5 comments about Fretboard Roadmaps - Mandolin: The Essential Patterns That All the Pros Know and Use (Guitar).

1. I assume that since you're interested in this book that you've bought similar book/CD combinations to study with. As you know, the first track on all of these kinds of CD's is a set of notes to tune to. Now, on mandolin you're tuning a pair of strings which are set to the same note. Would you say that it's a bad thing if the first note you hear is not only out of tune, but the two strings are out of tune to each other? Yes, it is.

   Throughout the CD the person playing the demonstrations flubs notes (they buzz, they're accidentally muted and so on) and his high E strings are quite often out of tune to each other. His low G strings don't so much ring as "plunk". Several times throughout the CD his instrument is out of tune to itself.

   In the chapters on "chop" chords he lets his chords ring way to long. The CD examples are NOT chops, they're short duration chords. A chop should sound like "Chunk Chunk Chunk", not "Bling Bling Bling"

   If I was to place the playing on this CD in a mandolin contest I'd say that it's solidly intermediate level playing, but certainly not advanced. Listen to Chris Thile to hear how clearly played notes should sound.

   The only reason I give the book 3 stars is because the actual content is pretty good. There are many places to get this information, but this is a good reference to have a bunch of scale and arpeggio information in the same place. His two note chop positions are really usefull, he just doesn't play them as true chops on the CD.

   So consider this book with a grain of salt. It's decent for a workout book, but it works best as a suppliment to a good teacher or to other books. I wouldn't take this book's CD as an example of the proper way to play.




2. Overall - the book is pretty good. It has some neat licks in it and the CD is sorta helpful. Only "sorta" in that the idea is to teach a new song, scale, etc, but the speed of the recording is way faster than a beginner can play. It should have some slower versions of the songs available (like Jay Buckey does with his instruction manuals).
   
   I do like the simple cords chart at the beginning of the book and I am using them already. I also like the simple fret board map with all the notes indicated. I used that to label the position of all the notes on my fretboard.
   
   Try this - next time you are changing your strings, puch out some holes with a one hole punch in a sheet of self adhesive labels. Carefully stick the circle on your fret board and label the note (using the above mention fret board map) with a fine point sharpie. It really helps me to see the notes I am playing and eventually, I'll have them memorized.



3. I bought this based on the 'generally' positive reviews above, but have been basically disappointed. The premise of the book is to show 'essentials' of mandolin patterns from various styles, but the text and (particularly) the graphics are so obtuse as to almost be useless. Why reinvent the wheel? Just use basic musical notation and skip trying to come up with new graphics that are more confusing than helpful. As to the 'essentials', the book jumps from style to style, pattern to pattern without building much in the way of a clear logic or development.
   All in all pretty disappointing. Find another way to get to Mandotown.



4. Okay... we've had good and bad reviews. I am approaching this from a music instructor (albeit a mandolin, guitar, bass "teacher") BUT also... one who teaches students MUSIC... not INSTRUMENT instructions.
   
   Here's what I think:
   
   The book is okay; no it's good. The book provides some good basic advice, shows the reader a "course to pursue" but... doesn't teach it for you... THAT'S YOUR JOB. That's why it doesn't come with a nanny... the CD IS the instructor.
   
   Practice... Rehearse.... Exercise.... Devote.... those are terms which YOU... the reader HAVE to employ in your DAILY routine.
   
   Like bongos or Harmonica.... whatever. The text provides 90 percent of what you need. YOU have to provide the other 10 percent and MAKE IT WORK... GIT 'R DONE. It's really up to you.
   
   Wanna lesson...
   
   (1) check out Carl Culpeper's "Terrifying Techniques for Guitar" and employ the same system to mandolin.
   (2) Develop a list of tunes you can play... and
   (3) Expand that list
   (4) Change Keys for ever song. Know them all in 2, or 3 keys. Make one key a flatted key so piano and woodwinds will enjoy playing with you. Or visa versa.
   (5) Search out standards, ballads, classical (Bach is GREAT). And incorporate the masters into your learning. Not just the folk music or old time aspects of the instrument. ** The mandolin has a deep history with lots of classical influences.
   (6) Search out Violin music... same tuning and LOTS of it out there. There's plenty on line, use it to your advantage.
   (7) LEARN TO READ MUSIC. Tab has it's uses... but notation speaks the language.
   
