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Thread: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

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    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    I figured out that beginners could learn on the 4 String Electric Mandolin because the single strings (at lighter gauge), easier action, & slightly smaller size would really make it easier to play, as far as barre chords go:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/10...g?v=1571359975

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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    s11141827 , I think a 4 string mandolin is good for learning the notes on a mandolin fretboard. It would also be helpful with chords and positions. The caveat to my mind is if you want to go on to a traditional mandolin sound (i.e. 8 strings) and style of playing, you'll have to learn the feel of an 8 string, for tremolo especially. My 2 cents....

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    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    If you start on a lightly strung 4 string solid body electric mandolin you can learn chords, some tunes, some picking basics. But when/if you switch to an acoustic double course mandolin you'll have to re-learn how to fret cleanly, how to pick and chop, how to get a good tone, and toughen up your fingers and calluses.

    Not saying it won't work, but if your goal is to ultimately play acoustic mandolin with other people in a jam, starting out on a 4 string electric could actually hold you back/slow you down.

    I'm not sure why recent posts keep talking about barre chords on the mandolin. There are 4 courses of strings. Most of us have 4 fingers on our fretting hands. The mandolin neck is 1-1/4" wide or less. There is no need to barre.

    Now on my wide necked 10 string mandola or 10 string mandocello sure I use barre chords. But mandolin? No.

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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Why not?

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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Can a beginner learn to surf on one of these? Sort of...
    Seriously, an electric mandolin won't allow you to work on acoustic instrument dynamics.
    The ability to play from quiet to loud based on how hard you pick. It applies to playing
    rhythm, fills and solos. I wouldn't want to miss this as a beginner. Using dynamics is part
    of developing a personal style.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    I learned on a four string banjo, borrowed from my Dad, and learned to read beginner clarinet music.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

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    working musician Jim Bevan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Can beginners learn on a 4 string electric mandolin? Yes, they can learn how to play a 4 string electric mandolin. It's a different instrument than an 8 string acoustic mandolin, if that's what you're really asking, and each instrument requires a different technique to produce the sounds associated with it.

    The notes are in the same place, and they're in the same place as on a violin as well. I suspect that the answer to your question lies in what your goals are.
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    Pittsburgh Bill
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Bevan View Post
    Can beginners learn on a 4 string electric mandolin? Yes, they can learn how to play a 4 string electric mandolin. It's a different instrument than an 8 string acoustic mandolin
    And.. not just different from an 8 string acoustic but same holds true for an 8 string electric.
    Last edited by Pittsburgh Bill; Dec-29-2021 at 12:57pm.
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Yes!

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    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Nobody can learn no part of nothing on that thing. A proper electric mandolin has 5 strings, upon which one can learn many things, and is the instrument of choice of many pros.

    Given all the discussion of problems in amplifying acoustic mandolins, I’m surprised anyone plays them anymore
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    Pittsburgh Bill
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bill McCall View Post
    Nobody can learn no part of nothing on that thing. A proper electric mandolin has 5 strings, upon which one can learn many things, and is the instrument of choice of many pros.

    Given all the discussion of problems in amplifying acoustic mandolins, I’m surprised anyone plays them anymore
    I am new to electric mandolin so my opinion is just my opinion and perhaps not the most enlightened. I find that what I have learned on an acoustic 8 string to be transferable to an electric but am not convinced that it would work the other way as well. I never did like using my installed pick-ups in my acoustics and always preferred to play through a mic, which admittedly was not always convenient or easy.
    Now, for the electrics. I find them to be another dimension and fun to experiment with the different sounds I am able to obtain. Though the one sound that I don't even come close to obtaining with an electric is the sweetness of tone I get from acoustics played unamplified. As for 5 string electrics being the choice of professionals, I guess my only response to that is I am an armature and this may be why I liken a 4 or 5 string electric to sound like an electric guitar and not a mandolin.
    Just saying, "my humble opinion".
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    Registered User Simon DS's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    They’re really good for learning left hand, right hand coordination.
    Lots of exercises, one is to Play FFcP only using your fret fingers, no picking. Because it's electric you can do hammer on's really easy and practice getting the rhythm spot-on using a metronome.

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    Registered User MandoMack's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    I am using an Epiphone Les Paul Pee Wee with a capo as a 4 string electric mandolin. It works great! I played at the pub last night to rave reviews.

    The capo is placed at the 4th fret and then tuned in standard mandolin tuning. The result is a very nice electric mandolin with a 16 inch scale and a humbucking pickup. No cutting, drilling required. Could easily be a 5 or 6 string mandolin. It is for sale in the Classified ads.Click image for larger version. 

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    Last edited by MandoMack; Jan-14-2022 at 1:06pm.

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    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandobart View Post
    If you start on a lightly strung 4 string solid body electric mandolin you can learn chords, some tunes, some picking basics. But when/if you switch to an acoustic double course mandolin you'll have to re-learn how to fret cleanly, how to pick and chop, how to get a good tone, and toughen up your fingers and calluses.

