Don Julin - Mandolin for Dummies: 2nd Edition

Mandolin For Dummies, 2nd Edition

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Copyright 2021 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2020944846

ISBN 978-1-119-73664-6 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-119-73669-1 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-119-73670-7 (ebk)

It is with great pleasure and a sense of pride that I welcome you to Mandolin For Dummies. Our unique little musical instrument the mandolin is one filled with limitless possibilities. Whether youre just learning or youve been working at it for a considerable amount of time, a wealth of valuable information awaits you within these pages.

The mandolin had its beginning in Europe centuries ago. During the natural migration of humans seeking new opportunities and a better life, people often took with them the family mandolin which was portable, unlike the bulkier guitar or piano. The mandolin found itself in new surroundings, mixing with unfamiliar music and cultures. New music genres were being born. The influence of Italian music took hold in Brazil and spread to other parts of South America. Europes classical music found a good home in todays Asian mandolin orchestras. In the United States, penniless immigrants who had entered the country through New Yorks Ellis Island ultimately mingled with the descendents of African slaves to create new styles of soulful, hyper-charged folk music.

Its within this context that we celebrate the mandolin, which brings us to the books author. Don Julin has dedicated his entire life to making great music on the mandolin. Hes a musicians musician. At performances, Don might be trading solos with a Hammond B3 organ, cello, drummer or electric guitar. On occasion, you find him performing solo mandolin with a loop recorder where he layers his own back-up in real time. Don also works with everyone from folk singers to seasoned jazz professionals. As if that isnt enough, he leads ensembles of all sizes (including a mandolin orchestra), composes for film and television, has owned a recording studio and is widely recognized for his writing and teaching. In short, Don is a musician you wont find tied to or limited by any genre.

Diversity is Don Julins strength. In him, we have the perfect author for Mandolin For Dummies and a terrific mentor to lead us forward in one of lifes great joys playing music. Enjoy!

Scott Tichenor
Mandolin Cafe ( www.mandolincafe.com )

1. Appendix C

1. Chapter 1
2. Chapter 2
3. Chapter 3
4. Chapter 4
5. Chapter 5
6. Chapter 6
7. Chapter 7
8. Chapter 8
9. Chapter 9
10. Chapter 10
11. Chapter 11
12. Chapter 12
13. Chapter 13
14. Chapter 14
15. Chapter 15
16. Chapter 17
17. Chapter 18
18. Appendix B

Mandolins heal the world! Recent scientific studies show that the mandolin has the amazing ability to reverse the ageing process, give temporary relief from depression and anxiety, and possibly even cure cancer. Experience the miracle of this diminutive yet powerful instrument!

For many years this was the opening statement on my website ( www.donjulin.com ). Even though it may not be backed up by a legitimate medical study, this little sales pitch has put smiles on the faces of many people. I hope that it encouraged some readers to pick up the mandolin and begin to feel the healing.

From Mozarts Deh, Vieni Alla Finestra to Led Zeppelins The Battle of Evermore, the mandolin has brought that special something to a wide range of musical styles for more than 200 years. The instrument that started out serenading passengers on gondolas in Venice, Italy, played the leading role in the development of bluegrass in America. Although to some people the mandolin looks like a little guitar, hearing a few notes is enough to show that this is no guitar: The mandolin is much cooler than a guitar!

You dont have to read Mandolin For Dummies, 2nd Edition from cover to cover, and I promise theres no test at the end! Think of this book more as a reference that allows you to go straight to the topic or technique youre interested in. If scales arent your focus today, simply bypass those sections and jump to another topic. (Those scales or timing exercises may look [or sound] good in a few months.) This book has useful information for the beginner, but also includes some sage advice from some of todays top pros.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of this book:

• Look carefully at the photos: Positioning your hands properly is very important to obtain a good tone from your mandolin. The photos give you a better idea of what your fingers need to look like than just using the chord charts.