Getting to play mando in my band

[esslewis]

I've been with a band now for about four months, rehearsing (but not gigging) regularly -- they do a nice mix of up-tempo country and classic rock. I'm the new lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist, but we realized there's plenty of room in the mix for some mandolin, and of course it complements our guitars and keyboards very nicely. I'm no expert player, but get around pretty well with all the main chord groups (guess I'm a "rhythm mandolinist!") and it's fitting really well and being very well received by bandmates. Sure adding a cool new element to playing, right now on about 8-9 songs -- having a blast with it! Playing a Godin A8, by the way... Wish me luck -- tons more to learn!

[A-board]

Livin’ the dream.

[yankees1]

Congratulations !

[Ranald]

I'm happy for you. It's nice to hear from someone who's getting to play with their band, even under restricted conditions. I like my Godin A8 very much. If you ever think of upgrading, listen to Eva Scow's playing before you buy another mandolin.

If the links don't work, search YouTube for "Eva Scow/ After You've Gone" .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl6o...hannel=EvaScow

[Sheila Lagrand]

I've been with a band now for about four months, rehearsing (but not gigging) regularly -- they do a nice mix of up-tempo country and classic rock. I'm the new lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist, but we realized there's plenty of room in the mix for some mandolin, and of course it complements our guitars and keyboards very nicely. I'm no expert player, but get around pretty well with all the main chord groups (guess I'm a "rhythm mandolinist!") and it's fitting really well and being very well received by bandmates. Sure adding a cool new element to playing, right now on about 8-9 songs -- having a blast with it! Playing a Godin A8, by the way... Wish me luck -- tons more to learn!

This post makes me happy. Best of luck to you! May we all remember that we always have "tons more to learn!"

[esslewis]

I'm happy for you. It's nice to hear from someone who's getting to play with their band, even under restricted conditions. I like my Godin A8 very much. If you ever think of upgrading, listen to Eva Scow's playing before you buy another mandolin.

VERY cool! Thanks for sharing. I had though a bit about going to something a little more traditional looking, but I'm not dissatisfied with my A8 in any way, and it's doing its job quite well thus far. And it'll be a long time before my playing will deserve something better! Thanks again.

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Thank you! It's sure a blast to play...

[NDO]

That is awesome to hear! I’m actually on a bit of a similar path, I normally play harmonica and some lead vocals and harmonies with my band (classic rock, blues, folk and country also) but bought a cheap mando when Covid hit to see if I’d learn to play it (my first stringed instrument). I’ve been hitting it for about four months and have fallen in love with it so I just ordered an Eastman 605 so I can plug in with the band. I’m up to about a dozen songs I can play and sing decently, half of them with some harp rack accompaniment (likewise pretty much rhythm mando chording). I figure another couple of months and I’ll include them in some of our gigs.

[Sue Rieter]

That is awesome to hear! I’m actually on a bit of a similar path, I normally play harmonica and some lead vocals and harmonies with my band (classic rock, blues, folk and country also) but bought a cheap mando when Covid hit to see if I’d learn to play it (my first stringed instrument). I’ve been hitting it for about four months and have fallen in love with it so I just ordered an Eastman 605 so I can plug in with the band. I’m up to about a dozen songs I can play and sing decently, half of them with some harp rack accompaniment (likewise pretty much rhythm mando chording). I figure another couple of months and I’ll include them in some of our gigs.

I'd love to hear something with mandolin and harmonica, that sounds so cool. Please share when you're ready!

[kookaburra]

Sounds cool esslewis! I’ll be interested in the outcome!

[yankees1]

I'm happy for you. It's nice to hear from someone who's getting to play with their band, even under restricted conditions. I like my Godin A8 very much. If you ever think of upgrading, listen to Eva Scow's playing before you buy another mandolin.

If the links don't work, search YouTube for "Eva Scow/ After You've Gone" .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl6o...hannel=EvaScow

Great sound and playing !!

[kookaburra]

Which classic rock songs are you playing the mando on?

[esslewis]

I should have elaborated on that -- the band does some classic rock but so far we're only using mando with country-ish stuff. Copperhead Road would be the closest thing to rock. Otherwise, some Kenny Chesney (Beer in Mexico), Lady Antebellum (Love Don't Live Here), John Pardi (Head Over Boots), Radney Foster (Nobody Wins), Chris Stapleton (Broken Halos), Darius Rucker (Wagon Wheel), Deana Carter (Strawberry Wine), Keith Urban (Somebody Like You). One of the things mando is doing for us is adding some dynamics to the sound a lot, instead of adding a third guitar (me) to the mix and getting more "audio stuff" to cram into the already well-filled guitar-frequency range. Mando accents/complements that very well.

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Thanks -- Hopefully something to share soon...