    Not saying it won't work, but if your goal is to ultimately play acoustic mandolin with other people in a jam, starting out on a 4 string electric could actually hold you back/slow you down.

    I'm not sure why recent posts keep talking about barre chords on the mandolin. There are 4 courses of strings. Most of us have 4 fingers on our fretting hands. The mandolin neck is 1-1/4" wide or less. There is no need to barre.

    Now on my wide necked 10 string mandola or 10 string mandocello sure I use barre chords. But mandolin? No.
    Actually you could restring your Mandolin w/ really low tension strings such as Thomastik Medium Tension Precision Strings, just so that it's easier. Or even better get yourself a Ukrainian Domra Prima (essentially a Steel Strung Cremonese Mandolin):https://www.ebay.com/itm/302624115089 the scale length is an inch longer than a Standard Mandolin (around 14 in.) so it really is a good compromise between tone & playability.

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    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Joel Glassman View Post
    Can a beginner learn to surf on one of these? Sort of...
    Seriously, an electric mandolin won't allow you to work on acoustic instrument dynamics.
    The ability to play from quiet to loud based on how hard you pick. It applies to playing
    rhythm, fills and solos. I wouldn't want to miss this as a beginner. Using dynamics is part
    of developing a personal style.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    That's no longer the case they now use dynamic sensitive pickups.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by s11141827 View Post
    I figured out that beginners could learn on the 4 String Electric Mandolin because the single strings (at lighter gauge), easier action, & slightly smaller size would really make it easier to play, as far as barre chords go:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/10...g?v=1571359975
    Here's an Acoustic 4 String MandolinClick image for larger version. 

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  18. #16
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by lenf12 View Post
    s11141827 , I think a 4 string mandolin is good for learning the notes on a mandolin fretboard. It would also be helpful with chords and positions. The caveat to my mind is if you want to go on to a traditional mandolin sound (i.e. 8 strings) and style of playing, you'll have to learn the feel of an 8 string, for tremolo especially. My 2 cents....

    Len B.
    Clearwater, FL
    It can be done on both instruments remember? Also (there are 8 String Electric Mandolins too which use really low tension strings to maximize playability) they make 4 String Acoustic Mandolins:Click image for larger version. 

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ID:	201059 this 4 String Ukrainian Domra Prima is essentially a Steel Strung Cremonese 4 String Mandolin with a circle shaped body.

  19. #17
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandobart View Post
    If you start on a lightly strung 4 string solid body electric mandolin you can learn chords, some tunes, some picking basics. But when/if you switch to an acoustic double course mandolin you'll have to re-learn how to fret cleanly, how to pick and chop, how to get a good tone, and toughen up your fingers and calluses.

    Not saying it won't work, but if your goal is to ultimately play acoustic mandolin with other people in a jam, starting out on a 4 string electric could actually hold you back/slow you down.

    I'm not sure why recent posts keep talking about barre chords on the mandolin. There are 4 courses of strings. Most of us have 4 fingers on our fretting hands. The mandolin neck is 1-1/4" wide or less. There is no need to barre.

    Now on my wide necked 10 string mandola or 10 string mandocello sure I use barre chords. But mandolin? No.
    Actually for a Jam I'd have to get a super mini amp

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    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Pittsburgh Bill View Post
    I am new to electric mandolin so my opinion is just my opinion and perhaps not the most enlightened. I find that what I have learned on an acoustic 8 string to be transferable to an electric but am not convinced that it would work the other way as well. I never did like using my installed pick-ups in my acoustics and always preferred to play through a mic, which admittedly was not always convenient or easy.
    Now, for the electrics. I find them to be another dimension and fun to experiment with the different sounds I am able to obtain. Though the one sound that I don't even come close to obtaining with an electric is the sweetness of tone I get from acoustics played unamplified. As for 5 string electrics being the choice of professionals, I guess my only response to that is I am an armature and this may be why I liken a 4 or 5 string electric to sound like an electric guitar and not a mandolin.
    Just saying, "my humble opinion".
    I'd have to modify my Acoustic Mandolin to play like an Electric for it to work w/ super light strings (Ultra-Lights) & low action by shaving the braces off & having the frets filed down flush w/ the fretboard.

  21. #19
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandobart View Post
    If you start on a lightly strung 4 string solid body electric mandolin you can learn chords, some tunes, some picking basics. But when/if you switch to an acoustic double course mandolin you'll have to re-learn how to fret cleanly, how to pick and chop, how to get a good tone, and toughen up your fingers and calluses.

    Not saying it won't work, but if your goal is to ultimately play acoustic mandolin with other people in a jam, starting out on a 4 string electric could actually hold you back/slow you down.

    I'm not sure why recent posts keep talking about barre chords on the mandolin. There are 4 courses of strings. Most of us have 4 fingers on our fretting hands. The mandolin neck is 1-1/4" wide or less. There is no need to barre.

