Electric Mandolin article
Electric Mandolin for Beginners: A Complete Guide
G, D and A — the three starting chords. Tremolo, double courses and amplifier setup — here's the complete first-steps guide for new players.
If you already play acoustic mandolin, picking up an electric mandolin is a relatively smooth transition — the technique carries over almost entirely. If this is your first mandolin in any format, the basics apply equally to both. Here is how to approach the instrument from the beginning.
Understanding the Instrument
The mandolin has four pairs of strings, each tuned in unison: G, D, A, E from low to high — the same pitches as the top four strings of a guitar, but in reverse order of thickness. The double courses mean each note is produced by striking two strings simultaneously, which gives the instrument its characteristic bright, ringing tone. On an electric mandolin, this double-course character is preserved, but the sustain is extended and the tone is shaped by the pickup and amplifier.
Holding the Instrument
Hold the body against your body with the strumming arm resting over the top of the instrument. The neck should point away from you at a slight upward angle — similar to a ukulele or guitar. Keep the neck supported with the thumb of the fretting hand behind the neck, not wrapped over it. A strap is useful for standing playing and keeps the position consistent.
The Pick and Tremolo
Mandolin is almost always played with a pick. A teardrop pick in medium to heavy gauge is the standard starting choice. The defining technique of the instrument is tremolo — a rapid up-down picking motion that sustains notes beyond what a single pick stroke allows. Practise tremolo as a separate exercise: pick a single note repeatedly at a controlled, even pace, gradually increasing speed until the individual strokes blur into a single sustained tone.
First Chords
G major, D major and A minor are the three most accessible starting chords. In G position, the first two strings (E courses) are open, the D courses are open, and the G string is fretted at the second fret with one finger — this gives you a G chord. The mandolin's small scale means chord shapes require precise finger placement; fingers that touch adjacent strings produce unwanted buzzes. Practise pressing cleanly from the start.
Using the Amplifier with Your Electric Mandolin
Start with the amplifier's tone set flat — all EQ controls at noon. This gives you a reference point for the instrument's natural amplified character before colouring it. Most electric mandolin players add a small amount of reverb for warmth and cut the high frequencies slightly to prevent harshness. Experiment gradually rather than reaching for extreme settings immediately. For buying guidance, see the buyer's guide. The overview guide covers pickup types and body formats in detail.
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