5 Reasons Why You Should Learn the Mandolin  

to summarize: 1. easy, 2. portable, 3. versatile, 4. unique, and 5, good community

There's lots and lots of middle eastern music with the mandolin

Mandolin is amazing and super versatile. Truly overlooked. I use it in black metal.

I've just started playing the ukulele and it's my first instrument ever, but a mandolin caught my eye when I was in the music store the other day and I'm thinking maybe I'll try after I do a little experimenting with uke:)

Dave, I just started playing. I got an Eastman Mandolin for xmas and love it. I already play the ukulele, guitar and bass. I'm really loving playing it and the reasons you stated above are so very true.

Love mine.. I'm in a gigging duo. We so pop and rock covers, rearranged. Basically evolving into an acoustic dance duo. Didn't really take to the mandolin until about two years ago. Gradually switched from guitar to mandolin so most of our songs. Gives us so much energy and people love it, especially when you play the unexpected. My favourite mandolin I'd never part with. The poor thing is 25 years old but plays like a dream.

I just got a mandolin for my birthday! I've taught myself ukulele and a bit of guitar, so I'm looking forward to learning this as well!

I travel with my mandolin. When I'm waiting for my flight at the airport or in my hotel room. I pull out my mandolin and practice, very quietly!

As mainly a piano player my uncle gave my his old Ibanez mandolin and since I’ve been playing it I totally see why people love it

I am something of a string instrument fanatic, I started with violin which is still play for school, then guitar, fell in love with bass guitar, and have really enjoyed my tenor uke. I heard of mandolin but never realized that mandolin was tuned just like a violin and was wanting another instrument, because why not, and now I'm getting one this week.

I love listening to classical mandolin pieces like Vivaldi Mandolin Concerto in C major, like you said mandolin gets called a bluegrass instrument but you’d be surprised with how pretty I can be on the classical/baroque side of the music world

Nice reel!! The mandolin shines when playing melodies! "Nice open chords" aren't the only thing available with that expressive little melodic beast! Don't think twice... It's a very deep instrument, much more expressive than the guitar...

Bought a Mando about a week ago and can hardly put it down

As a former drummer I really enjoy #2 :-D

You sold me on it.

I remember my grandmother playing it. This is the instrument of my people. In Sicilia the mandolin is a staple of our culture

You sold me! If I didn't already play mandolin I start all over.

i want one just for jesse stewart.

I ADORE my new-to-me mandolin!❤❤❤ it's way cute! 😊 She is FABULOUS!

If i'm honest, I started playing just to learn isabella's lullaby

I’ve had mine for a week and I absolutely love it!!

Bought an old soviet mandolin dirt cheap (not the best condition though, but I've recently started living on my own and I can't really afford a new one) and now I'm waiting for a strings I've ordered online to arrive. Can't wait to start learning to play this beatufil instrument. Much love from Russia!

My man really gave a shoutout to choro. Godbless brother

Jesse Brock is super nice! My uncle plays mandolin and he’s really nice as well!

have been playing the ukulele for 5 years and am heavily considering buying a mandolin

I recently got an old mandoline. It has a sticker that says “Made in G.D.R.” (East Germany). Was probably build somewhere in between the 50s-70s. Was able to figure out it was build by a company called Musima. I love it though and it still sounds and plays nice! 😄🎶🎉

I have only one reason, is Beautiful, not just the sound, but the body shape, neck, headstock, everything.

I do play bass. I might just pick one up in the future.

Yes! More mandolin players!

The only reason I wanted to learn how to play it is because I wanted to play chords in a practical way, I like guitar but I don’t have the patience to learn the geography of the fingerboard, and I suck at piano. I’ve played the violin for 2/3 of my life so I knew I wanted to pick up the mandolin eventually. It’s a fun instrument, I love playing classical with it, learned it pretty fast because of the years of violin. I’m starting to explore all the weird jazz chords, yay!

Thanks to you, I just started! Thank you for jump starting my journey!

Ex upright bassist here.. been learning jazz/blues mando for a few years and loving it! Working on a solo instrumental mando EP!

I’ve played guitar on and off for a 20 years or so. I picked up a mandolin just to try it out and the size was just too small for me personally. I love the sound but I couldn’t see myself playing it seriously. Decided to go for a tenor guitar and tune it like a mandolin. Love it

I couldn’t decide but your explanation has helped, Thanks!

There has been something drawing me to this instrument. I think I’m adding a Kentucky to the Martin family I have at home.

Been playing the mandolin for about 4-5 years, and it's a whole lot of fun!

I started your beginning series on RU-vid and really enjoy it. I like your video’s and your teaching style. You might have another patron before long.

I agree , well said David !!!!!

I just bought mine. So excited!

My first mandolin arrives tomorrow, can't wait.

I'm to broke to get one. I did recently aquire a ukulele. Some of your points, like ease of carrying around, applies to it lol

This coming year I want to start my journey with the Mandolin. I love how it sounds and would love to learn some irish songs

I’ve never really played a musical instrument but am contemplating taking up the mandolin. I’d love to find an instructor.

I love the mandolin I actually built my own back when I was in highschool and still play it today.

I've been playing the lute for a few years now but your videos and music got me so intrigued that I think I'm gonna buy myself a mandolin!

