've heard stories of session guitar players who tuned this way for ease in switching back and forth.
    I once played in a (more or less) classic rock cover band, but our "schtick" was we used guitar, bass, drums and mandolin/acoustic guitar. Yeah, we were a little different, and audiences didn't always appreciate our "artistry". :-(

    • @P_Ezi
      @P_Ezi 3 года назад

      I have had a mandolin for years, and play it once in a while, but never considered trying to tune with guitar intervals. It seems like you might get closer to the proper string tension by sticking as.close as possible to GDAE.
      By keeping with the 4th intervals of the thicker guitar strings, it seems like you could keep better string tension by using tunings like ADGC or BEAD, then chord shapes and scales would be like the 3rd to 6th strings of guitar, with the strings as close as possible to their original mandolin tuning. In other words, it would be like guitar bass strings with capo at 5 or 7.

    • @jimtessin4130
      @jimtessin4130 2 года назад

      Tommy Tedesco in his book "For Guitar Players Only" discusses his rationale for tuning the mandolin to dgbe which makes a lot of sense to me.

  • @ferraridinoman
    @ferraridinoman 2 года назад

    Great! (immediately think of ABBA's start of "One of us"!!) Love it!

  • @MandoLessons
    @MandoLessons 7 месяцев назад

    Top notch!

  • @mojoefelix
    @mojoefelix 10 месяцев назад

    I enjoyed this video. I'd bought and sold a Fender mando a few years ago. I didn't appreciate the narrow 1 1/8" nut and neck width. But all the wider-nut mandos that I could find were too pricey for a testing-the-waters beginner. I recently bought one (via Craig's List) with 1 3/8" nut for $25. So I am starting out on it all over again. 🙂

  • @mintonmiller
    @mintonmiller 11 месяцев назад

    Mandolin taught me about relative minors, which was a theory concept that did not stick in my head befor learning mandolin. Also, I play a lot of jam sessions where there are already 7 or more guitars mostly doing the same thing, so mandolin really stands out. I also learned Dobro for the same reason because we have a fair number of mandolin players here in norther Minnesota as well. Dobro taught me about major and minor scales in a way that made sense to me.
    I am a 3 and 4 chord country/rock kind of guy. Mandolin and Dobro brings a lot to the table on any style from Hank Williams to Waylon Jennings, to the Rolling Stones, CCR Dire Straits or Bruce Springsteen and current artists I know nothing about..

  • @johnfrewin7717
    @johnfrewin7717 4 года назад +5

    Love your work Zac, I play guitar in a four piece,where the singer/songwriter always plays ( often the full part he uses when he’s out solo), so I’m always looking for “room” in the arrangement- I’ll definitely use some of this home time we have to get out my mandolin, give it some love, and hopefully take it to rehearsal as soon as we’re allowed! Thank you 👍🎸🇬🇧

  • @haldumille5594
    @haldumille5594 4 года назад +1

    You're like the Bob Ross of fretboard work! That's a good thing...

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад

      LOVE IT!!!

  • @reckonimokie123
    @reckonimokie123 2 года назад

    Thanks for your info

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  2 года назад

      My pleasure

  • @robertshorthill4153
    @robertshorthill4153 2 года назад

    Back in the late '80s till they shut down the shop and moved to Nashville in about '94, I had the distinct privilege of working in the Flatiron factory, where I was able to build for myself a nice low end A-5. It would retail for over 1200 bucks, at the time, but I got it for $250 with a good hard case. That's my main acoustic mando to this day. I have since put Grover tuners on it and replaced half the frets. Later on I built a couple E- mandos. If I had a decent amp, I would play them in a jam situation, with 10 or 12 guitars on stage, half a dozen banjos, and an overwhelming number of fiddlers. ( And probably be frownd upon! ) So I can pick an E- mandolin in my living room without an amp when the Frau is sleeping without waking her. All great fun, my friends. Bob

  • @kimholland9316
    @kimholland9316 3 года назад

    What a good video. Really good

  • @DEATHVIPER1777
    @DEATHVIPER1777 2 года назад

    Awesome!!!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  2 года назад

      Thanks!!

