Mel Bay First Lessons Mandolin

Mel Bay First Lessons Mandolin
by Dix Bruce

Mel Bay First Lessons Mandolin
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Book Summary Information

Author: Dix Bruce
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-02
ISBN: 0786629053
Number of pages: 40
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.

Book Reviews of Mel Bay First Lessons Mandolin

Book Review: I think it's under rated
Summary: 5 Stars

It seems like people learning the mandolin often have experience in some other instrument and don't need as much assistance with the fundamentals. If you are a beginner to music, though, I think you'll get a lot of use out of this to get going with mandolins.


It is an under rated learning package, with the music book, CD, and a DVD. It is extremely basic stuff, but at a low price.

The songs selected are simple, unadorned numbers, but varied and plentiful. This makes for a gentle learning curve. People will be familiar with most of the old standards here which helps a beginner.

The interface of the DVD is a little clunky, geared towards following along with the book, but the instruction is adequate. The first half of the DVD demonstrates the rhythm portion of songs and the last half is melody. Unfortunately, the instructor only seems to show how to play either one or the other for each song, with the other part being played by somebody off camera.

But as I say, the first half of the DVD is generally concentrating on the rhythm and last half on melody. Instruction is down to the level of where to put which finger. There are over two dozen songs.

Many learning systems have excellent players on their demo dvds, but they show off their own skill more than teach. Slowing down and demonstrating the absolute basics, with simple, familiar songs is what a new mandolinist needs. There is also an audio CD you can pop in for more portable instruction.

This package is for the very beginner; at that it does a fine job at a very low price. Stick with it and you will be moving up to intermediate level quickly.

Summary of Mel Bay First Lessons Mandolin

First Lessons Mandolinteaches the absolute basics of learning to play mandolin from holding the pick to performing easy mandolin tunes. It doesn't get any easier than this! Students learn how to hold the mandolin correctly, how to read mandolin tablature, basic note reading, the most popular mandolin chords, how to play easy melodies in several musical styles, basic picking technique, how to tune the mandolin, and much more. Along the way students will learn about the greatest mandolin players and their music. The main emphasis of First Lessons Mandolin is to get the student up and playing immediately and to have fun doing it! A companion CD and DVD are included. DVD 139:00 minutes.

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