MANDOLIN!
Here's the instrument that's regained its popularity.
There's lots of music available for the mando and large portion of it is free!
From bluegrass to classical to jazz, it's all happening in mandolin circles.
What makes the mandolin such a popular instrument of choice
for a plectrum (pick) style instrument? Beyond its wonderful ringing voice
is its tuning. The distance between the double coursed strings is that of
an interval of a fifth. This is unlike the guitar that is tuned
predominantly in intervals of a fourth with a major third thrown in. If
you are a student of the violin, the mandolin is its counterpart in the fretted
instrument area. You'll find many professional players pairing up on
manolin/violin. I should also mention that this popular tuning also
transfers to the tenor banjo as well!
EMPHASIS OF STUDY:
ELEMENTARY STUDIES: BLUEGRASS STYLING
SCALES, CHORDS, MUSIC THEORY
CELTIC, ROCK/BLUES, CLASSICAL STYLING
MUSIC NOTATION: STANDARD/TABLATURE
THE INSTRUMENT: PLAYING IN A BAND
FINGER BOARD THEORY
HISTORY OF THE INSTRUMENT/PROMINENT PLAYERS
RECOMMENDED BOOK