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“I couldn’t play these parts as the example … sounded”

For the beginner, this usually means that you’re having trouble with your finger(s), on the fretted notes, muting the open strings. If that...

Double stops like this are actually a gift to the learner.

First:
You only have to finger one note at a time because the other note is an open string. In part one it's the open A string and in...

Darnit. meant to post this picture.

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I don't think anyone needs a teacher these days - anything a teacher could teach you, you can find online (often free).

I think every mandolin player needs a coach. Someone to lead them in the...

It definitely should get easier over time - don’t work hard at it, work smart and easy. I second all the great advice given above. Check out my advice article linked in my signature, some of the...

First - yes, over time it gets a lot easier to play. The more you practice, the easier it is to play what you've been practicing. It also gets a lot harder as you realize how much further you have...

Is it a STELLLLLLAAAAA ???

You mention your arm getting numb and fingers locking up - have you had any lessons with an experienced mandolin instructor? Less than ideal technique can lead to issues with the hands and arms and...

It sounds like you're just pressing too hard and clamping down on the neck a lot. That's a common issue I see with students and, aside from thumb soreness, can significantly decrease your speed. If...

Cool what Sarah does with the octave in this clip. Oh, and Sierra and Molly are pretty good too!!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuW7sNyz-hU

This from Yo-Yo Ma has some profound insights on learning. You can skip ahead if to 10:38 minutes if is is too long. He also has insight for learning in his podcasts, including an outline for...

Some comments on your beginner lessons philosophy. A less tactical and more strategic answer.

I would definitely try too hard. Just head down and go after it.

I think most people start with...

I think this is AEAE. I'd say the big advantage is droning


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Welcome to the mandolin and the cafe!

I’m barely in a position to give mandolin advice, having owned/played an octave mandolin for one week and a regular mandolin never. What CarlM just said fits neatly with what I was taught by a...

You should not be getting blisters. It should not be painful. As others have said have the mandolin set up checked.

The other is to understand how hard to press. Most people press too hard. ...

Welcome to the party LRDave. There has been a lot of good advice mentioned above. In my opinion, setting up your mandolin is the most important. It will help you accomplish everything else more...

Ditto to all suggestions. I, too, started in my 60s and now am 6 years in. I hope you'll pay special attention to Louise's "B." I remember those early days how I would play through the pain of tender...

Welcome to the rabbit hole! Check your wallet at the door :grin:

As far as practice, I'm a firm believer there's no such thing as too much. Just like a toddler banging his head, you'll stop long...

Otherwise known as "your last day with a savings account".

Welcome LRDave and congrats on your first musical adventure! You're in the right place. I would echo Pittsburg Bill's recommendation of getting a professional setup even though it seems like a lot of...

I started at age 56 as a 1st instrument and I am about 10 years in. For me a couple of years of face to face lessons, followed by group jamming has made learning and playing a lot of fun. Enjoy.

Lighter strings right away, at least until you get a good setup. If you have a capo put it on the first or second fret and tune the mandolin to standard, that will lessen the tension and should allow...

Howdie, LRDave! I'm another newbie who started in my sixties (going on a year and a half now). What Ranald says strikes a chord with me. It's super easy to feel impatient to "be better", more...

A. 63 isn't so terribly awfully old: you can do this. You're not the first to start in their sixties.

B. Blisters are bad. You sound like you had big fun getting them, but now you need to lay off...