learn to play mandolin

It’s not easy. And I probably could be pretty good by now if my relationship with the mandolin wasn’t so on-again, off-again. But I am getting better! My fingers move in ways I never would have thought they could when I first started playing. I’m no virtuoso, but I can play a pretty strong tremolo, switch quickly(ish) between all of the bluegrass “chop” chords, do pretty much any strumming pattern comfortably (a huge challenge for me!), and I’m getting better at crosspicking. All in all, I’m happy with what I can do so far. I’m going to keep at it.

I’ve been taking half-hour lessons once a week through my college and, while it’s been helpful to keep me motivated to improve a little from week to week, most of my intense learning is done on my own by just playing around. I think that lessons can be a big help to some, but they’re definitely not essential if you’re a fairly self-disciplined (or obsessed) person willing to devote a few hours a week to practicing.

I’m so glad I’ve finally buckled down and committed to learning a new instrument! All throughout high school I attached this weird sort of mystery to being able to play the guitar; people that could actually do it seemed blessed with some rare gift. The reality is, if you work hard enough, you can learn. It’s just a matter of getting over the initial intimidation.

Over the weekend, I practiced for one solid hour, then “solo’ed” along with my boyfriend as he played songs on the guitar. I’m finally getting more comfortable with scales and reading music is coming back to me; it’s been a long time since I last played violin, but it’s amazing what you retain! Strumming and using a pick is still a challenge, and I can’t quite stretch my fingers to reach that G chord yet, but I’m working on it. I’ve got to just keep at it.