“Cry Love” by John Hiatt and “Ho Hey” by the Lumineers are the two most famous mandolin songs for beginners. The mandolin is a stringed instrument recognized by its pear-shaped body and eight strings.
It has a bright and lively sound, making it a popular choice among musicians of all levels. Moreover, it’s relatively easy to learn compared to other stringed instruments. This makes it an excellent option for beginners seeking an enjoyable and rewarding musical experience.
Explore the ten most famous and renowned mandolin songs perfect for beginners. Read and listen to the suggested songs and start strumming your mandolin.
What Are The 10 Best Mandolin Songs For Beginners?
Beginners looking to learn and play the mandolin will find these ten songs perfect for their skill level. These songs are easy to understand, fun to play, and will help you improve your mandolin playing skills.
1. “Love in Vain” by the Rolling Stones
“Love in Vain” is a blues song written and recorded by American blues musician Robert Johnson in 1937. It was later covered by the Rolling Stones in 1969 for their album “Let It Bleed.”
The lyrics tell the story of a man left heartbroken and alone. He reflects on his lost love and the pain it has caused him.
The chorus, “You’re my last hope, baby, but you’re in vain,” captures the desperation and longing for a relationship that is no longer there.
The heartfelt lyrics, Keith Richards’ soulful guitar, and Mick Taylor’s mandolin solo make this song shine on the album. Its popularity has also been attributed to the recognizable blues sound that the Rolling Stones brought to mainstream audiences.
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2. “Cry Love” by John Hiatt
Why is this song included in the top ten mandolin songs for beginners? “Cry Love” by John Hiatt is a song that showcases the versatility and beauty of the mandolin. The song, released in 1995, features Hiatt’s vocals accompanied by his mandolin playing.
The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and heartache. The chorus, “Cry love, cry love, the tears of an angel, the tears of a dove,” paints a picture of emotional release and vulnerability.
The song’s simplicity and catchy melody make it easy for beginners to learn and play. It also incorporates basic mandolin techniques such as strumming and picking.
3. “Ho Hey” by the Lumineers
Do you want to learn a mandolin song that will get you singing and dancing along? “Ho Hey” by the Lumineers is the perfect choice for beginners. From 2012, this folk-rock song has an upbeat tempo and a catchy chorus that will have you strumming the mandolin in no time.
The simple chord progression and mandolin strumming pattern make this song easy for beginners. The success of “Ho Hey” can be attributed to its universal theme of love and catchy tune that appeals to a broad audience. It’s popular among beginner mandolin players due to its simplicity and fun nature.
4. “Foreverdark Woods” by Bathory
Are you ready to add some metal vibes to your mandolin playing? “Foreverdark Woods” by Bathory, a Swedish metal band, is an excellent choice for beginners seeking a challenge.
Released in 1991, the song’s dark and haunting lyrics tell a story of death and despair. The mandolin adds a unique layer to the heavy metal sound of the rest of the instruments.
Learning this song on mandolin will require some basic knowledge of fingerpicking and strumming techniques. It’s a great song to push your mandolin skills further and add variety to your repertoire.
5. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” by the Beatles
“Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” is a classic Beatles song from their 1965 album “Rubber Soul.” It showcases the band’s experimentation with exotic instruments, including the sitar and mandolin.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who spends the night at a woman’s house only to wake up alone in the morning. The mandolin adds a touch of melancholy to the song’s overall folk-rock sound.
This song will require some basic knowledge of chord changes and strumming patterns for beginners. It’s perfect for those looking to add Beatles tunes to their mandolin repertoire.
6. Friend of the Devil from Grateful Dead
“Friend of the Devil” is an acoustic folk song by the Grateful Dead, released in 1970. The mandolin adds a unique flavour to this classic jam band tune.
Young and old fans of folk and rock enjoy this song. Its catchy melody and simple chord progression make it an excellent choice for beginners to learn on the mandolin. It also provides a great opportunity for improvisation.
7. “Maggie May” by Rod Stewart
“Maggie May,” released in 1971, is one of Rod Stewart’s most iconic songs. The mandolin has a prominent role in the song’s intro and adds flavour throughout the rest of the tune.
The lyrics tell the story of a young man’s first sexual experience with an older woman, Maggie May. The mandolin adds folk to this rock song inspired by traditional Irish music.
Beginners can learn this song on mandolin by mastering the chord progression and incorporating some strumming patterns. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to add classic rock songs to their repertoire.
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8. “Saint Teresa” by Joan Osborne
In 1995, Joan Osborne released “Saint Teresa,” a soulful rock song with a distinct mandolin riff. The song became an instant hit and is still popular among blues and folk rock fans.
The lyrics explore themes of love, faith, and self-discovery. The mandolin adds a unique layer to the already powerful sound of the rest of the instruments.
It became popular among mandolin players due to its catchy and memorable riff, which beginners can quickly learn. The song also allows improvisation and experimentation with different strumming patterns.
9. “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M.
R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion,” released in 1991, is a classic alternative rock song that features a prominent mandolin riff. The band’s unique sound and the mandolin’s inclusion helped propel this song to success.
The lyrics explore themes of unrequited love and feeling lost. The mandolin adds a traditional folk element to the otherwise modern rock song.
This song’s chord progression and strumming pattern make it an excellent choice for beginners to learn on the mandolin. It’s a must-know for alternative and folk rock fans and those looking to add variety to their playing style.
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10. “Alabama Pines” by Jason Isbell
“Alabama Pines” is a country-folk song released by Jason Isbell in 2011. The mandolin is featured prominently throughout the song, adding a touch of Americana to the tune.
The lyrics tell the story of a person searching for a better life and leaving behind their past. The mandolin adds depth and emotion to this heartfelt ballad.
Beginners can learn this song on mandolin by mastering the chord progression and experimenting with different strumming patterns. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to add some country songs to their repertoire or try out a new genre.
Final Thoughts – Top 10 Renowned Mandolin Songs
To summarize, the mandolin is a versatile and unique instrument in various music genres, from folk to rock to metal. Mandolin songs often feature catchy melodies, simple chord progressions, and the opportunity for improvisation.
Listening and playing along to these renowned mandolin songs is an excellent way for beginners to improve their skills and expand their repertoire. From easy tunes like “Ho Hey” and “Norwegian Wood” to challenging pieces like “Forevermark Woods” and “Friend of the Devil,” there’s something for everyone.
So why grab your mandolin and give these songs a try? You may discover a new favourite song or push your playing abilities to the next level. Keep practicing and have fun exploring the endless possibilities of this beautiful instrument.
