The mandolin belongs to the Lute family of musical instruments. It is one of the string instruments that are played by plucking the strings with your fingers. Mandolins exist as the eight or ten string versions depending on the musician’s preferences.
It has been described as a miniature version of the guitar. The mandolin was discovered in the eighteenth century; the name “mandolin” originated from the place it was invented in Italy. The mandolin was first used as a musical instrument for solo performances. The musicians plucked the strings to create beautiful sounds while singing along. This form of entertainment spread across to other countries in Europe and the West.
Over time the mandolin was used by music composers and in the orchestra. Now, it can be creatively used to play a wide range of songs from different music genres. Learning how to play the mandolin will require some lessons. Students can choose the online mandolin lessons for beginners to get an idea of what it takes to play the mandolin.
What are the Best Mandolin Lessons for Beginners?
2)ArtistWorks:Classical Mandolin Lessons with Caterina Lichtenberg
- Classical Songs
- Music Theory
- Different Techniques
- Highly Rated
1)ArtistWorks: Mandolin Lessons with Mike Marshall
- High Quality Course
- Guided by Mike Marshall
- Well Arranged
- Great for All
- Practical Exercises
3) Mandolessons: Mandolin lessons for beginners
- Interactive Curriculum
- Hints and Tips
- Comfortable to Learn
The online mandolin lessons for beginners have been created by professionals whose passion for the musical instrument has been translated into short courses for beginners. During the course, new learners are introduced to different features and techniques that help to form a strong foundation as mandolin players.
Choosing a mandolin course for beginners online is not so difficult. Each course has been described in short texts to inform potential students about the scope, and what they can learn during the program. The mandolin lessons also feature tips and free learning materials to help beginners understand what must be done to avoid common errors and improve their techniques.
Many people are interested in learning how to play mandolins for different reasons. For example, it is a great musical instrument for solo or group performances. Students also have an edge during music examinations if they can play the mandolin. Upcoming musicians can also increase their chances of being considered to join bands during auditions by displaying mandolin skills. It is also perfect for people who enjoy bluegrass, classical music, or the traditional Italian tunes.
The following mandolin lessons for beginners offer everyone an opportunity to learn the basics about mandolins and how to apply this knowledge in practical terms.
9 Best Mandolin Lessons for Beginners Review
1) Artistworks: Mandolin lessons for beginners with Mike Marshall
Students who need a mandolin course for beginners that covers the different styles and techniques should consider this learning program. The course is quite comprehensive; it covers the basics about mandolins which introduce students taking the course to the musical instrument. The lessons have been well arranged to make it possible for all participants to learn conveniently.
During this course, students will learn how to sit properly while playing the mandolin. This knowledge is essential because it helps with daily practice. There are also lessons about tuning the mandolin, understanding the left and right-hand techniques and how to use them while playing the musical instrument. Students also have a chance to learn open and minor chords of the mandolin.
There are special lessons which are focused on teaching students about the bluegrass chop chords, and how to apply the moveable chords. The practical exercises include tips that help students to master the chord progressions.
At the end of this course, students will know all about the licks, chords, and how to apply the principles of rhythm and melody while playing their favorite tunes with the mandolin. The lessons are simple; they have been created as video files to help students study the demonstrations of the instructor.
This course is managed by Mike Marshall; he is a multi-talented instrumentalist who has made it possible for students to learn how to play the mandolin through an interactive program which also offers video exchanges. Marshall’s career as a music teacher spans a period of thirty-five years.
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2) Artistworks: Classical mandolin lessons for beginners with Caterina Lichtenberg
This mandolin course for beginners offers an opportunity to learn how to play mandolins to classical songs. The learning program has been created for beginners who have never played the mandolin before. During this course, students will be introduced to the music theory and practical exercises aimed at helping them improve their techniques with the musical instrument. The course features hundreds of classical play-along tracks which can help beginners develop confidence during practice sessions.
Other areas covered in this online mandolin course for beginners include the fundamentals of classical mandolin, postural guidance to hold the mandolin and tips on correct sitting or standing positions while playing the musical instrument.
Students also have an opportunity to learn from a professional mandolin player how to combine the left and right-hand techniques while playing mandolins. There are also helpful tips about changing notes and playing a single note. The course has featured lessons which introduce students to the tremolo, stroke coordination, hand positions, and understanding the concept behind the ornaments.
These mandolin lessons for beginners have been packaged as one course by Caterine Lichtenberg; she is a professional classical mandolin player. Her area of expertise covers the ancient works of great composers such as Calace, Ranieri, Cristofaro, and Branzoli, among others. Caterine has been recognized as an ambassador and professional soloist with the mandolin for classical music. She has also earned a reputation as a music teacher.