  • @timothythompson2678
    @timothythompson2678 4 года назад

    Sam Bush is the man! I'd like to see an analysis of his right hand technique. Andy Wood is another jaw dropping musician who plays guitar and mandolin, but I think he actually played mandolin first.
    Thanks for all the work you put into these videos, and happy birthday!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад +1

      THANK YOU

  • @Grumpyoldman60
    @Grumpyoldman60 2 года назад

    great episode.

  • @InventorZahran
    @InventorZahran 2 года назад +2

    The song 'Avalon' by The Dreadnoughts has an excellent mandolin solo!

  • @dustinfields2055
    @dustinfields2055 4 года назад

    That Breedlove sounds good. I play a Gibson F-5G, and I play bluegrass and gospel most, but I really enjoy playing blues and jazz too. I’ve been thinking about learning to play the guitar.

  • @marticus8492
    @marticus8492 4 года назад

    Jessie McReynolds is credited with the development of mandolin cross picking. At that time he and Jim traveled with one of the great early 3 finger style banjo player, Alan Shelton. As the story goes, being trapped in many hotel rooms, Alan and Jessie swapped licks often just to pass the time. The innovative McReynolds cross picking blended wonderfully with the smooth Shelton style.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад +1

      thanks for more of the story

  • @Zepfan321
    @Zepfan321 4 года назад

    Happy Birthday!!

  • @dionbmgt8114
    @dionbmgt8114 3 года назад

    Thank you. This Video is very helpfull!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 года назад

      I'm so glad!

  • @kairinase
    @kairinase Год назад +1

    I don't wanna play Bluegrass, I want to play Dangdut and Rock on the mandolin, ever since I heard a band called "Soneta" from Indonesia that managed to merge the genres and incorporate mandolin into their repertoire, and it sounds amazing!
    It is something of an 80's/90's band that my dad liked, but their lead, Rhoma Irama, really rocks; and their songs are full of positive messages.

  • @johnjriggsarchery2457
    @johnjriggsarchery2457 Год назад

    Wonderful video. Eastman and Kentucky are really good solid brands. Check out Marla Fibish to get an idea of the sound of a 20's Gibson oval hole A style. Flat fingerboards but if they're set up well they are super easy to play. I can't imagine needing more mandolin than my 1921 Gibson A2.

  • @andypearce5537
    @andypearce5537 3 года назад

    Thank you for the mandalore.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 года назад +1

      This is the way.

  • @howardskinner4916
    @howardskinner4916 Год назад

    Jim Messina's use of mandolin deserves mention, too.

  • @petemathisonguitar5761
    @petemathisonguitar5761 4 года назад

    Happy Birthday!

  • @davidheilman1613
    @davidheilman1613 11 месяцев назад

    Yes, I agree, Guitar player's ought to at least give a Mandolin a try. I bought a Cheap one years and years ago, and I never liked it much because it too was just too difficult to play. As you said, after 30 minutes or less, my fingers really hurt!
    Years go by, and I was starting to again look at picking up a Mandolin. My wife noticed, and so for a Christmas gift, she surprised me with a pretty nice Mandolin. And after working on it for a while, I fell in Love with the thing. It is really a Blast to play, and very very Expressive. It is a Happy sounding Instrument, and people tend to like Happy Music, at least the ones I hang out with do.
    So, if you've been on the fence about getting a Mandolin, I'd suggest get one, but make sure it is comfortable to play. You are already a Guitar player, so you should have enough experience to know when an instrument is resisting in a Bad way.
    And it doesn't really matter if you buy an "F" Style or the "A" Style Mandolin. I have an "F" Style, but my next one will be an "A" Style, mostly because I like the sound of the "A" Style slightly better. But, that's my ear, yours may decide differently.
    Mandolin's are like Guitars, It's better to have more than one, at least that is what I tell myself.
    Thanks for the video.

