I just started this week. Can't do a ton 'til my fingers toughen up, but it's tons 'o' fun anyway so far.


Don't quite have that trembly little picking technique down quite yet. What's it called - doubling, tripling??? Seems to take incredible hand control...

Anybody else here love them some mandolin?

I had one a few years ago, but never really got on with it.
Regarding the picking technique, take it slow at first. It might be an idea to try different plectrums; hard plectrums always work for me, but you may be suited to a softer pick.
Hope you carry on enjoying it! It's a great sounding instrument!

go for it.

jjam said:

Yeah, I love that ringy sound. It seems to be everywhere now that my ears are perked up to hear it.

I have a book here that recommends a hard pick, medium to begin. It's true that it should be hard to get that clear chime out of it. And now I can finally hold the strings down hard enough - yee ha!

I think I'm in ...

talmuzic said:

I'm all proud of my toughening fingers.

Buy a guitar and play heavy metal, then you will have this picking skill.

7salles said:

I have a guitar at home, only it's a sensitive guy sort of acoustic thing. My husband is learning to play Jewel on it. I kid you not.