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Okay, so...

Watching the clip /u/TheJiggersUp posted below, I don't see him playing his mandolin, so I don't have much to offer on style... I would presume he's going to play in a more classical/European style, as opposed to an American, bluegrass-oriented style. He has a bowlback mandolin rather than a flat-back or carved-top style instrument, but I don't know of any playable bowlback models that cost ~$100.

What does exist is the Rogue RM-100A which is a not-great but more-or-less playable mandolin for under $100. (Some individual instruments seem to be better than others, but it's just a luck-of-the-draw thing.) If you were to get one, you'd also do well to get some different strings for it, get a decent pick designed for mandolin (a guitar pick won't work well for this instrument), and maybe consider having it professionally set up (or possibly even trying to do the work yourself... perhaps someone else can point me to the book available on setting up a Rogue to be less awful.) I would also highly recommend getting a chromatic tuner; you spend quite a bit of time tuning this instrument, and as a beginner, it's really helpful to have one of these. If you have a smartphone, a metronome app would also be a good thing to get; otherwise, there are a million cheap, electronic metronomes on the market.

So the Rogue is a cheap, low-quality instrument -- NOT a good instrument, just the least-bad at the sub-$100 price range -- but it can get you started. I know, because that's how I started. It's designed for bluegrass more than traditional mandolin music, but you can learn the rudiments of any/every style on it.

After that, to just start learning how to play, I recommend Don Julin's book. Yes, it's "for Dummies." It's still an excellent beginner's book. He focuses primarily on American styles, but he also covers other mandolin traditions, and when you're first starting out you really just need to learn the basics no matter what style you favor. He also does some nice intro-level youtube lesson videos. There are lots and lots of other mandolin lessons available on youtube, too, and are a decent way to start out if you can't afford private lessons.

Finally, start saving up some money for a better instrument. Sooner than you can imagine, you will reach the point where the Rogue can no longer keep up with you, and begins to hinder your progress, so you need the upgrade to keep learning. The most common recommendations I see are the Eastman 304 or 305 and the Kentucky KM-140. Both are solid student instruments that will serve you well for a long time, and both can be had with professional set-up and a hard case for ~$450. I have an Eastman 305 myself and I adore it. Or perhaps there's a more traditional bowlback model out there that you'd like better, if you aim to play that way. I know very little about those.

It's a great instrument, and fun to learn. And it's entirely possible to come from zero background with stringed instruments and still make good progress. Good luck!

Edit: Oh, also... certainly it would be a good thing to learn (or re-learn) how to read standard musical notation, but a lot of mandolin music is available in tablature (or tab), which is a much easier system to use and doesn't require the ability to read music. The Julin book I linked to above uses both.

Edit 2: Also, here's a recent thread on the Rogue, just so you can see some other people's opinions.

The thing that strikes me about MM when listening to his instructional videos on YouTube is that when talking music (not posture, not technique, but notes) he talks like an improviser... which can be hard to follow if you don't already know lots of scales and chord progressions. "So in this lick you can throw in a C here, which gives it a little bluesy sound." "Well why the hell does it DO that, Mike?" So I've been a little reluctant to sign up for his courses. Awesome player, but communication-wise, might be better to learn from someone who has had to articulate all of this stuff for themselves because it didn't come naturally.

For theory: You may want a book. You could go for a straight-up music theory book, but for something geared towards mandolin, I think that the book by Horne and Fugate did an okay job on theory. Mike Marshall also publishes an "Improvisational Concepts" book for mandolin (look at Elderly.com for it, I think). It is a little sparse, but if you are willing to work with the exercises and design some of your own it can work. Pretty bluegrass specific, but I think this book is outstanding, lots of depth, slowly ratchets up your improv level.

For technique: Watch videos and mimic. Video yourself practicing (it helps!)

Learning random songs: There is a lot to be said for learning random songs as a tool for learning theory...as long as you are consciously connecting it to the theory, rather than just playing tab. I like the Jethro Burns mandolin book for this reason. It looks mostly like a big collection of songs...but Jethro is the absolute freaking master of licks, turnarounds, and finishes. If you spend some time figuring out how his licks work with the chord progressions and melody you will not be sorry.

I got a $60 mandolin for christmas and I've been practicing every day since. It's been serving me very well as training wheels! I also recommend getting a snark tuner, it makes tuning a breeze and with a cheap mandolin that goes out of tune pretty quickly its worth it. Here's the link, hope this is helpful! http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-RM-100A-A-Style-Mandolin-Black/dp/B003LHV1X4/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1451520688&sr=8-12&keywords=mandolin It sounds great to me.

Btw, there are tons of websites and youtube videos to learn with. I jump around but I really enjoyed MandoLessons,com.
Good luck!

I had a 'The Loar', and they're pretty consistent with pacrim mandolins. Top is thick, not really tap tuned, too much of a coat, so it can be hard to get a nice woody tone out of it. Here are the things I've found.

Don't use coated strings. It's tempting because they last longer, but they tend to be a little brittle sounding.