   'nuff said. GIT 'R DONE
   
   Seriously? Seriously.



5. This is a very useful book, well thought out, clearly illustrated. Very useful for those, such as myself, struggling to understand the instrument, and the logic and function of it's tuning, while stubbornly attempting to self-teach. I expect it would be useful to those with some knowlege and ability as well.

3 comments about The Schubert Song Companion.

1. John Reed's Schubert Song Companion provides clear and literal translations to the more than 600 known Schubert lieder. Reed also includes musical analysizations and historical information about each song. This book is perfect for anyone from the Schubert scholar to the curious listener. Definately a must for any Schubert singer!



2. To get a start in the world of the lieder, this is the best by far. Thourogh, well organized, easy to use...



3. .
   For those who have the time and intellectual inclination, suggest you pair this book with Schubert: Lieder and go through the whole Schubert lieder experience, combining poetry, music, and criticism: a worthy pursuit of the best of humanity--amid the wrack and ruin of civilization in the 21st Century New Dark Age.
   .

No comments about Mastering Mandolin (Book & Cd).

5 comments about Teach Yourself Bluegrass Mandolin (Teach Yourself Bluegrass) Bk/CD (Teach Yourself Bluegrass) (Teach Yourself Bluegrass) (Teach Yourself Bluegrass).

1. Nice book, great music. The music on the CD is great. But if you are a beginner, this is not the place to begin. Although it is fun to listen to, it is way too fast and way too difficult for a beginner.



2. Teach Yourself Bluegrass Mandolin is a great instructional guide for mandolin. It is clearly written and provides both melody and solo parts for a number of traditional bluegrass tunes. The CD that accompanies it is an added bonus for those that like to hear exactly how each tune is supposed to sound. However, if you are picking up a mandolin for the first time with no previous experience playing a stringed instrument this book may leave you frustrated. I had a few years of experince playing guitar so the switch wasn't too difficult. However, I know that I was starting for the first time I would be hard pressed to play many of the songs in this book. The tunes on the CD are played quite fast, especially for beginners. If you are looking for a beginners guide I would pick something a little easier. But once you've built up your dexerity and you're ready to move up I would recommend this book.



3. As previously mentioned, this is probably not a great book to start with if you're new to the mandolin. There are good arrangements, each with a melody and solo, but other than the few obligatory "how to read notation and tablature" and "how to hold the mandolin" pages, there's not much in the way of helpful exercises or theory. It's hard to "Teach Yourself" from this book alone.
   
   One thing worth noting for crossover musicians, though, is that this book has a lot of tunes in common with Tony Trischka's "Teach Yourself Bluegrass Banjo", also from Oak publishing.



4. This should be considered an intermediate book. This would be pretty far advanced for any beginner. There is no oral instruction at all. Getting into Bluegrass Mandolin from Mel Bay is a much better book for beginners and intermediate players.



5. I bought this for my boyfriend for Valentine's Day and he says it's very helpful with figuring out particular tricks and techniques to get just the right sound. He also said the CD was nice because it allows you to hear how the song is supposed to be played.

5 comments about The Ultimate Bluegrass Mandolin Construction Manual.

1. I am interested in getting into Mandolin building as a hobby. This book is very detailed and perfect for my evaluation process as to if I can acquire the tools, materials and skills needed to get started. This book has given me enough detail information to move forward with starting to build my first Mandolin. I would highly reccommend this to anyone thinking about constructing their own Mandolin from scratch or simply wanting to learn more about Mandolins and the effects of materials and construction on their sound and playabity.



2. I've received this Siminoff masterpiece and I treasure it. It is a masterpiece in instruction. Siminoff is one of the master teachers in this area and this book is a delight to read. The bluepeint diagrams are lifesize and very easy to follow. Siminoff's explanations of voicing the various parts of the instrument are wonderful. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in instrument construction.



3. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful this book is. The instructions are clear. The information is presented in a clear and concise way. The drawings in the back of this book are super. If you are interested in building, this is a must have!



