Introduction to the Mandolin

Let me just get in some basics about the instrument that you're learning how to play. Here are the various parts of the mandolin:

• Headstock: This is the top part of the mandolin.
• Tuning Pegs: These are used to tune the instrument.
• Truss Rod Cover: The little black plate located here.
• Truss Rod: A metal rod that goes inside the neck to keep it straight; it can actually be adjusted if you take that plate off.

Key Components

• Fingerboard: This is on top of the neck.
• Position Markers: These little dots are used to indicate fret positions.
• Frets: The metal parts going across this style of mandolin.
• Scroll Point: Another characteristic feature.
• F Holes: These are the sound holes on the body.
• Bridge Strings: This component holds the strings in place.
• Tail Piece: The part where the string ends attach.

Types of Mandolins

There are various different kinds of mandolins. A lot of times, people see me playing this and say, "Well, what's that instrument?" And I say, "It's a mandolin." They go, "Really? I thought a mandolin kind of had a round bulging shape."

This brings me to the F Style Mandolin:

• Developed here in the United States by a man named Lloyd Lohr, who worked for Gibson in the early 20s.
• This style, known as the F Style, is what I'm playing today.

This mandolin here is not made by Gibson but is based on the Gibson F5 Style Mandolin and happens to be made by Stan Miller.

Additionally, there are other styles of mandolins, such as:

• Teardrop Shape: This one happens to be made by Ibanez.
• Volume Knobs and Pickups: These are for playing amplified music. In traditional bluegrass, you wouldn't have that on there; you would just play through a microphone with a teardrop-shaped mandolin.

Gibson made a lot of these, often referred to as A Styles:

• Some have a round hole in the middle, while others, like this one, have F holes.

Today, there are countless makers designing all kinds of interesting shapes and designs for mandolins. It's a fascinating time to explore what mandolin luthiers are creating these days!