On my first post re: SS Stewart taropatch I got great information from dedicated and knowledgeable players. I’m very greatful to you all. Now here is my next topic for consideration. While you are all accomplished players, I’m feeling my way along the mandolin fretboard journey. My first mandolin was a vintage flat back which I rebuilt but found the scale smaller than the mandolin I have now. I found my fingers cramped but the tone was great. Unfortunately, now I wish I hadn’t sold it. I now have a electric mandolin which is an entry level player. I’m making out ok with chords and playing along with tunes but bar chords are more of a challenge. You need vise grip fingers when barring first fret, so I’ve dropped tuning a half step like I do with my guitars. So since I don’t play in a band am I ok to take an easier way around the challenge? Is there different string gauges available? I know more practice will make it easier. I’ve been a bass and guitar guy since the 60’s and now my arm gets numb and fingers lock up after a short practice. I would like to become proficient enough to play some of the great tunes.
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