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...

Mandolin has become popular again with all ages. Here in Vancouver, WA, we have a strong bluegrass music scene, along with roots/ Americana music. Mandolin fits right in, tone wise and has a rich musical tradition. Learning to play a mandolin can seem hard. But if you have a patient teacher ( like myself ) use a good music instruction book, and take time to practice, you will learn quickly. Open position mandolin chords ( also known as two finger chords) are easy to learn. I encourage my...