This is one of the better videos I've found on basic holding, even from others like Mike Marshal. Thank you my friend! This truly made a difference in my understanding of the instrument!
I’m so glad you bring up natural body positions. I have hips that like to turn out so it takes lots of effort to sit without crossing my legs. All the books say to plant your feet firmly on the floor and that is just such an uncomfortable position for me! I’ve been trying to force myself to not cross my legs and finding myself with a lot of tension in my arms...and now am going to start playing in the position that is comfortable and see if that helps!!
It's always a delicate balance to explain the 'correct' way of holding it whilst balancing that against how different we all are. As long as you feel comfortable and aren't tense, go with what suits you! Good luck! Mike
Good question! Firstly, if you have a strap on the mandolin, that will do a good job of keeping it in place. Secondly, the right arm does have to put a little bit of pressure to keep the mandolin in place, but most of the work to strike the strings is done by the wrist, the mandolin is in the wrist. So try to focus on a relaxed wrist while your arm keeps the mandolin in position. Hope that helps, Mike
I’ve just gotten a strap and noticed I’m getting a bit of a knot between my shoulder blades. Am I just unintentionally too tense? Haven’t noticed this before the strap.
Hello! Yes, a knot in your back is definitely a sign of being too tense and it will get quite bad quite quickly (spoken from personal experience). If you weren't noticing it before … maybe try not using the strap If you are sitting down .. I very rarely use the strap sat down and only really use it when standing up? Thanks, Mike
This is one of the better videos I've found on basic holding, even from others like Mike Marshal. Thank you my friend! This truly made a difference in my understanding of the instrument!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks, Mike
Thanks Mike. I am brand new to the mandolin and I think this video will get me started down a good technique path.
Welcome to the mandolin! You're going to have a great time :) Mike
Very nicely explained. Please upload a video on tremolo. 🙏🏼
Thanks mike, clear instruction. Very helpful
I’m so glad you bring up natural body positions. I have hips that like to turn out so it takes lots of effort to sit without crossing my legs. All the books say to plant your feet firmly on the floor and that is just such an uncomfortable position for me! I’ve been trying to force myself to not cross my legs and finding myself with a lot of tension in my arms...and now am going to start playing in the position that is comfortable and see if that helps!!
It's always a delicate balance to explain the 'correct' way of holding it whilst balancing that against how different we all are. As long as you feel comfortable and aren't tense, go with what suits you! Good luck! Mike
Brother
Can you help us to play Concerto for Mandolin in F by Gaspare cabbellone
How do you keep the right arm relaxed and moveable while holding the mandolin in place with it?
Good question! Firstly, if you have a strap on the mandolin, that will do a good job of keeping it in place. Secondly, the right arm does have to put a little bit of pressure to keep the mandolin in place, but most of the work to strike the strings is done by the wrist, the mandolin is in the wrist. So try to focus on a relaxed wrist while your arm keeps the mandolin in position. Hope that helps, Mike
I’ve just gotten a strap and noticed I’m getting a bit of a knot between my shoulder blades. Am I just unintentionally too tense? Haven’t noticed this before the strap.
Hello! Yes, a knot in your back is definitely a sign of being too tense and it will get quite bad quite quickly (spoken from personal experience). If you weren't noticing it before … maybe try not using the strap If you are sitting down .. I very rarely use the strap sat down and only really use it when standing up? Thanks, Mike
Great, thanks again!
Beautiful and instructive but I'm 60 years old and the audio is too low for me even with speaker,😂