Bruce Bernhart Mandolin Websites

The Bernhart Mandolin Webpages explore the history of the mandolin, buying and building mandolins, the various makes and models of mandolins available on the market, basic chord structures, different styles of playing, practice exercises, tabs, and performance.

-First, A Brief Background on the Mandolin:

Mandolins have a long history, and much early music was written for them. In the first half of the 20th century, they enjoyed a period of great popularity in Europe and the Americas as an easier approach to playing string music. Many professional and amateur mandolin groups and orchestras were formed to play light classical string repertory.  Just as this practice was falling into disuse, the mandolin found a new niche in American county, old-time music, bluegrass, and folk music.  More recently, the Baroque and classical mandolin repertory and styles have benefited from the raised awareness of and interest in early music. Tremolo and fingerpicking methods are used while playing a mandolin.

#1-- Know how to tune the mandolin- E-A-D-G, high string to low string.

• Tuning is often done with the A strings first especially in sessions. Each of the other courses can be tuned up or down to get them in pitch. 
• Get a reliable 'A' from other instruments and tune the second strings to it. Often necessary to tune to the fixed pitch instruments such as the reeds (accordian, melodeon or concertina)
• Hold the second strings down on the 7th fret, and they sound an E. Adjust the first strings until they sounds the same. 
• Hold the third strings down on the 7th fret, and they sound an A. Adjust the third strings until they sound the same as the second. 
• Hold the fourth strings down on the 7th fret, and they sound an D. Adjust the fourth strings until they sound the same as the third.
• It is often easier to tune one string of a course, and then tune the other one to it.

Alternatively, buy an electronic tuner and tune each string using the indicator on the tuner. This is best done in a quiet envionment unless you have a pick-up on the mandolin or a clip on mic which you can plug into the tuner.

• Deaden the other course and remaining strings as you tune with an electronic tuner since the ringing of the other strings sometimes confuses it. 
• Tune frequently (before you start to play each session). 
• When you tune, if you take the string too sharp, tune flat again and tune up to the note. (Tuning down has a tendency for it to slip flat a little further as you play.) 
• Change the strings regularly, and change them in sets.

Be sure you are holding the pick correctly with your right hand, between thumb and index finger, resting on last joint of your finger with pick point pointed toward the strings.  You do not want to hold the pick in such a way that it is extending out from the tip of your finger.
Are you "cradling the neck" with your left hand?  Rest it between thumb and index finger.
Practice fingering your G chord and your A chord.  See charts in lesson book.   Remember- no dead notes!

Student exercises:

#2-- Whole steps and half steps, sharps and flats.
 
Know your notes:  Fifth fret- A/D/G/C
Know:  A whole step up is two frets, and a half step up is one fret
Know:  Sharps are one fret higher and flats are one fret lower
Scale is repeated at the 12th fret.
Know your notes:  Third fret, high to low:  G-C-F-Bb.  Fifth fret, high to low:  A-D-G-C.  Seventh Fret, high to low:  B-E-A-D.

Know the the C major scale and learn these notes on the mandolin:

A note on  harmony

Wikpedia describes harmony as the study of vertical sonorities in music.  Vertical sonority refers to considering the relationships between pitches that occur together; usually this means at the same time, although harmony can also be implied by a melody that outlines a harmonic structure.

Watch for more Bruce Bernhart websites on scales and chord construction!