Mandolin lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What mandolin lessons is

A mandolin teacher covers tuning, picking, chord shapes and tremolo, in folk, bluegrass, classical or other styles chosen by the student. People book mandolin lessons when they own a mandolin they do not yet play well, want to join a bluegrass jam, or need help with a tremolo that sounds choppy.

Signs you need it

  • Your tremolo sounds choppy and the notes do not blend
  • You can play chords but cannot switch them quickly while keeping time
  • You want to play bluegrass breaks and do not know where to begin
  • Your mandolin keeps going out of tune and you cannot tell why
  • You want to play classical or folk pieces from written music

What the pro does

  • Checks how you hold the mandolin and where your picking hand sits over the strings
  • Teaches tuning by ear and with a tuner, and how to keep the instrument in tune
  • Works on chord shapes and smooth changes between them
  • Builds tremolo from slow, even strokes to a steady, full sound
  • Introduces the style you want, such as bluegrass backup or classical pieces

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Teacher experience with bluegrass, folk, classical or other styles
  • Lesson length and how many lessons you book each week
  • Private lessons compared with jam or group classes
  • Whether the teacher comes to your home or you travel to a studio
  • Mandolin type, a pick, a tuner, a capo or a tune book you need to buy
  • Whether lessons include playing with other musicians

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number and length of lessons and whether they are private or shared
  • The styles and tunes the plan covers
  • The cancellation and makeup policy for missed lessons
  • Whether lessons are in person, at your home or online
  • Which mandolin, picks or books you must buy yourself

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which styles do you teach, and which ones do you play best?
  • How do you teach tremolo, and how long does it take to get it even?
  • Can you help me play with a jam or bluegrass group?
  • If the student is a minor, do you run background checks, and what is your policy on parents in the room?
  • Can you check whether my mandolin needs a setup?
  • What should I practice between lessons with a metronome?

Red flags

  • Says tremolo is unnecessary and skips it for every style
  • Pushes you to buy an expensive mandolin before any lesson
  • Teaches only one style and never asks what music you want to play
  • Promises you will play fast bluegrass breaks in a few weeks

What you can do yourself

You can tune the mandolin, practice slow tremolo strokes, and learn the chord shapes for a few songs you like. Take the mandolin to a repair shop for a setup, neck or bridge work rather than adjusting them yourself. Hire a teacher for tremolo, picking style, a bluegrass break or a chord problem.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to teach mandolin lessons. Check with your state or local licensing agency if you are unsure whether a teaching business needs a registration.

Mandolin lessons questions

Do I need to read music to play mandolin?

No. Bluegrass and folk players often learn by ear and from tab. Tell the teacher whether you read music so they can plan your lessons.

Should I start with bluegrass or classical mandolin?

It depends on the music you want to play. Tell the teacher which style you want so they can start you on the right path.

How do I book a mandolin teacher on infinibell?

Describe the lessons you want, including your style, your mandolin and your level. Pick the teachers you want by name. Only the teachers you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

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