best way to get both strings in a set to play clearly?

[kevbuch]

Sometimes when I play, it sounds too much like there is only four strings rather than 8 and I'm having trouble isolating what I'm doing differently when this happens. Any help would be appreciated.

[EdHanrahan]

When that happens here, it means that I'm actually in tune!

[Tim2723]

When that happens here, it means that I'm actually in tune!

Well said. It's also true that somtimes we really do strike only one string of the course. That's one reason heavier picks are often favored by mandolinists: They help power through the pair.

[bmac]

Heavier picks might help as suggested above but some may prefer lighter picks, for whatever reason... It is just a matter of technique.... How you hold the pick, how tightly or loosly you hold the pic. Loosly allows the pick to move more in your grip which is desirable in mando picking. Google Mike Marshall or a video on basic mando technique where he discusses and demonstrates holding the pick, among other things. A very usefdul video.

Here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmagoBQunZI

[Gelsenbury]

Heavier picks might help as suggested above but some may prefer lighter picks, for whatever reason... It is just a matter of technique.... How you hold the pick, how tightly or loosly you hold the pic.

Agreed, I do think it's all about technique. The goal is to brush the strings without getting the pick trapped between them, but at the same time move them enough to generate sound. How you get there will depend on how you play. Some people manage best with a heavy rounded pick, others with a lighter and pointier one.