  • @Newfoundmike
    @Newfoundmike 10 месяцев назад

    Just discovered that I can play the mandolin it seems to really compliment my Waylon sounding voice , I think it's the way the chords are stacked

  • @leica_sl2
    @leica_sl2 Год назад

    Been playing guitar for 50+ years , picked up a mandolin learnt the chord shapes , in about 10min I was playing Bluegrass.There's some classical music I would like to learn as well e.g Vivaldi's Concerto RV93 in Dmaj although for lute it can be playe with a manolin.Once I find the sheet music I'll start playing.

  • @owentuckett938
    @owentuckett938 Год назад

    Thank you Zac; this is the tutorial I have been searching for! I am also coming to the mandolin from guitar and you say EXACTLY what I do. I don't mind a bit of bluegrass to listen to now and then because it's all part of that roots music that I like, but it's not me. It's blues and folk that I want to play and above all else I want that Ry Cooder sound. He's been one of my favourite musicians since Into The Purple Valley. Do you have any other tutorials on how to play in that style? Could you do one? How do I get on that particular road? Thanks and keep up the great work.

  • @johnkelley7543
    @johnkelley7543 4 года назад +1

    This is excellent. I started playing mandolin more seriously about 2-3 years ago. I got a '69 Gibson EM-200 solidbody with a P90 (4 pole). It's like a miniature Les Paul. I love it.

    • @robertshorthill4153
      @robertshorthill4153 3 года назад

      John Kelley I agree. I built an entry level A5 when I worked at Flatiron back in the 90s. I've been playing it many years since. Recently put better tuner machines on it and it holds tuning better. I just love the mandolin. Don't play it as much as I should due to other pressing activities, but I'm always looking for new and interesting tunes that I can music sheets for. Have a ton of tunes by now that I've shared with other fiddler/ mando players. Even "taught" at workshops a few times at local fiddler jams in early summer. I consider my self a semi advanced beginner, as I'll never be a great player, but having fun playing tunes is what it's all about for me anyway. Cheers, my friend and thanks. Bob in Montana

  • @andypearce5537
    @andypearce5537 3 года назад

    I play mine through my amp live. Works great with compressor and delay!

  • @jackiewilburn3063
    @jackiewilburn3063 3 года назад

    I've got a knock off tele that I really love. I want to get a 5 string mandolin neck and route the upper bout of the tele out and make it a double neck(Ala Grady Martin.)I'd love to try out bottle neck on an electric mandolin!

  • @kurthumphreys9856
    @kurthumphreys9856 Год назад +3

    A great video. I picked up a mandolin a few years ago out of curiosity. One thing I really enjoy about it is that you can take it anywhere. I didn’t really like it when players would strum so I just played folk tune melodies. But after a spontaneous performance where I had to play chords on it I became interested. I found you could play rhythm as long as you kept it choppy as you mentioned. Also if you play a different rhythm to what you would as a guitarist, it seemed to help.

  • @marccrowell9598
    @marccrowell9598 Месяц назад

    I must have got one of those older mandolins because my hands fatigue very quickly. Other people have mentioned that you don't want to force it, but I figure, if I'm careful, I can use it to build strength and precision in the left hand.

  • @michaelhubbell1260
    @michaelhubbell1260 3 года назад +8

    I love Mandolin, I’ve payed guitar my entire life but as I get older I realize how many people play it and it kind of loses its appeal when you realize you are one of several million players worldwide. Mandolin is way more unique though!

  • @Dman85612
    @Dman85612 4 года назад

    I got a mandolin for Xmas after I got my first guitar ...it was a cheap one but it intonated well and I started figuring out basics . I also started figuring out the mandolin parts on Maggie May and Led Zeppelin as well as stuff like Santa Lucia and the theme from the Godfather...never used it live as at the time it was Mic it or piezo pickups which were honky and unpleasant. Since the singer's owned the mics they didn't want to lose them to a mandolin...Lol!!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 года назад

      That's awesome!