The fun and easy way to learn to play the mandolin The newest addition to the highly successful Dummies instrument-instruction line, Mandolin For Dummies gives you easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction on learning to play the mandolin. Following the time-tested Dummies format, Mandolin For Dummies provides a level of content and instruction greater than anything currently available. Mandolin For Dummies breaks down the fundamentals of this instrument and provides the resources you need to practice and improve your ability over time. Packed with individualized instruction on key mandolin-friendly musical styles, including Irish and Celtic, "old time" American music, blues, bluegrass, swing, and jazz Files available via download provide audio tracks from the book and exercises so you can play along and build your skills -- almost 2 hours of music! Clear and useful photos and diagrams ensure you fret, strum, and pick with precision Includes a mandolin buying guide to help ensure you make the right purchases Tips on restringing mandolins and other DIY care and maintenance topics If you're an aspiring mandolin player, don't fret! Mandolin For Dummies has you covered.

With the thoroughness of a book by Mel Bay, this method presents mandolin technique and note-reading in a progressive, step-by-step fashion. Given the diverse applications of this versatile instrument, this method was carefully written to build the musicianship and technique needed to play both classical and contemporary mandolin styles. Music theory concepts and additional playing techniques are introduced as needed. Exercises and tunes are presented in all keys, many in duet format to be played by teacher and student. In notation only.

Practice makes perfect with this hands-on resource for mandolin players of all skill levels If you're looking for an accessible practice-based book to improve your playing, you've come to the right place. Mandolin Exercises For Dummies focuses on the skills that players often find challenging and provides tips, tricks and plenty of cool exercises that will have you picking with the best of them—or at least much better than before! Mandolin Exercises For Dummies is packed with instruction—from hundreds of exercises to drills and practice pieces. And it gets better. You'll also have online access to downloadable audio files for each exercise, making this practice-based package a complete mandolin companion. Puts an overview of the fundamentals in perspective, helps you to use exercises to limber up, and much more Dives into the major and minor arpeggios with triad patterns, then moves on to major 7th and minor 7th patterns Details the major scales, then moves on to mastering the minor scales with practice exercises Contains tips to help you practice better, including using a metronome, playing with recordings, and more Master the basics and sharpen your mandolin-playing skills with this reliable resource.