Once you see how this simple fretboard shape works, it makes improvising an interesting mandolin solo fun and easy--even if you're a beginner!

🎶 Grab the PDF transcriptions and MP3 play alongs for this lesson over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/davidbenedictmandolin/posts/how-i-wish-i-to-172849081

Here are 30 iconic bluegrass and old time tunes that some of the best mandolin players out there think you should learn. Huge thanks to all the mandolinists out there at IBMA who contributed to this video! 

If you're looking for that next step beyond Open and Chop Chords on the mandolin, this video is for you. Learn to play ever major and minor chord up and down the neck using these three chord shapes pioneered by the great Jethro Burns.

🎶 Grab the PDF transcriptions and MP3 play alongs for this lesson over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/davidbenedictmandolin/posts/3-mandolin-chord-60079944

"I'll Fly Away" is the perfect case study for levelingup your bluegrass mandolin skills.

🎶 Grab the PDF transcriptions and MP3 play alongs for this lesson over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/davidbenedictmandolin/posts/7-levels-of-ill-139050401

Here it is! Part 1 in a greatly anticipated Chop Chord Series!

🎶 Grab the PDF transcriptions and MP3 play alongs for this lesson over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/davidbenedictmandolin/posts/unlocking-chop-43536754

If I could go back in time to when I was a beginner, there's a lot of things I'd tell myself to do different! Here are 12 things I wish I knew back then, with a little help from Caterina Lichtenberg, Mike Marshall, and all the folks at the Mandolin World Retreat.

Alright, time to study up for St. Patrick's Day! ☘️☘️☘️ Here are perhaps the 10 most common Irish session tunes that we mandolin players should know.

🎶 Grab the PDF transcriptions and MP3 play alongs for this lesson over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/davidbenedictmandolin/posts/top-10-irish-for-124323636

I get this question a LOT! So I figured it was time to find out. Check out this mega beginner mandolin comparison video where we put 7 popular starter models to the test to see which one is the best in terms of sound, playability, and affordability.  Here's the lineup with affiliate links down below.

1. Vangoa Basic VMA10

2. Ibanez M510DVS

3. Recording King Dirty 30s

4. Washburn M1S

5. The Loar LM-110-BRB Honey Creek

6. Kentucky KM 150

7. Eastman MD 305

Would love to hear from you! Which one is your favorite???

How different can 10 mandolinists sound, soloing over the same tune? Check out these incredible melodic ideas from these incredible mandolin players on the classic bluegrass fiddle tune "Bill Cheatham."

🎶 Grab the PDF transcriptions and MP3 play alongs for this lesson over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/davidbenedictmandolin/posts/10-mando-players-92959734

Also, subscribe to these awesome mandolin channels!

Magnus Zetterlund

Lauren Price Napier 

Wayne Benson 

Andy Hatfield

Hayes Griffin 

Kylie Kay Anderson 

Baron Collins-Hill 

Mike Giverin 

Jake Howard

If you're looking to set-up a mandolin at home for the first time, this video is for you. Here are 5 steps to get your mandolin playing and sounding like a dream!

Changing strings on the mandolin is tough, but having a fresh set is so worth it! It changes the sound and feel of the instrument so much. And even though it's tricky, its a skill that anyone can learn. So let's changes strings together!

In this documentary, let's find out together why these 100 year old Lloyd Loar Gibson F-5s are the most valuable and sought after mandolins

In this documentary, let's find out together why these 100 year old Lloyd Loar Gibson F-5s are the most valuable and sought after mandolins in the world, and why they are still held up as the gold standard by players and luthiers alike.

***Sources for this video:

Tony Williamson's Loar Blog 

The Mandolin in America 

The Life & Work of Lloyd Allayre Loar 

Mandolin Cafe Virzi Recording 

Mandolin Cafe Bill's Mandolin Video 

Time to level up your bluegrass mandolin solos on one of the most common jam standards of all time, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." Here are 6 different breaks for this classic with increasing levels of difficulty--how many levels can you play???

🎶 Grab the PDF transcriptions and MP3 play alongs for this lesson over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/davidbenedictmandolin/posts/will-circle-most-101799383

Here is the first lesson in a huge beginner series here on the site! Check out the full free course HERE

So much fun teaming up with bluetuber guitar phenom Marcel Ardans from the LessonsWithMarcel channel for this one! If you're a guitar player picking up the mandolin for the first time, this video is for you! Check out these 10 tips to help you sound like a proper mandolinist!

And be sure to check out the other video we did for Marcel's Channel!

The Bluegrass Box is a shape that can really take your bluegrass mandolin solos to the next level.

🎶 Grab the PDF transcriptions and MP3 play alongs for this lesson over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/davidbenedictmandolin/posts/use-this-shape-107422525

I recently sat down with John Reischman to get the inside scoop on the unique mandolin techniques he uses for his tune "Salt Spring" which has become an international jam sensation in recent years.

If you'd like the tab/notation for this tune, you can find it in the Transcription Book that I made with John for his recent record over on John's website.

Here we go again! Back at the IBMA conference, and this year we're doing kickoffs! Here are 30 iconic bluegrass mandolin intros that the pros think YOU should know.

No tab for these, but here's a PLAYLIST of some reference recordings for all of these so you can learn them straight from the source.

Here are my top 10 technique tips for mandolinists just starting out--but really these are points for everyone. 

Some of the best mandolin advice from some of the best mandolin players in world right here. Y'all! IBMA in Chattanooga was a blast! Gotta check this event out!

Here are 7 steps to learning every note on the fretboard and to get you playing up as far as the 20th fret.

🎶 Grab the PDF transcriptions and MP3 play alongs for this lesson over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/davidbenedictmandolin/posts/master-fretboard-39341195