In no small part due to TBF as well as the larger Bluegrass/Folk community in Colorado, I started playing mandolin this year. I had been thinking about picking up a stringed instrument for some time, but there was something about the ad hoc jams I saw last year around TBF that I enjoyed as much as the main show (un-amplified acoustic music is a whole different thing to me) that gave me that final push to do it. It’s been enormously satisfying, pickin’ (kind of) and grinnin’ (real wide).
I won’t be packing my mandolin to Telluride this year, but a year out I should be able to contribute chop chords in a jam. I get excited just thinking about that! Thanks for the inspiration, Planet Bluegrass and good festivarians.
:wave Hey dude you are in Denver??? We are neighbors!!
Bring your Mandolin and at least there will be one person on my play level… :flower
It,s the desire to play, you don’t need to be good. We can stand on the outside of a jam and still learn a ton. That’s my plan.
I should be farther along but HEY, it’s my party and my interest is high, so I keep pluggin away when I get a chance. :cheers
Yeah, what Landshark said… Just ask yourself if at any point you are going to wish you had it with you. If the answer is yes, then bring it along. Better to have it with you and not take it out of its case than to want to pick and not be able to.
Yep, I’m a Denverite. At the end of the month I’m starting some formal schooling down at Swallow Hill in a class rather than a lesson - I have some friends (guitar and banjo) who have given me high hopes for the more social class format. So far I’m king of a couple scales, a couple chords, and a couple simple fiddle tunes from a Baldassari DVD. So satisfying, though, even at this stage.
Thinking about it like you two, I probably will carry the mandolin down there after all. My own thinking was that around an Ilium campfire playing 3 octave G scales (up AND down!) wasn’t going to win me any friends and that I’d be wise to avoid the temptation lest a dude develop a reputation (picture 1 AM: why yes, I do play - here’s a little ditty called Scale in G - want to hear it again? Of course you do…). But there are other scenarios too where it would be cool. Thanks for the support!
One of the things I’ve been privy to both in Nashville and Telluride are picking/jam circles, and although I don’t play, I love to watch. Part of the joy is seeing a novice picker sitting next to a seasoned player learning the cords/pick. The faces ligh up on both sides when things “click” for the newest player.
I’ve watched many a folk being taught tent side and play later like they’ve done it all their lives. I’ve seen a guy bring his 7 year old to sit on the outside of a circle and teach mando cords. In a big jam you’re mistakes get covered. It’s a great way to learn. If you don’t wince or cuss no one will know it was you but the guy or gal next to you, and the only reaction you’ll get is a wink and a nod or encouragement to keep playing. They understand because they’ve been there themselves. For all you know they were in your chair just last year.
It’s a right of passage, Dude. Bring the Mando to Telluride. :thumbsup
I’m a Fishboner, Ma doesn’t shut down jams, she shushes loud drunks who interrupt jams with their squawking.
Dude, bring the mando. The best part about being a beginner is sitting under a tree during the day with someone a little better than you and learning to play even just one song. People at TBF want you to learn to play and everyone is generous with their time in helping folks learn.
Ladies, TRULY, we mean no disrespect to Ma Biddle. :flower
It was a random, funny, very late night thing that happened in 2007. Give her a call. I’m sure she’ll tell you about it with a big laugh.
:pickinHey Dude,
I was given a mandolin this last Xmas. I too am slowly picking up some tunes and chops! :thumbsup I go pickin here there and everywhere. Quietly in the back and pick a lead now and then when the circle is well lubricated. :cheers About the same as my guitar playing. :band
Bring your mandolin down here to Durango and pick in our group. We love beginners and really support eachother. Jams are the best way to learn tunes as well as jam etiquette, but especally getting the vibe of playing with others. Email me and I’ll give you the particulars.
Cheers,
T
Wow, what a great gift you received! And you’re right, I need to learn some etiquette regarding jamming. I’m pretty big on etiquette in all arenas.
Durango is just a bit outside of my normal travel patterns (which undoubtedly is one reason why it’s such a great place, out of reach of us front rangers so we don’t run all over it every weekend) and I’m slated for Ilium this year at TBF so TP doesn’t seem likely. I’ll certainly keep your offer in mind, though, and if anything changes I’ll definitely take you up!
