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Progressive Mandolin for Beginners
Great book for beginners. I like the fact that having a CD included helps building the confidence in learning how to play the instrument with the correct techniques. Because I am knowledgeable enough about the rudiments of music, I found it easy to understand, however, I have to consider those who never had any experience playing an instrument. I believed that for a complete beginner, he/she might need some actual help on one to one if find it hard to understand. In general the materials are good for beginners.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: maymusic2
Avoid this book
I was busy following P Gelling's lessons, but couldn't understand the fingering (which finger to use for the various frets) he proposes. Very uncomfortable gymnastics of the fingers is required by his instructions.
As a beginner, I initially just accepted his instruction, but subsequently referred to other www sites for illumination. It’s as well I did. Per multiple sources (including the oracle, Mandolin Cafe) the fingering I learnt from Gelling is utterly incorrect, and I now have to relearn my mandolin fingering.
I cannot understand where Gelling is coming from. It seems perverse to teach something as fundamental as fingering incorrectly, or is there some weird and wonderful reason for his approach?
I suggest that if you are a mandolin beginner, avoid this book.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: jenspen7