Q&A for How to Tune a Mandolin

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How do I get the paper protectors out from under the bridge?

Community Answer

Loosen the strings and turn the bridge forward, or remove the strings (if it's a new mandolin, you should replace the strings anyway as the original strings are usually low quality and/or corroded). In either case you will need to reset the bridge to the appropriate location. See mandolin setup procedures for how to set the bridge location.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 11
Question

How do I learn a new song on my mandolin?

Community Answer

Look up mandolin tabs online for your favorite songs.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 17
Question

How do you adjust the bridge on a mandolin?

Community Answer

To full adjust the bridge, you need to destring the mandolin itself. The bridge should come off, as it is not attached to the mandolin.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 17 Helpful 24
Question

What gauge strings do I use on a 22-inch-long mandolinetto?

Alleycatrox

Community Answer

Visit a website called The Hub: Musician's Friend, which can help you find specific strings.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

Which direction should I turn the pegs to raise the pitch on a mandolin? Should I turn them towards me like on a violin?

Yesgirl

Community Answer

To raise the pitch on a mandolin, turn the tuning pegs so that the strings are tightened. Generally, you turn the pegs towards you to increase the pitch, similar to tuning a violin.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Question

Does it have to be tuned so high?

MidLifeISIS

Community Answer

Yes, although this is only if you are playing with Mandolin songs or music that requires the standard mandolin tuning. Some musicians tend to tune the mandolin to a cello to emulate a richer, deeper tone, so it ultimately depends on your style.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
Question

What note on the mandolin corresponds to a G on the guitar or ukulele?

MidLifeISIS

Community Answer

The G note on the mandolin is played on the lowest string, similar to the G string on the guitar and ukulele.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1