How Mandolins Are Different From Other String Instruments

Mandolins are string instruments that many people have not heard of, and they are actually growing in popularity by crossing over into a variety of musical genres.  Mandolins are unique in their own way; stay tuned as we discuss how they are different than other string instruments.

One main difference between most string instruments and the mandolin is the number of strings.  Typically most string instruments have 4 strings (violin, viola, cellos, and basses). The mandolin’s string count actually varies with the type of mandolin that you have.  They can range from 4 strings to eight strings.  Most have four courses of doubled strings that are tuned for each note.

The size and tuning also differentiate it from other string instruments.  Another misconception is that you need to have small hands to play the mandolin, because of its short stature, compared to guitars.

For example, a guitar player is used to chromatic one finger-one fret in most playing. The mandolin player (like the violinist) skips a 1/2 step and, for the most part things of the instrument on the diatonic scale (eight note musical scale with seven pitches and the repeated octave).

To have a better idea of what the mandolin sounds and looks like, we have found a few videos that we encourage you to watch, learn from, enjoy, and possibly play along to if you choose to pick up this instrument.