    Now on my wide necked 10 string mandola or 10 string mandocello sure I use barre chords. But mandolin? No.
    Actually why not convert the Acoustic Mandolin to only 4 strings by cutting the braces down.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandobart View Post
    If you start on a lightly strung 4 string solid body electric mandolin you can learn chords, some tunes, some picking basics. But when/if you switch to an acoustic double course mandolin you'll have to re-learn how to fret cleanly, how to pick and chop, how to get a good tone, and toughen up your fingers and calluses.

    Not saying it won't work, but if your goal is to ultimately play acoustic mandolin with other people in a jam, starting out on a 4 string electric could actually hold you back/slow you down.

    I'm not sure why recent posts keep talking about barre chords on the mandolin. There are 4 courses of strings. Most of us have 4 fingers on our fretting hands. The mandolin neck is 1-1/4" wide or less. There is no need to barre.

    Now on my wide necked 10 string mandola or 10 string mandocello sure I use barre chords. But mandolin? No.
    You'd need super light strings on the 8 string acoustic but to get more volume the braces would have to be shaved down to 3/32 of an inch.

  22. #20

    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Sure, why not ? Its a study, not a stage gig .

    #1 If our purpose is to start out we can learn and study proper scales , chords and acquire right hand cross picking technique . Get your left hand and right hand going and in synch so to speak. These are basic fundamentals and not specific to an Electric or an Acoustic Instrument. In fact, some low cost Acoustic Mando's do not intonate properly and you can be chasing the tuning forever , not enjoying your study/ practice time. I believe the Electrics all have adjustable saddles and neck relief adjustment. There are many low cost package deals on beginner Acoustic Mando's which are JUNK, avoid them. If we are studying any stringed instrument, it has to be in tune and intonate reasonably well. Thats not an old wives tale !

    #2- We can practice silently, ( no amp) nobody in the house will hear us.

    #3 - I personally wouldn't use light gauge strings , I would stick with mediums or whatever the instrument comes with. Get acclimated.

    #4 - I have 2 - F Mando's and recently bought a Gold Tone GME 4, Electric, it is my practice instrument. UNPLUGGED. I use it to practice various scales, parts of scales , intervals and cross picking, everyday. Rudiments. Silent practice. Going to the Acoustic F is not an issue what so ever, quite the opposite, going from the GME4 to the Eastman , its like I'm flying !

    #5- Have fun, its your study. Go forward as you see fit.

  23. #21

    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by MandoMack View Post
    I am using an Epiphone Les Paul Pee Wee with a capo as a 4 string electric mandolin. It works great! I played at the pub last night to rave reviews.

    The capo is placed at the 4th fret and then tuned in standard mandolin tuning. The result is a very nice electric mandolin with a 16 inch scale and a humbucking pickup. No cutting, drilling required. Could easily be a 5 or 6 string mandolin. It is for sale in the Classified ads.Click image for larger version. 

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    I have 2 PeeWees that are a lot of fun. I keep one tuned CGDAEB (bulls-eye) and the other (burst) E standard so one is in 5ths and the other in 4ths. I upgraded both with an active EMG-89 (switches from humbucker to noiseless single), stacked volume/tone controls, intoneable wrap-around and new tuning machines (burst).

    Click image for larger version. 

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    The burst was impossible to intonate until I realized there is too much distance between the nut and the first fret; they didn't cut the excess off the end of the fretboard so that end was too long. It was a quick fix (remove nut, cut off excess fretboard, install nut) once I figured out what the problem was. Yours looked the same as yours when I got it. The bulls-eye is a considerable step up.
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  25. #22
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandobart View Post
    If you start on a lightly strung 4 string solid body electric mandolin you can learn chords, some tunes, some picking basics. But when/if you switch to an acoustic double course mandolin you'll have to re-learn how to fret cleanly, how to pick and chop, how to get a good tone, and toughen up your fingers and calluses.

    Not saying it won't work, but if your goal is to ultimately play acoustic mandolin with other people in a jam, starting out on a 4 string electric could actually hold you back/slow you down.

    I'm not sure why recent posts keep talking about barre chords on the mandolin. There are 4 courses of strings. Most of us have 4 fingers on our fretting hands. The mandolin neck is 1-1/4" wide or less. There is no need to barre.

    Now on my wide necked 10 string mandola or 10 string mandocello sure I use barre chords. But mandolin? No.
    But if Electric Mandolin is easier you need a portable amp. Why not transition from Electric to acoustic by converting the acoustic to have only 4 strings like the electric which means you'd have to shave the braces down?

  26. #23

    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    You keep going on here and on other forums about "shaving the braces down". Exactly what are you calling braces? I don't think the word brace means what you think it means.

  27. #24
    Registered User urobouros's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    2020 Northfield Big Mon
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    And a few electrics

  28. #25

    Default Re: Can beginners learn on a 4 String Electric Mandolin?

    Why yes, I have seen that movie.

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