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How to Read Mandolin Tabs

So you’re new at playing the mandolin and you want to learn how to play some songs. Most beginners and even intermediate players look for tabs to find out how to play their favorite tracks. Reading a tabulator is not that difficult although it can be quite confusing for beginners.

Unlike standard musical sheets that use a 5 lined staff, a tabulator uses one line for every string. So, for a regular 4 string mandolin 4 lines are used; for an 8 string mandolin 8 lines are used and so on.

Beginners assume that the top line in the tabulator corresponds to the top string in the mandolin when it’s played. This is where the confusion takes place. The top of the line in a tab corresponds to the highest note.

The tabulator does not represent the string of a mandolin when it is played instead the tabulator represents the mandolin lying on the ground with the strings facing up. In a 4 stringed mandolin, the bottom line represents G and the top line represents E. You may find some tabs where the strings tuned differently which is usually indicated to prevent confusion.

Instead of notes, numbers are used in a tab. The number corresponds to the fret where the string should be played. A zero is an open string.

When two or more strings have numbers in the same column, it means you should press down on the fret corresponding to the number at the same time. For example; the G string has a 5 the A string has a 4 and E and D both has a 0.

It means that one finger should be pressing on the 5th fret of the G string and another on the 4th fret of the A string leaving both E and D open when the strings are strummed. Tabs don’t tell you which finger to use so it’s up to you.

There are other symbols used in tabs such as when to hammer or tap a string. A legend is usually found on the top of the tab.

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Octave Mandolin – What Is It

The octave mandolin is also called the tenor mandola. It is similar in appearance to a lute and in most cases is made from wood material. The average length for the instrument is around 21 inches.

This instrument is derived from another instrument of the lute family called the pandura. It had only 3 strings and was used by the Greeks. From the octave mandola and mandola has come the mandolin itself.

This instrument has a similar tuning of the mandolin which is G,D,A and E. However it has to be remembered that it is an octave lower.

The playing of this mandolin is similar to the playing of the guitar. The main body is balanced on the knee, whilst the left hand holds the neck. Also the strings are plucked with a plectrum.

The sound of the octave mandola is similar to the mandolin, with the sound itself depending on the type of strings and the shape of the instrument. The material of the instrument also has an affect on the overall sound.

You will find that the octave mandolin or mandola is mostly played in folk music, but can also be found in bluegrass and jazz.

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Mandolin Tuning – The Easy Way

The tuning of your mandolin is not really covered in depth in most articles and books that you will come across. In most cases they will give a short mention and then it’s on to another relevant subject.

Mandolin Tuning

The easiest way and the best way is to purchase an electronic tuner. In the early stages tuning forks were used and in some cases, still are. By learning to tune with your ear, it will reap long term benefits and we will know that before beginning to practice, our instrument is actually in tune. Therefore we will not be wasting your precious time.

The importance of the tuner is that it will keep the mandolin tuned within the required E-A-D-G range. I know that it will not damage the instrument if it is tuned lower, but over the long term you could damage your mandolin if the range of tuning is higher. Again the overall effect of proper tuning is good music being played and received by the listeners.

The makers of mandolins, actually don’t encourage you using strings that are off heavy gauge, because it creates additional tension for which the instrument is not designed for. As previously mentioned, most mandolins are designed to be played within the E-A-D-G range. This is the range that will give the player the best performance

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The History Of The Mandolin

Manolin Instrument

The Mandolin instrument evolved for it’s current shape though the Lute family around the 19th century in Italy. In particular around Naples and it’s actual origin came from the manola instrument. However it is recorded that earlier similar designs for the instrument were being played as early as the period of the 14th century.

Other instruments that are related to the mandolin are the mandola octave mandolin. The mandolin grew in popularity during the 20th century and encompassed various styles such as classical and bluegrass. It had come to the States through European immigrants.

Around the 1930′s the instrument was popular in bluegrass music. The band the Blue Grass Boys, can be held responsible for this increase in popularity. The modern shape and makeup can be attributed to Lloyd Laor and
Orville Gibson.

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Electric Mandolin – Is It Much Different

The electric mandolin instrument is based on the traditional acoustic mandolin and even though it is played in a similar style, the sound is amplified similar to the electric guitar.

The amplification process works by a pickup converting the vibrations of the strings into audio signals. The strings are played by strumming with your fingers and are mostly heard in jazz, blues and country music.

Electric mandolins come in an assortment of different versions which range from four, five and eight string versions. However the most popular type is the eight string along with the solid body type. This type of mandolin became available in the early years of the twentieth century.

The design behind the popular solid body electric mandolin can be attributed to Osmar Macedo. He was inspired by the cavaquinho, an instrument peculiar to Brazil where he lived.  It was similar in design to the mandolin and ukulele.

The modern electric mandolin is made of a variety of materials. However the two most popular are maple and mahogany.

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Bluegrass Mandolin – Great Beginner Tips

Mandolin has been a famous instrument during the first half of the 20th century. Although not quite as popular today, a lot of famous musicians still use mandolins in their songs. Mandolins are commonly used in genres such as bluegrass, jazz and blues.

If you’re a fan of any of these genres, it’s only a matter of time before you start to develop the desire to pick up a mandolin and learn how to play it. Here are some tips for budding bluegrass mandolin players:

Study the chords. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. Initially, you must focus on three most important chords: C, D, and G. These three are the foundation of the mandolin’s chord fingerings. Once you’ve mastered playing these chords, you can easily learn all other chords or keys.

You’ll want to start with the G chops chords since most people find it to be the most difficult. Once you play the G chop chord without difficulty, moving to the other 2 chop chords will be a cinch.

The next step is to move from one chord to another; from G go to D then to C and back to G again. The first few times will be difficult and frustrating but don’t let it get you down. Practice every day and try to find ways to make shifting from one chop chords to another easier.

Play with a song. Before YouTube, DVD’s and video tapes came out, people used to play along with a track. Although instructional videos can be helpful, the old way of doing things can be much better. For one thing, it will improve your timing and your listening skills. After a while, you’ll be able to determine the chords of a song on your own and play without the need for tabs.

Play with other people. If you know someone who’s really good at playing bluegrass mandolin, ask him or her to play with you. This way, you’ll find out just how much you need to learn to become an accomplished bluegrass musician. You’ll discover what you lack and what you need to improve on. You can also ask that person to be your tutor and coach you

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