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| Mandolin Tuning |
The mandolin is tuned the same way as the Irish tenor banjo is tuned, the violin is also tuned the same
way. The only difference is there are double strings producing the same note.
Banjo / Mandolin Tabs
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| Mandolin Scale |
The above notes are what you will get when playing the strings open, open means not placing your fingers
on the strings. These are also the notes on the Irish tenor banjo.
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Start slow with your rist held loosly and play with one down stroke marked like the figure ''n'' to each
note, the symble that looks like the letter ''U'' is the upwards stroke which is played twords your head with the plec held
firm but not too tight. Remember to keep the wrist loose.
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Playing tremolo on the mandolin is really what the
mandolin is all about as it's a melodic instrument.
Melodic
meaning the mandolin plays the lead melody
of the tune or song. Playing real sustained tremolo
takes plenty of practise.
Tremolo
is where you play rapid re-ireration on each
of the notes in the tune. The aim is to get these notes with
the plecrum
very fast as to make the mandolin strings
give a continuous sound.
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Here's the sheet music for Boolavogue which is played by most mandolin players in Ireland. It's used mainly
for practise because of the wide range of notes in the song. It goes from very low to the high octave and repeats again and
again which makes it ideal for learners to practise with. An easy song to get started on would by Molly Malone in the key of D. [tab included]
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