4. Siminoff treats the reader of this work like a neighbor who might compete with you in a pie bake off. He lets you taste his work, but when it come to showing how its done... REALLY showing how its done... he treats you to a shoulder shrug and incomplete instructions. Its like that neighbor who is willing to share a recipe but who leaves out one important spice!
   
   Really, this was a surprise because at least one of his other works was excellant. The problem is, he shows how some things are accomplished but leaves out completely how to build the jigs and framework to get started.
   
   This is truly one of the most annoying books on luthiery I have ever read and would ask for my money back except I have (inadvertantly) damaged it.
   He really needs to read up and study how some of the other teachers have helped others with their projects.



5. I really enjoyed the detail of this book and think that even if you didn't want to build a mandolin it will give you an appreciation for time and detail that goes into a good instrument. What I was most impressed with was the balance between the theory and the practice. Knowing why you do something and how it can correct mistakes is a the biggest help of all. Also, it gave me an appreciation of what to look for in high quality instruments. If you do decide to build your own you are left with the clear understanding of what trade offs are made in wood selection, grain, fixturing and customization. The writing style is straight forward but not dull and it has lots of detailed pictures to get you through the construction process. I very highly recommend this book.

2 comments about Mel Bay Irish Mandolin Playing: A Complete Guide.

1. This is a great book that I am really enjoying. It starts you out playing tunes you know, like Tell Me Ma and Danny Boy. Really fun. I am a complete beginner and feel like I am moving along pretty well with the help of this book.



2. This is an excellent book and CD! Philip John Berthoud wastes no time gabbing, but goes straight to the stuff! I recommend this item to anyone who wants to increase their mandolin playing abilities.

2 comments about Gypsy Swing & Hot Club Rhythm for Mandolin.

1. As a guitar player I wanted a mandolin book that would show me things that are not bluegrass, nothing wrong with bluegrass I just wanted something different and this book delivers. I learned 7th and minor chords that are different from the standard bluegrass fare and a few pretty neat tunes as well. I am glad I bought this.



2. As you notice this book is quite thin. Songs like Chicago, St. Louis Blues are featured in this book along with a CD with full backing tracks as well which allows you to practically jam and experience the tunes. Not a lot of people has access to these tunes in mandolin transcripts.
   
   The comment section by Dix showed us the chord, rhythm change, turnaround in each songs. Plenty of tips. You really have to digest it yourself though since there's no exercise of whatsoever.
   
   What I like about this book is that it encourages you to play not just the solo, but also the rhythm part (chord). This is a song book not a guide book.

2 comments about Mel Bay A Guide to Octave Mandolin & Bouzouki.

1. This book is great if you have picked up an octave mandolin as a 2nd or 3rd instrument.
   
   It helps you explore OM techniques (accompaniment especially) thru songs. This is not a lesson book, it is a song book that explores different OM playing styles.
   
   The CD is well recorded and good to listen to on its own. The only instrument on the CD is an OM. Melody in the left channel, accompaniment in the right.



2. I'd recommend this book highly for the more advanced player. I've been working on "Hickey's Reel" (possibly the easiest piece in the book) and I'm finding the melody portion to be a real boot camp for learning ornamentation. The accompaniment is somewhat easier and offers some much more interesting alternatives to just strumming or playing arpeggios. The arrangements sometimes call for very wide stretches or other fingerings that are physically more difficult than seems necessary, so I've found myself rewriting some of them into something that's musically similar, but easier on the hand. This probably would be less of an issue for someone with larger hands or a smaller instrument.
   The accompanying CD is enjoyable for listening, but not as friendly as a learning tool as it might be. The tunes are played a bit too fast for anyone who's still learning to play them, and there's no slowed down version. Also, there's no count-off, so you'll just have to jump in as best you can if you want to play along.
   Although most of the tunes are Celtic, McGann gives very short shrift to the GDAD tuning, explaining that he prefers the GDAE tuning. While he presents valid arguments for this choice (and it probably makes sense for the less traditional pieces), it may be a bit of a disappointment for traditional Celtic players who think of GDAD as the standard tuning.
   "A Guide to the Octave Mandolin & Bouzouki" is a good choice for someone who wants to learn advanced techniques or nontraditional uses of the instrument. Less advanced players or those who want a more traditional Celtic perspective might do better to start with Zan McLeod's "How to Play the Irish Bouzouki" from Homespun Tapes.