Yuuuup I never leave home without it🎉🎉🎉

ok fine ill buy one. you convinced me :)

im sold.

No. 6 is that it’s really easy for a violinist like me to learn!

Got a mandolin for $20 on offerup. Gotta say, its kinfa fun lol. Its like im relearning the guitar. Its so sick

You've convinced me. Thankyou ❤

RIP Jesse Stewart

You convinced me sir

I've been messing around for the past year I've always loved bluegrass and want to actually be able to play. Teach me!!

Reason #6: Because we want to be able to play everything by Mandolin Orange/Watchhouse

Yeah, I play guitar but have always loved the sound of a mandolin. Thinking of getting one. Side note…we have an awesome mandolin luthier right here in my hometown…Audey Ratliff. Unfortunately, I can’t afford a Ratliff right now😂

Love the love in this video for us mandolin players❤️❤️

Just bought my first one today! Always wanted one.

#3 I don't play the mandolin like most people do. I have a weird pitchy voice and, as a guitar/bass player, I play it like a guitar. I rarely play licks or runs. THANK YOU FOR THIS!

I bought the mandolin to play Led Zeppelin songs!!

Hey dave! Maybe you could make short video on picking. Like for instance i noticed when playing triplets you normally pick de 1st and 3th note, playing the second with either a pull off or hammer on. As a violinist who happens to play the mandolin also this kind of material would be gold. I love your videos! Keep it up!

Im thinking of getting into the Mando, I’ve never played a string instrument in my life… where do I start?

Thank you

I started playing because my Dad had a mandolin

I play for whom the Bell tolls on mandolin

*flashbacks to highschool me hulling a double bass intensifies*

Cajun Too!

Reason 1 through five : battle of evermore

I'm getting a mandolin for Christmas.

F9gibson over 20years keeps on giving

I've played violin my whole life, so mandolin is perfect for less official playing and just fiddling around 😀

I’ve been battling with the mandolin for years but still can’t play a tune. I put it aside some years ago but now feel like going back to it. Just not sure what approach to take.

Yes, I want a mandolin and to start playing! I ❤ its woody tone, it is very unique! Also, it is like a fretted violin which can be plucked (same tuning)! (and no, I don’t play violin/fiddle - but I would love to be able to play some simple - Irish old time traditional music; or Celtic music). Oh, and yes - I agree. Guitar is one of the most ubiquitous and over-played instrument. I want something more unique!

Mandolin has a real particular sound...I present the "mandolinistica of Savigliano" a museum dedicated to guitars and mandolins. I live in a little city in Piedmont. And, everybody think that mandolin is an instrument from southern Italy. Nothing true. The group of my city played it still in the '50... And many grandpas, or families have one on the rooftop of the home. And, I thought, that's my instrument. Still, mandolin helps me to use in a great way, beyond imagination, my right hand and arm, which has a paresys from the childhood, and I mean, I'm studying the instrument in a real serious way. Thanks for your instructives videos

How do you get started? I'm kind of interested in learning to play it

Chris Thile is one of the best Mandolin players I’ve ever seen!

PPTTT VIOLIN AND TRUMPET

I play bass guitar, want an 8 string. The bassist of Led Zeppelin, John Paul Jones, played one, most notably on Going to California.

Interesting. Is this instrument primarily used by strumming chords, or are melodies picked as well? What is the repertoire like for it?

It's basically a cool good sounding ukulele

Hey a friend, I have a SERIOUS question. Before I mess someone up...Firstly, I've been playing violin for about over 30 years. I have been telling my friend who is learning the Mando, the importance of the PINKY. I notice he doesn't use it as much as I. My question is: is the PINKY just as important like for violin???

Should I learn the mandolin? Bahah, I've literally had someone spell my name like that...

Dave I thought you were going Lucy on us from Charlie Brown Christmas! I’ve got 5 good reason’s. 😂

Hello, may I ask what strings you are using on your mandolin?

Personally I prefer octave mandolin cause it has lot wider scale

How do you feel about the Ibanez F 522s? I have one coming tomorrow. I was leaning into the Loar for $400...but at the last moment, I caved. Musicians friend was offering 15% off list, and didnt have the Honey Creek. Sooo.. Is there THAT much of a diff between the two, in your opinion? I watched your comparisson video.

me, an ex-trumpet player: welp, that answers my question I guess. Time to google how much mandolins cost

What would be a good affordable option to start with?

What is "Shorow" music? It does not show up on Google search.

I feel like the mandolin is like the ukuleles separated twin.

Bro i don't know how much playing madolin , i think so four months

Hey, David. I'd be surprised if you are reading this over a year later, but I'm interested in buying a mandolin. I'm hoping to find an affordable one, hopefully under $1000, but I also want one of decent quality. Is there a brand of mandolin you recommend for an acoustic or acoustic-electric (I'm interested in either)?

I play an 8 string electric in a rock band

Any advice on a good F-style mandolin? I’m tired of my A-style and am ready to move on up in the world

I learnt mandolin because of Isabella's lullaby

Me playing guitar 💀

Ask yourself: "Can it play Naruto's Sadness and Sorrow?" If yes, you're sold

Death From Above (a band that plays punk with just a bassist and a drummer) uses a mandolin and a guitar when playing acoustically. I guess mandolin rock is a thing.

Nice

And gangsters use the mandolin especially the italians