Bluegrass Mandolin for the Complete Ignoramus

Well, if this book is designed for an ignoramus, then by the author’s standards I must be a complete moron! I you are looking for a good quick start guide to mastering the mandolin, I would not recommend this book. The author’s own self proclaimed ‘simple’ method of self-devised tabs are not particularly easy to understand: where the standard numerical tab system tells the student which fret to place their fingers, Mr Erbsen’s method depicts the actual notes on each string. I can appreciate that this system encourages the student to actually learn the notes but it is nevertheless confusing if you are more accustomed to traditional tab and does require some time to adjust. Also, the generous amount of music supplied comes on a CD, which isn’t very convenient in these days of digital downloads and streaming. However, the book also has many good points; not the least of which is the ring-bound cover, which guarantees that the book stays open at the page you want instead of folding itself shut halfway through a tune or exercise. Also, the is plenty of music to learn and study, all presented in an agreeable homespun style. I have to add that whilst I am a total beginner on the mandolin I am an accomplished guitarist and a full time guitar teacher with many years teaching experience behind me. I didn’t exactly take to this book like a duck to water but if you are determined enough, you will make progress. Just be advised it isn’t exactly the most intuitive book but with some effort you will achieve results.

If you're thinking of buying a mandolin but are not sure if you can get to grips with it - you can if you buy this book! If you've already got a mando and are struggling or lacking in confidence, this is the tutor for you. As soon as you open it, it draws you in and you're off!! It's great fun and highly rewarding. The only problem is with sore fingertips, because you don't want to put the thing down.I did have trouble with the CD. My Windows 7 laptop wouldn't recognise it. I read it with a Windows Vista laptop, then ripped the audio files (they can't be copied directly) and transferred these to my other laptop. I'm not deducting any stars for this inconvenience (which may be the fault of my computer), because this book/CD is by a long way the best tutorial I've ever read - and I have quite a collection. Wayne's style is interesting and positive - he promises results and he delivers the goods. There's a great selection of practice songs. I love bluegrass, but even if you don't, getting these songs down will get you well on your way regardless of which style you are interested in.I'm no longer the eternal beginner! I'm about to buy Wayne's guitar tutor (a companion to this book). I can feel another breakthrough coming on.P.S. If you're looking for a budget priced mandolin, I can highly recommend the Wesley Electric Acoustic (green or red). Wesley Electric Green Mahogany Acoustic Mandolin - w/ Professional Setup

The end product of using this book is undoubtably you will have a good foundation to go on to maestro level, it is simple, progressive and most of all motivational. What it sets out to achieve it & you will do very well.However, it does teach you in standard notation rather than tablature, which to a lazy ignoramus like me was a bit of a negative, I have taught myself banjo from books all in tablature and found the prospect of standard notation daunting, but if you have the desire to "do the job properly" this is for you.

As a complete beginner to the mandolin or any musical instrument, this book is superb! After only a couple of weeks I can play the first couple of tunes (badly lol) and a quite few chords. Seeing as I don't get a lot of time for practice this is a big achievement for me. The CD that comes with it is very good too. I like the way the book makes playing fun, to me that is important. I like the way the author's tab system works alongside the notes so I am starting to read music without really realising it. He explains everything in nice simple easy to understand terms.A great book and CD for a total beginner.

Finally a book thats helped me get started with the Mandolin, I have had other book/CDs that are suppose to be for the beginner, and have never got anywhere.This book and CD has only been with me a couple of days, and I can play along to the CD with three of the songs.I would totally recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to play the mandolin, who has no idea how to play the mandolin.The tab is different to tab in other books, but everything is explained really well.

A brilliant introduction to Bluegrass mandolin packed full of information on technique as well as lots of well chosen and simple songs to get you going. My only wish is that he had stuck with normal musical notation and tab as that's what we use everywhere else!

This is a step by step guide to play well know/beautiful bluegrass tunes. You can tell that the author is well used to teaching students - his approach is simple but thorough. I am teaching my 8 year old daughter - & she is completely hooked. More formal books are heavy going and a real turn off - but this one keeps you going till the very end.Thankyou Wayne!!!!!

Very happy with Wayne Erbsen's book - very easy to understand and I like the way he put the note names instead of just the fret positions as with other books. Lots of tips as well for easier playing - hope to continue. Thanks Wayne