1 comments about Teach Yourself to Play Mandolin (Ultimate Beginner).

1. This is a great book and incredible series by Alfred Publishing (I buy mostly Alfred book as they are the best for your money). This one is specifically for Mandolin but there is a corresponding book for Banjo and Guitar and a corresponding DVD for each. I recommend the DVD if you are new to the Mandolin and need a quickstart guide to Mandolin technique and chording Ultimate Beginner: Bluegrass Mandolin Basics and Beyond. Dennis Caplinger is one of the best Multi-instrumentalists out there in the Bluegrass genre. Everything in the book and CD is detailed in Mandolin TAB so note reading isn't required. There are Bluegrass standards like Blackberry Blossom, Black Mountain Rag, Dixie, and John Hardy all recorded on the CD so you can really hear the Mandolin in the mix. Both single note lines and chords are presented separately and are extensively broken down into small parts, then all put together in the last part of the book so you can play the songs solo on your shiny new Mandolin. If you want to be a Bluegrass multi-instrumentalist get all three books in the series.

5 comments about Bluegrass Mandolin.

1. When I started playing mandolin 15 years ago this was the only book I could find. It turned out to be a great investment. Easy to read, easy to follow. The music is timeless and jack has a very unique style. For beginners or experts alike theres a lot here I'd highlt recommend it



2. I like this book and it helps me play the mandolin.

   A Bluegrass Mandolin book is a cool one by the author named Jack Tottle!

   This is published by Oak publications.

   I got this book from my grade 6 teacher Mr. Dan LeBlanc last year and he gave it to me becuase I liked mandolins.

   This is a good book and the songs I like to play on my mandolin is:

   Oh Suzanna,
   John Hardy,
   Cripple Creek &
   Banks of the Ohio.

   The song I love to play on my mandolin is Banks of the Ohio.

   There is a record inside the book and you have to put it on tape.

   I like this book because of the F Style Mandolin on the cover.

   Bill Monroe is in this book.

   This is a great book, A Bluegrass Mandolin book and I love it!

   Have fun,
   And I hope everybody likes it.




3. Tottle starts with some musical fundamentals -- general points like reading TAB and musical notation, time signatures, rhythm, etc., as well as mandolin-specific issues like tuning. If you have another instrument under your belt, this makes quick reading and then Tottle immediately starts you on learning simple pieces. Since I already play the guitar, for instance, I opened this book and almost immediately learned my first rag.

   After you have half a dozen dance numbers under your belt, Tottle breaks out a small chord dictionary and introduces the idea of the structured bluegrass song, with instrumental breaks in between verses. Starting with "The Banks of the Ohio", he then demonstrates how to construct a mandolin break around a song's melody. As he adds numbers, Tottle increases in complexity, and it pretty quickly adds up to an impressive repertoire.

   Tottle's writing is clear and straightforward. All music is presented in standard notation and in tablature. Occasional charming photographs of mandolin greats add a nice touch.

   The book I have does not have the CD, but the CD can only add to what is a great instructional book.




4. I was searching for a really comprehensive instruction book for mando, and I have found one: "Bluegrass Mandolin" by Jack Tottle. While I realize there are many styles for playing, I think this is a really good way to get started. The lessons are presented in both standard notation and tablature, and they graduate in complexity as you get farther along.
   
   My only complaint is that this doesn't come with a CD. But this is a slam more towards myself than towards the author. I am ashamed to say that, with the exception of a few songs, I am woefully unfamiliar with most of these beloved folk and bluegrass standards; and the majority of my learning procedure in the past has been by ear. But I am looking at this as a challenge and a way to exercise my ability to read and play along with sheet music. Still, hearing the actual song would help me play more fluid-ish. A check of the copyright page tells me that it first went to press in the late 70s, so CDs were far into the future.



5. Well written, good tunes, and well organized. Much better than other "how to play..." types of texts. Having a bit of familiarity with the tunes helps, but that is always the case when learning music.