Although the mandolin has strings and frets like a guitar, it is tuned much more like a violin, making it an excellent melody instrument.

You can play various music on the mandolin, including, but not limited to, bluegrass, folk, Irish, classical, blues, jazz, Brazilian, and even rock and roll.

It depends on what type of music you want to play. Reading music is not necessary if you want to play bluegrass, old gospel songs, classic country, or baby-boomer rock songs. However, you must learn to read music to play classical, jazz, or in your local mandolin orchestra.

There are many to choose from nowadays, but I like the entry-level Kentucky and Eastman mandolins

Although they are similar in size, they are quite different. A uke is more closely related to a guitar, while the mandolin is closer to the violin or lute family of instruments.

No! Just because the frets are closer together than a guitar does not mean that the reaches or stretches are any less for the mandolin.

In some ways, the mandolin is easier to learn than the guitar. If you want to play melody mandolin is a better choice. If you are primarily a singer and want your instrument to supply your accompaniment, the guitar or octave mandolin may be a better choice.

Mandolin For Dummies

https://donjulin.bandcamp.com/merch/mandolin-for-dummies

It sounds great, is easy to carry, and is fun. Besides, there are plenty of guitar players, so mandolins are usually very welcome in a jam.

Fiddle tunes are catchy little melodies from various cultures, including many with Irish roots. They require good left—and right-hand skills, making them perfect for the budding mandolin player.