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3) Mandolessons.com: Mandolin lessons for beginners
Students from all over the world can take these mandolin lessons for beginners. The program features an interactive curriculum which includes the use of video lessons to teach the students. The first lessons in this course teach students about the mandolin and how they can set up the musical instrument for practice. There are tips on how to hold the mandolin before use. The lessons are created for beginners who need to learn the basic methods of playing mandolins.
After an introduction, students are taught the first strumming lessons for beginners. With this knowledge, it is easy to produce the first chords during practice. The music theory for this course covers topics such as learning about the mandolin, chords, scales, chord progression, the left and right hand techniques, and the hammer on the mandolin concept.
Also, the course outline gives students a chance to learn how to play the reels, major and minor chords, the jigs, and tremolo. There are also tips to help students understand the process of switching chords while playing the mandolin.
There are lessons focused on bluegrass. In this part, students can learn how to play along tracks, apply the major scales, and play the triplets with mandolins. During the course, students are given many tips on improvisation and increasing speed while practicing with the mandolin.
This learning program was started by Baron Collins-Hill. He is a talented instrumentalist who started playing mandolins over eighteen years ago. Baron’s extensive study of the musical instrument made it easy to compile a comprehensive online study program for beginners who want to learn how to play mandolins.
4) Online Academy of Irish Music: Mandolin lessons for beginners
This course has been created to give everyone who loves traditional Ireland music a chance to play these songs with the mandolin. However, the lessons are generalized to cover other areas. So, all participants in this course will have an opportunity to discover more ways to play mandolins. The lessons start with the basics to give students a foundational knowledge about mandolins. The course starts with a complimentary free six lessons for all beginners.
First, students are taught how to hold the mandolin, this skill helps with practice, and it reduces the common mistakes students make while practicing with the mandolin. There are also lessons that cover music theory such as how to use backtracks, learning about the chords, melody, rhythm, and playing mandolins to get the right tunes.
Other areas covered in this beginner’s course include an introduction to the plectrum motions, the right finger positions, and ornamentation. At the end of the course, each participant will have the skills to play fourteen traditional Irish tunes with the mandolin.
Paddy Cummins, a certified music teacher, is the lead instructor for this course. Cummins has compiled a collection of high-quality video lessons which can be accessed by all students taking the course. The structure used for this beginner’s course also makes it easy for all students to learn at their own pace.
5) Mandolin Compass: Beginner mandolin lessons
This mandolin course for beginners is for students who are interested in learning different concepts about the musical instrument and their applications. The lessons featured in this course aim to give all students a solid foundation to improve their mandolin techniques.
The lessons in this course cover essential areas such as the correct hand and finger positions, how to tune the mandolin, strumming techniques, how to use tabs, and all about the mandolin chords. There are special tips to help students understand the concept of switching chords and playing songs with single or multiple chords.
To get started, each student is offered a couple of free lessons. These lessons provide an insight to help the students understand the lessons and what they can gain after the course. Students will also have access to dozens of songs which can be used for practice. With these songs, it is easy for all students to improve their skills using knowledge from the concepts they have learned during the course.
Everyone who is interested in playing mandolins as a solo performance will also find helpful tips during this course. For this aspect, students are given access to songs suitable for solo performances to help them practice.
The entire mandolin course for beginners has been organized by Brad Laird. He is a music teacher and professional mandolin player. Laird has been teaching music for many years and supports his students through high-quality video lessons to learn all about mandolins.
6) Bradleylaird.com: Mandolin lessons for beginners
The lessons offered in this mandolin course for beginners are free. This course offers everyone who is passionate about the mandolin a chance to achieve their dreams. In addition to the free lessons, students who take this course can also learn from many free materials about the mandolin.
This course is for young and older students who are playing the mandolin for the first time. The lessons have been simplified and can be taken at the student’s convenience. The course features video lessons and PDF files which can be downloaded by students.
During this program, students are taught about the chords, how to read the tabs, applying the hand techniques and the different positions to play mandolins. There are also audio tracks which can be used during practice sessions. The video lessons feature the lead instructor for this beginner’s course demonstrating the different techniques. Students who wish to play the mandolin while sitting or standing will get the necessary knowledge to achieve this goal.
This course is taught by Bradley Laird; he is a music teacher and professional mandolin player. He has compiled a lot of free materials such as eBooks, video lessons, PDF, and podcasts to help all students who take this course master the mandolin.
