I Highly recommend mandolin players pay attention to Master Mandolinist, Tim O’Brien’s playing on the 2001 Tribute to John Hartford album. Gentle on My Mind, More Love. He’s a master of solo mandolin - uses mando chords & rhythm to back up singing with no or few other instruments in the mix. Tim’s album Chameleon 2008 album original tune, Megna’s has wonderful rhythmic chordal & melodic mix = a sparkling mandolin accompaniment to song about a vegetable seller!
There is limited access for lessons for some of us. Lessons on the internet are so confusing and as a general rule worthless to some. Short cuts are needed to help players experience joy and give them a win. It would take me an exceptionally long time especially with my other responsibilities to do things at my age so I appreciate the cliff note version. And lesson fizzles out …
I just bought an Eastman MD305 yesterday. Super impressed!!!! I've never played a mandolin up to a week ago. I've checked out a couple of videos and they are very helpful. How do you get over the fact that the strings on the mandolin are reverse of a guitar. Any hint how to adjust to this??? I have no problem playing a break up the neck of a guitar.
You know I haven't really thought about it being opposite of the guitar, I've just viewed as another instrument. I think it's easier than a guitar b/c all the string intervals are the same.
@@larryrhindress2972 Yes, correct, which is why I always thought of it as a completely different instrument rather than a little guitar. Theory is easier because of the interval consistency. You'll get it quick!
As I'm watching this while looking upward, this is my greatest downfall is timing, picking alone is no excuse with all the tools available, I tried the drums one time,must have done okay, I didn't get kicked out but they did remove the drums,,getting close to fathers day I think I need a mando upgrade, fingers crossed but E might happen.
...one thing I find so baffling is why all the 'would-be' mandolin teachers continue that -nearly impossible chord formation for the (G) and up chords ?...so I teach NOT to note the G string on 7th fret,...-but on 4th fret !...so simply by swapping, (notes, and pinky and ring fingers) you still have a great 4-note, closed, G chord, or obviously,...Ab, A, Bb, B, or C chords, depending on where you move that particular formation, to the right on the fingerboard !,.. obviously, moving LEFT you will have the F# chord !
Because the shape you're talking about, though easier to play, has a major 3rd note in it which many times is less than ideal. Not only that, but the major 3rd is the lowest note in chord. It screams: I'M A MAJOR CHORD. And being that we're playing bluegrass, we don't want overtly major chords many times. Hope that helps!
If people like Sierra Hull and myself, who both have very small hands, can fret and play the full G chop, nobody else has an excuse. It's not nearly impossible, it's pretty easy if you are willing to put the time and effort in. You can't cheat your way to skill, as much as you pretend you can.
Thank you for this tip - Chris Thile uses these techniques- probably learned them when he was a little kid playing a full size mando
I Highly recommend mandolin players pay attention to Master Mandolinist, Tim O’Brien’s playing on the 2001 Tribute to John Hartford album. Gentle on My Mind, More Love. He’s a master of solo mandolin - uses mando chords & rhythm to back up singing with no or few other instruments in the mix. Tim’s album Chameleon 2008 album original tune, Megna’s has wonderful rhythmic chordal & melodic mix = a sparkling mandolin accompaniment to song about a vegetable seller!
Thanks Ben.
There is limited access for lessons for some of us. Lessons on the internet are so confusing and as a general rule worthless to some. Short cuts are needed to help players experience joy and give them a win. It would take me an exceptionally long time especially with my other responsibilities to do things at my age so I appreciate the cliff note version.
And lesson fizzles out …
hippy, I mean Banjo Ben is that you? 😂 love you bro!! Thanks for all you do!
Haha, you're welcome!
Morn'n sir.. I am trying to find the video program you are using for the small window in Big screen like this THANKS
nice video bro
I just bought an Eastman MD305 yesterday. Super impressed!!!! I've never played a mandolin up to a week ago. I've checked out a couple of videos and they are very helpful. How do you get over the fact that the strings on the mandolin are reverse of a guitar. Any hint how to adjust to this??? I have no problem playing a break up the neck of a guitar.
You know I haven't really thought about it being opposite of the guitar, I've just viewed as another instrument. I think it's easier than a guitar b/c all the string intervals are the same.
@@BanjoBen But, reversed.
@@larryrhindress2972 Yes, correct, which is why I always thought of it as a completely different instrument rather than a little guitar. Theory is easier because of the interval consistency. You'll get it quick!
Great video. How do I get access to the essay contest livestream tonight?
I'll go live at 5 central on RUclips, thanks!
As I'm watching this while looking upward, this is my greatest downfall is timing, picking alone is no excuse with all the tools available, I tried the drums one time,must have done okay, I didn't get kicked out but they did remove the drums,,getting close to fathers day I think I need a mando upgrade, fingers crossed but E might happen.
...one thing I find so baffling is why all the 'would-be' mandolin teachers continue that -nearly impossible chord formation for the (G) and up chords ?...so I teach NOT to note the G string on 7th fret,...-but on 4th fret !...so simply by swapping, (notes, and pinky and ring fingers) you still have a great 4-note, closed, G chord, or obviously,...Ab, A, Bb, B, or C chords, depending on where you move that particular formation, to the right on the fingerboard !,.. obviously, moving LEFT you will have the F# chord !
Because the shape you're talking about, though easier to play, has a major 3rd note in it which many times is less than ideal. Not only that, but the major 3rd is the lowest note in chord. It screams: I'M A MAJOR CHORD. And being that we're playing bluegrass, we don't want overtly major chords many times. Hope that helps!
If people like Sierra Hull and myself, who both have very small hands, can fret and play the full G chop, nobody else has an excuse. It's not nearly impossible, it's pretty easy if you are willing to put the time and effort in.
You can't cheat your way to skill, as much as you pretend you can.
Because it's a pretty near-essential skill if they're learning Bluegrass, and it's not near-impossible...that's why...