Above is a picture of my Lyon Healy mandolin. It's known as a tear drop or A model. It was passed on to me from my grandfather, Mitchell Hotra. I've been playing mandolin from an early age. I taught myself a few open position chords. I discovered that it's a very easy instrument to learn. You must have a mandolin that is easy to finger. I teach beginning folk / Americana / country mandolin here in Vancouver WA. I use a few instruction books that are easy to follow. And you will be...
As spring time is right around the corner, it's time to get that old guitar out of the closet and learn to play it right. Above is a picture of my 1973 Gibson J 45 deluxe. It's full of nicks and scratches, but it has " mojo" aka a certain kind if musical vibe that comes with a 40 year old guitar. When choosing a guitar for lessons, you don't need the most expensive guitar. Just have a guitar that: Is easy to play and doesn't cause your fingers to hurt. Stays in tune And find an...