Does the mandolin have 4 strings or 8? Are the double strings counted as one? When I started to learn the mandolin, I found myself asking these questions. The mandolin is a funny little instrument that is quite original in its set-up. So what sets it aside from other single-stringed musical instruments?
In this article, we will highlight everything you need to know about mandolin strings – from how many there are, to why they are arranged in that manner.
Table of Contents
How many strings does a mandolin have?
A mandolin has four sets of doubled metal strings that are tied in unison, which adds up to a total of eight strings. A set of double strings is also known as a course. There are pros and cons to the number of strings a mandolin has, as will be highlighted in the article.
Why do mandolins have double strings?
The most popular string instruments like the guitar and the violin have single strings, which make them easy to learn and play. Unlike those, the mandolin has double strings. You may be forgiven for assuming that the double strings are for providing additional musical notes. It is also very likely that one may think that the double strings are for making techniques such as tremolo picking easier to perform. This is not the real reason the mandolin has double strings.
Mandolins have double strings for the purpose of sound amplification. The twin-strings give out greater vibrational energy compared to a single string, which results in a louder, stronger sound. When the double stings are plucked, they produce a tone that has a fuller sound and are able to sustain stronger resonance as compared to single strings.
Another reason why mandolins have double strings is that the instrument was designed quite a while ago when pairing strings in courses was the standard way of stringing instruments. This was because there was no electricity to power up the instruments to increase their volumes. The double strings served the purpose of amplifying the instruments. Since it is quite small, without the double strings the sound produced by the mandolin would be very minimal. This is because smaller instruments tend to have faster decay. Fast decay means that the sound produced would subside immediately after strumming the string.
Evidently, mandolins have maintained the double-string feature long after the invention of electricity and technology that aid in amplifying the sound of string instruments. Along with its unique shape, the double-string feature of the mandolin forms the instrument’s identity. It is almost impossible to picture the mandolin with a different string structure, which gives it its unique sound.
Do you play both strings of a mandolin?
Absolutely, as we have already established, a mandolin provides a fuller, sustainable sound when both strings are used. The strings are arranged into four courses, each of which you are supposed to strum simultaneously. Besides, strings coursed together are tuned to the same pitch and, therefore, provide the same frequencies. What this means is that when plucked together, there is a concentration of vibrational energy which transforms into an amplification of resonance. The result is more volume, and a unique sound only recognisable to the mandolin.
Still, whether to play one or both strings of a mandolin would depend on what you are working on. There are special instances where playing a single string may produce the desired results as opposed to playing both strings. Even so, a mandolin is meant to be played by plucking both strings. It may be challenging at first for a beginner, but adequate practice should do the trick. Also, it is imperative to keep in mind that the force you use to pluck the strings will determine the volume and sound produced- be precise.
What are the advantages of having double strings?
They improve the quality of sound produced: The mandolin is a small instrument with a fast decay rate. A single string would not produce a full, sustainable sound. However, with two strings instead of one for each note, the sound is amplified and with a slower decay rate. In other words, the quality of the sound produced is better.
They produce a unique tone: A mandolin is known for its distinguishing choppy sound that make the instrument special. The sound is thanks to the double strings, which are plucked together to produce a full, strong sound.
What are the disadvantages of having double strings?
Playing the mandolin is enjoyable and the sound it produces may be pleasant to the ears. However, the double strings come with their own share of shortcomings.
They are tough on your fingers: Plucking two strings simultaneously is a heavier task than plucking just one. Therefore, your fingers are likely to get overworked while playing the mandolin. The result would be sore fingers or even blisters. It is especially difficult to adapt if you are accustomed to playing single-stringed instruments like the violin and the guitar. To tame the effects of plucking double strings, is important to set your instrument in ways that minimize the difficulty. Either way, it should get easier with practise.
There are more strings to tune: A mandolin has four course sets, which add up to eight strings. Keeping all those in check can be a challenging task. It requires a lot of patience and decent skill to keep each string in tune, which may be a frustrating feat, especially for a beginner. Like all skills, it takes patience and practise to acquire expertise and perfection.
They require more maintenance: Maintaining four pairs of strings is no easy task. You will have eight strings to replace ever so often depending on how frequently you play. These are double the number of strings found on a violin. More strings also increase the probability of breakage. Therefore, you are bound to incur relatively high maintenance costs because of the double-strings.
Many strings exert pressure on your Instrument: For an instrument the size of a mandolin, eight strings can put a lot of tension on it. The good thing is that a mandolin has a short neck that can withstand the tension better than a longer instrument would. Still, you should be choosy with the type of strings you use- ensure that they are compatible with your mandolin. You should note that some mandolins lack a truss rod, so they may easily succumb to the tension.
They are complicated for beginners: Playing double-strings can be difficult if you are playing the instrument for the first time. This is especially so if you are used to playing single-string instruments like the violin and the guitar. It might take you a while before you can master the right amount of force, and plucking technique required to make it work. This instrument requires patience and persistence.
What is each string tuned to on a mandolin?
There is an old joke that if you have been playing the mandolin for thirty years, you have spent half of those tuning and the other half playing out of tune. A mandolin is not the easiest instrument to tune, mostly because of the double strings. However, with the right guidance and enough practise, it is quite manageable.
Essentially, a mandolin is tuned G-D-A-E from low to high, where each course is tuned to the same tone. Taking every individual string, this means that they are tuned on G-G-D-D-A-A-E-E, with E-E being the highest pair and G-G being the lowest. Holding the instrument correctly (assuming you are right-handed), the E pair should be the most bottom strings.
Correct tuning of each of the strings would require you to know exactly where the tuners are located. Essentially, the tuners are found on the instrument’s headstock. On most mandolins, the tuners for the A and E strings are found on the lower side of the headstock, assuming you are holding the instrument as you should. Subsequently, the tuners for the G and D strings are on the upper side of the headstock.
It is advisable to tune each string individually before tuning both strings together. It is very important that you be precise, as it would be difficult to know which of the eight strings is out of tune.
Conclusion
Mandolins have four sets of double strings, which gives a total of eight strings. The double-string feature is meant to amplify the volume of the instrument. This is because the instrument was developed at a time when electricity had not been fully developed. The double-string feature of the mandolin has been maintained to date, and it has both advantages and disadvantages.
