from the other end of the spectrum

[arbarnhart]

I play the mandolin, though not incredibly well, and I host a weekly jam with two or three guitarists. We mostly play blues and classic rock and most of the time I would do a percussive rhythm and an occasional lead lick. The odd thing is that as much as I like rock and blues, I really prefer playing classical music or country blues when I play my acoustic mandolin. I was just learning to use it to play what we play mostly just to hang out with my neighbors. One of my neighbors has quite a collection of stringed toys and I asked him to bring over a bass and let me try it one night. I love this thing! It's a pretty easy adjustment to think in 4ths instead of 5ths and I was able to play little walk ups off the root right away. It is alot more interesting and enjoyable than percussive chord strum/mute. This thing rocks more naturally than my mando. So my wife is shopping for one to go under the tree. In the meantime I am using the Yamaha my neighbor loaned me. I still love my mando also, but it won't be making the weekly jam much anymore.