7) Banjobenclark.com: Mandolin lessons for beginners
This is a complete beginner’s mandolin learning program; it is suitable for young children and older students. The lessons featured in this mandolin program for beginners are ideal for students who want to learn how to play mandolins to different songs.
Students who take this course will learn the best strumming techniques, how to tune the mandolin to get the right tunes, and the best hand positions most suitable for the songs they wish to play. The lessons are presented as instructional videos; they are of high-quality and easy to use.
Some areas covered by the lessons in this package include music theory where students learn the basic concept of mandolin rhythm and melody, the scales, chords, all about double stops and the triplets. There are lessons presented to help students have a better understanding of the G-major scale and Tremolo. Students are also introduced to concepts such as the arpeggios, how to use time signatures, and improvisation.
The lessons in this course cover a vast area regarding the mandolin. This makes it easy for students to learn from a broad perspective and attain a strong foundation to continue with advanced studies after completing the mandolin lessons for beginners.
8) Peghead nation: Mandolin lessons for beginners with Sharon Gilchrist
The lessons in this mandolin course for beginners have been organized by Sharon Gilchrist, a reputable mandolin teacher who has converted her knowledge and mandolin expertise into short and intuitive video lessons for beginners. The course is suitable for young and older students interested in becoming expert mandolin players.
The lessons cover all aspects of mandolin basics such as learning about tuning mandolins, the chords, and scales. Students have an opportunity to learn mandolin music theory and apply this knowledge in practical exercises. Also, there are lessons that teach students about bluegrass techniques and old popular tunes.
During the course, all participants will be able to download backtracks to practice their play along techniques and improve learned skills. In total, there are about eighty videos for this mandolin beginner’s course; they last for about nine hours. However, students can choose to take each lesson at their convenience which makes the learning experience easier.
There are also special lessons that introduce students to the left and right hand techniques. Also students are given a chance to learn and understand the concept behind ear training and how it helps during training sessions.
The video lessons feature the teacher playing the mandolin while explaining the different techniques used. The videos are of high-quality and are shot from different angles. This makes it easy for students to study and understand the practical use of all mandolin concepts. The music teacher has also added tips and hints to help students avoid common mistakes that can slow their progress. After completing this course, students can continue practicing simple songs to improve their mandolin techniques.
9) Mandomontreal.com: Mandolin lessons for beginners
The key areas covered in this beginner’s course for everyone who wants to learn how to play the mandolin are classical mandolin, jazz, and folk music. All students who take this course have a chance to focus on any of these areas after completing the introductory lessons.
The first lessons help to get the students prepared for the course. At this stage, they are taught about the musical instrument, how to hold it, strumming methods, understanding the chords and the hand positions.
There are special mandolin lessons for young children who need to start learning about mandolins and form a strong foundation. After the first introductory lessons, students are introduced to the classical mandolin and how to create a repertoire in this area. According to their needs, students can also take lessons focused on jazz mandolin, improvisation and playing tunes with the right notes.
There are further lessons to help students understand the concept of picking chords and solo performances while playing folk songs with the mandolin.
The music teacher in charge of this course is named Jonathan Belanger. He is a music conductor, multi-instrumentalist and conductor. Jonathan’s expertise with the mandolin covers teaching folk, jazz and classical mandolin to all students.
Choosing the Best Mandolin Lessons for Beginners
The online mandolin courses for beginners are a shortcut for music students and others who have a passion for the musical instrument. The music teachers have compressed knowledge from years of studying the mandolin into simple online lessons for everyone.
However, it is important to ensure the structure is convenient for you. For example, it is important to check the duration of lessons to know if you can create free time to take them daily or weekly.
2)ArtistWorks:Classical Mandolin Lessons with Caterina Lichtenberg
- Classical Songs
- Music Theory
- Different Techniques
- Highly Rated
1)ArtistWorks: Mandolin Lessons with Mike Marshall
- High Quality Course
- Guided by Mike Marshall
- Well Arranged
- Great for All
- Practical Exercises
3) Mandolessons: Mandolin lessons for beginners
- Interactive Curriculum
- Hints and Tips
- Comfortable to Learn
Some mandolin music teachers offer beginners a chance to upload their practice videos for an assessment. This learning approach will be helpful to help students understand their mistakes and make corrections. If you are a fan of interactive learning, these courses may be most suitable for you.
It is also a good idea to register for online mandolin courses that have a proper structure. Some courses feature video lessons that have been uploaded without defined labels. Beginners who take these lessons have little guidance to know the first lessons for beginners. You may also consider mandolin courses that provide extra learning materials that can be downloaded and used for reference even after completing the beginner’s course.