Mandolin hard to learn?

Question

I have a solid background of training in guitar (classical and acoustic). I know my techniques and my theories. Now I'd like to learn how to play a mandolin. Will it be very difficult? Thanks. Please also tell me more about your mandolin experience. I'd like to hear it.

Answer 1

I came to the mandolin from the other direction - I was classically trained on the violin, which is tuned to the same pitches as the mandolin. The pick was a new experience, but I finally worked my way through that excercise and now play fairly well.
You will probably have the most trouble with the change in tunings (fifths across the instrument, rather than fourths and a third on the guitar) for both chording and soloing. There are a lot of good books out there if you read treble cleff. I recommend 'Bluegrass Mandolin' by Jack Tottle (available on Amazon). My teacher suggested it and he was right!
Along those lines, there are music schools in some of the major cities that offer starter classes - I took several (at Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago) that ran 1 night a week for 8 weeks and cost about $130.00 each.
All in all, the mandolin is a nice sound to add to your arsenal. Good luck with it!

Answer 2

I know people who play both and they don't seem to have any trouble switching back and forth. Basically, you only have to worry about four strings since each string is doubled. For myself, the mandolin is easier to play since I also play the violin and the tuning is the same. I know two twin sisters who both play the violin, but one prefers the guitar and the other mandolin. (they just performed the Vivaldi mandolin concerto with our orchestra.)

Answer 3

Whats mandolin?

Answer 4

ask your question in this mandolin forum