The mandola is a musical instrument, similar to the guitar, belonging to the chordophone family, specifically the lutes, and it boasts a fascinating history and unique sound. It Is also called tenor mandola.

Used across various cultures and musical genres, it spans from classical to folk music. In the following sections, we’ll explore the history of this particular instrument, its types, its construction, and how to play it.

Learning to play the mandola can be a highly rewarding experience, both for music enthusiasts and those looking for a new hobby to cultivate.

The History of the Mandola

Origins and Continuous Evolution

The mandola is a plucked string instrument belonging to the lute family, and its origins can be traced back to the Arab oud, introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages. Its name is related to ancient and similar instruments like pandura, mandora, bandora, bandurina.

The Italian variant emerged around the 16th century, closely related to the mandolin. Alongside the mandocello and mandolone, it is classified within this family but distinguishes itself by its dimensions and four unison courses tuned in fifths. Known for its warm and round tone, the mandola is often used to accompany traditional Italian songs.

Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous evolutions and transformations, becoming one of the most recognized instruments in various parts of the world, both in popular and classical music.

To this day, many musicians use the mandola to create a wide range of sounds suitable for any musical genre. It remains an indispensable instrument for many artists, staying true to its origins while continuing to be appreciated worldwide.

How is it Made?

The Quality of Artisan Craftsmanship

The mandola comprises several main parts: the soundbox, neck, strings, bridge, nut, and inlays. Its construction requires great precision and skill.

Every part of the mandola is handcrafted by skilled artisans, who select the finest materials and use traditional techniques to achieve superior quality. The choice of wood for the soundbox is crucial, as it must be both durable and capable of transmitting the strings’ vibrations effectively. Luthiers also pay special attention to the neck and bridge, ensuring stability and ease of play.

The nut is a small metal bar located at the end of the neck that regulates string length and determines note pitch.

The inlays, on the other hand, add elegance and personality, making each mandola unique and irreplaceable. These are decorative elements, typically made from mother-of-pearl or other fine materials, embedded into the wood of the neck or body.

Artisan production also allows for customization to suit the musician’s needs and preferences, creating a tailor-made instrument that ensures excellent sound quality. Each mandola becomes a true work of art, capable of expressing the creativity and individuality of the artist who plays it.

How to Play the Mandola

Helpful Tips for Learning

To play the mandola, first find a comfortable position, resting your right arm on the soundbox and keeping the fingers of your left hand ready to press the strings on the fretboard. Once positioned correctly, the fingers of the right hand pluck the strings, producing notes. Pay attention to technique and intonation during performance to achieve a clear and harmonious sound. In addition to plucking, which involves pressing the strings with the fingers, other techniques like strumming, tremolo, legato, and trills can enhance the instrument’s sound. To learn the mandola, consider lessons with a qualified teacher or use educational resources such as music books or video tutorials.

Regular practice is essential to maintain finger dexterity and improve playing technique, as with any stringed instrument.

In addition to basic techniques like plucking and strumming, it is vital to learn proper note playing by positioning the fingers correctly. Attention to intonation and dynamics is crucial, varying volume and intensity according to the piece’s style.

It is also essential to know the different tunings available, enabling you to choose the most suitable one for the piece being played. For instance, the tenor mandola has a tuning similar to the mandolin, while the alto mandola is tuned like a viola. Familiarity with these tunings allows for optimal use of the instrument’s tonal qualities, making it easier to adapt to different pieces. With practice and dedication, you can master this instrument and perform pieces of varying complexity.

The Sound of the Mandola

The sound of the mandola is one of its defining features, making it highly valued across various musical cultures. It has a warm and rounded tone, with a sweet and enveloping timbre suitable for many types of music. It can be used both as a solo instrument and as accompaniment, adding warmth and character to performances. Its sound is particularly ideal for folk, popular, and entertainment music, but it can also be applied to genres like jazz, rock, and pop, providing a unique and captivating tonal element to compositions.

Additionally, the mandola is a versatile instrument used in solo and accompaniment settings, suitable for orchestras and smaller ensembles alike. Its distinct and recognizable sound allows for creating unforgettable melodies and atmospheres.

Types of Mandola

Tenor and Alto, Different Tunings

The mandola is a versatile string instrument used in various genres and settings. It comes in several types, each with specific features and tunings.

The eight-string mandola is likely the most well-known and widely used, organized into four unison courses. This instrument is primarily employed in folk and popular music and is suitable for various plucking and arpeggio techniques.

There are also two subtypes of the eight-string mandola, the tenor and the alto, which are tuned similarly to the mandolin and viola, respectively. The tenor’s scale length measures about 44 cm, while the alto’s is around 40.5–41 cm. Both are compact and relatively easy to play, offering great versatility and a distinctive sound.