Mandolin Technique

Mandolin playing styles have changed over the years.

In centuries past, the mandolin was used as a picked version of the violin. It was a melodic instrument and players rarely fretted full chords. Sustain was achieved by the use of tremolo picking.

These days, innovative musicians are using the mandolin in a much more well-rounded way. Now, it’s both a melody instrument and a rhythm instrument.

Just as mandolin design has changed and improved in the 20th century, so have mandolin playing techniques. The modern F-style mandolin is truly a 21st century instrument, and creative people are finding new ways to make music with it every day.