gcpicken - Posted - 11/07/2020:  16:07:21

I didn’t see a forum I felt this would belong in. So I’m sorry if this is in the wrong place. I do have a Mandolin. It’s kind of nice looking Eastman, but I have never put time into trying to play it. I’m focusing on banjo. Which brings me to my question -



How would you suggest I go about finding a mandolin player locally to jam with? My locale is not one that is big on bluegrass. I’m not aware of any bluegrass jams around. I regularly go to open mic nights and have met a lot of musicians who play solo or in bands, and some teachers, but no leads on mando players.



Any thoughts?

Edited by - gcpicken on 11/07/2020 21:42:33

TSSN - Posted - 11/07/2020:  18:14:39

My first thought would be to inquire at your local music store or guitar store. I have several where I live, and at least one of them still has a bulletin boards with various postings, some for local jam circles.

gcpicken - Posted - 11/07/2020:  21:50:28

Thank you. That started another thought process. I know a fellow who works on fretted instruments. He may leads. Also, I went on a website for musicians looking for bands. Most of them seemed pretty serious and experienced, but in most cases “...and mandolin” was kind of thrown in at the end of a long list of instruments. I imagine if you play any stringed instrument you can chop a mandolin.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 11/08/2020:  04:55:00

You might ask on this forum if there are any mandolin pickers in your area. You might also ask on the Banjohangout if any of the pickers also play mandolin and might be in your area.

Yooper - Posted - 11/08/2020:  07:37:44

Also, at least to get started, there are lots of "jam along" videos and cds. The Pete Wernick and the "All Star Bluegrass Jam Along" with Matt Flinner on mandolin come to mind. Those have parts written out and you can play along with the band.

gcpicken - Posted - 11/08/2020:  19:54:05

quote:

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Originally posted by gcpicken

Thank you. That started another thought process. I know a fellow who works on fretted instruments. He may leads. Also, I went on a website for musicians looking for bands. Most of them seemed pretty serious and experienced, but in most cases “...and mandolin” was kind of thrown in at the end of a long list of instruments. I imagine if you play any stringed instrument you can chop a mandolin.

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I didn’t mean to offend - I know there is technique to good “chopping”, as with any aspect of playing any instrument. So, I’m sorry if anyone took that wrong.

TSSN - Posted - 11/09/2020:  10:12:40

quote:

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Originally posted by gcpicken

quote:

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Originally posted by gcpicken

Thank you. That started another thought process. I know a fellow who works on fretted instruments. He may leads. Also, I went on a website for musicians looking for bands. Most of them seemed pretty serious and experienced, but in most cases “...and mandolin” was kind of thrown in at the end of a long list of instruments. I imagine if you play any stringed instrument you can chop a mandolin.

---

I didn’t mean to offend - I know there is technique to good “chopping”, as with any aspect of playing any instrument. So, I’m sorry if anyone took that wrong.

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None taken! 

gcpicken - Posted - 11/11/2020:  21:20:29

Hi, Thank you for this suggestion. I do have tracks, and two friends that I get together with each week, who both play bass and guitar, but we were looking to add mandolin. But I will check out your suggestion as another practice tool.

quote:

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Originally posted by Yooper

Also, at least to get started, there are lots of "jam along" videos and cds. The Pete Wernick and the "All Star Bluegrass Jam Along" with Matt Flinner on mandolin come to mind. Those have parts written out and you can play along with the band.

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Eddie Collins - Posted - 11/12/2020:  12:02:20

Seems at one time there was a Boone County Bluegrass band in your area...tracking any member of that group down would probably get some results.

Br1ck - Posted - 11/13/2020:  14:16:24

This is difficult in the best of times. Right now, established groups aren't even getting together. Think about it.