This book teaches everything you need to know to get started playing the mandolin. Beginning with how to hold and tune the instrument, read tablature and do some basic strumming, you'll be guided all the way to reading music, developing tremolo technique and improvising. With pieces in styles ranging from folk and old Italian gondolier music to the blues and rock 'n' roll, this book is the start you need to go in any direction you like with your mandolin. The recording includes exercises.