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Learn Mandolin

Four pairs of strings tuned in fifths, from chop chords to fiddle tunes.

Free to start. Built from a single prompt. No credit card.

The mandolin has eight strings in four pairs, called courses, tuned G, D, A, E from low to high, the same as a violin. Because the strings are tuned in fifths, scale and chord shapes stay the same in every key, and fiddle tunes transfer directly. Players use a firm pick, play each pair as one note, and learn the short, percussive chop chord that drives bluegrass rhythm, plus tremolo for sustained melodies. Learnr builds a personalized mandolin course from one prompt, with short interactive lessons on tuning, picking, chords and tunes.

How to learn Mandolin, step by step

Tune each pair in unison. Tune both strings of each course to the same pitch: G, D, A and E from lowest to highest. Pairs that are slightly apart sound sour, so tune each string separately with a clip-on tuner and then check them together.
Hold a stiff pick and alternate strictly. Use a thicker pick held between thumb and the side of the index finger, and play down on beats and up on the offbeats. Pick both strings of a pair in one motion so they sound as a single note.
Learn first-position melodies and scales. Because of the fifths tuning, a one-octave major scale uses frets 0, 2, 4 and 5 on one string and continues on the next. Play G and D major scales slowly, then simple melodies that sit inside them.
Learn chop chords for rhythm. Movable four-finger chord shapes, often called chop chords, let you play any chord by moving one shape. Strike them sharply on beats two and four and release finger pressure right away for the short, percussive chop of bluegrass.
Practice tremolo slowly and evenly. Rapid down-up picking on one note sustains it, which is how mandolinists play long melodic notes. Start with measured sixteenth notes against a metronome so the tremolo stays even instead of turning into a nervous flutter.
Learn fiddle tunes by ear and from tab. Pick tunes such as Soldier's Joy or Red Haired Boy, learn one part at a time, and play along with recordings. Short Learnr lessons each day keep scales and tunes moving forward between jam sessions.

What you'll learn

Tune the four courses to G, D, A, E and keep each pair in unison
Pick cleanly with down-up alternate picking
Play open chords and the movable chop chord shapes
Use tremolo to sustain melodies
Play fiddle tunes and major scales in common keys

What's inside your Mandolin course

A sample path Learnr builds for Mandolin. Your real course adapts to your goal and level.

1. The mandolin, tuning in fifths and holding the pick
2. Alternate picking and first melodies
3. Open chords and rhythm strumming
4. Chop chords and bluegrass rhythm
5. Tremolo, slides and hammer-ons
6. Fiddle tunes and movable scales

How long does it take to learn Mandolin?

Most beginners play simple melodies and a few chords within 1 to 2 months of daily 20 minute practice. Clean chop rhythm and a handful of fiddle tunes usually take 6 to 12 months. Earlier experience with violin or guitar shortens the curve, since note layout or picking carries over.

What you need before you start

A mandolin with a decent setup, a medium or heavy pick, and a tuner. No experience is needed, though violinists will already know the note layout.

Common mistakes to avoid

Pressing only one string of a pair, which causes buzzing and weak notes. Place the fingertip so it covers both strings of the course.
Holding chop chords down after striking them. Release pressure right away so the chord stays short and percussive.
Using a thin, floppy guitar pick, which makes clean tone and tremolo much harder. A thicker pick gives better control on the doubled strings.

How Learnr builds your course

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Mandolin questions, answered

Is mandolin tuned like a violin?

Yes. The four courses are tuned G, D, A, E from low to high, the same pitches as a violin, so violin music and fingering patterns carry over directly.

Is mandolin harder than guitar?

It has fewer courses and a shorter neck, which keeps chord shapes compact, but the paired strings are tight and need firm fingertip pressure. Many people find the first melodies easier on mandolin and the first chords slightly harder.