| − | A '''mandolin''' is a string instrument which is plucked or strummed like a [[guitar]]. The mandolin evolved in [[Naples]], [[Italy]].<ref>http://www.banjolin.co.uk/mandolin/mandolinhistory.htm</ref> There are several forms of Mandolins including the Neapolitan style which has a bowl shape, the original shape of mandolins. The other forms include flat back style and guitar style. The mandolin has a sound board with sound holes, a flat fret board and eight strings arranged as four pairs (courses). The tuning of this instrument is similar to a violin and is usually GDAE. Apart from western classical music, the mandolin has been used in jazz, rock music and Indian classical music. | + | A '''mandolin''' is a string instrument which is plucked or strummed like a [[guitar]]. The mandolin evolved in [[Naples]], [[Italy]].<ref>http://www.banjolin.co.uk/mandolin/mandolinhistory.htm</ref> There are several forms of Mandolins including the Neapolitan style which has a bowl shape, the original shape of mandolins. The other forms include flat back style and guitar style. The mandolin has a sound board with sound holes, a flat fret board and eight strings arranged as four pairs (courses). The tuning of this instrument is similar to a violin and is usually GDAE. Some electric mandolins only have four single strings instead of four courses. Apart from western classical music, the mandolin has been used in bluegrass, country, jazz, rock music and Indian classical music. |