Your pick makes a big difference. You don't need a Blue Chip, but most guitar picks will add the top end you're fighting. These are a perfect option and value: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JB4WAR2/ref=twister_B072HH4W6C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Set your action up as high as you can stand. It's not as comfortable, but the more downward pressure on the bridge, the more volume and tone projected. Don't allow it to hinder your progress on the instrument, but it does help. Adjusting your bridge height will cause you to need to adjust your intonation by moving your bridge slightly. There's a lot of videos of this on YT.

Don't assume anything is right because it's how it came. These things ship pretty awful from the factory. I bought mine from amazon and the first one they shipped didn't have a truss rod at all. Totally missing; sent it back. The second had it screwed up, as you'll see in the video below. Bridge was backwards.

Get a Tonegard. You can't afford the nasality of a dead back. They also help by providing side pressure, which can help the instrument stay open. Here are a few tests-walk up to a corner so you can hear the sound bounce back. Play with it pressed against your belly, and play with out away from your body. Tonegard keeps it off your body. You'll also notice that squeezing the sides (reasonably) will help it open up. A lot of violin players swear by this. People are split on tonegards, but I think they're pretty crucial for getting the most out of a beginner instrument..and can always move to your new instrument when you jump.

Here's the video of Jerry Rosa setting my The Loar up that i sent him (LM-590). I don't have it anymore, but it did help a lot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdORdyv5enU

Honestly, [I bought a rogue off amazon for my niece and nephew] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002H0KG0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and was amazed at how solid an instrument it was for the price.

The action is set very low, so it's easy to play, and it projected pretty well. I would definitely give it a go. I play an Eastman MD515, and while it's obviously a much nicer instrument, it's not like it's night and day.

If you're interested in bluegrass, you might like this:

The Mandolin Pickers Guide to Bluegrass

Very good book on how to take theory (scales, modes, progressions, etc) and turn them into something you can use when you're given the nod in a session.

Bluegrass again - but this is a good general book on bluegrass mandolin

Just a couple of books I've liked. Caveat: I'm an intermediate player at best :)

Hi there, I tried a variety of picks when I started my mando journey, but once I found these I haven't looked back: https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Primetone-Triangle-Sculpted-Plectra/dp/B00JB4WAR2

They instantly helped to improve my tone and are very comfortable to hold. Good luck, buddy!

There's not as formal of a progression with mandolin as there are with more established jazz/classical instruments. I think the closest that you're going to find would be a book like The Complete Mandolinist. It has a decidedly classical bent to it, but it's a single book but it was created to be used progressively rather than a random selection of tunes.

I've also heard good things about Horne's series. but they are well reviewed. More folk/bluegrassy oriented.

It doesn't answer your question, but depending on your level and what you're looking for, there are two books that I have that are more exercise oriented that focus on a progressive approach to learning imrpovisation and the fretboard-- Esichman's getting into Jazz Mandolin has years worth of exercises to develop a Jazz vocabulary and fretboard knowledge.

And Petersen's Guide to Bluegrass Improvisation focuses on building a bluegrass improv vocabulary.

Sorry I don't have much more help, but I don't know if there is a correct answer to this one.

I use these for bluegrass picking. I thin out the bottom edge a bit with a fingernail file and smooth it down, and it's pretty well perfect for my otherwise crappy mandolin playing. This is an extra thick pick, and took a little trouble getting used to. But once you get the hang of it, a thinner pick just won't do.

Except for classical playing, where I prefer a little thinner and smaller pick, like these. Since I hold the pick a little different between bluegrass and classical playing, these work out great for the other pick grip for Calace-style.

Thanx for the feedback.

I got a hold of a friend who's coming back from the US, and I feel I can get him to get me a Mandolin.

Now I'm confused between the Doner DML100 and the Ibanez M510

There's almost $50 between them, but I haven't read anything negative about the Doner and Im wondering if paying $50 extra for the Ibanez makes any sense?
Both are solid top instruments, one is mahogany the other is spruce. While spruce makes better sounds, is it really noticeable on these budget instruments?

Another thing going for the Doner is that it apparently comes setup from the factory while the Ibanez needs some work before you can get it in top shape. Is it really a big deal?

https://www.amazon.com/Mandolin-Pickers-Guide-Bluegrass-Improvisation/dp/078668237X

Do you want a theory book, go over pentatonics/3 minor scales, chords to learn after major/minor triads? The above is really good, but you can learn that from a lot of books in yoru library, this is another https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Theory-Dummies-Online-Instruction/dp/1118646770/

The other, non theory way to go is to listen to lots of version of, say, Whiskey before breakfast, hear all the melody, harmonic and rhythmic variations and incorporate that into your playing without thinking "oh year, this picker really like mixolydian"

https://www.amazon.com/Kenny-Halls-Music-Book-Old-Time/dp/0786632593/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1550106264&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=kenny+hall

Not modern tunes, but a great “fake book” that covers abroad range of tunes and gives personal stories about a very interesting fiddler/mandolinist.

Yup.

Mandolin generally works better with a thick pick. People really love the Blue Chip picks and I do, too. I ordered several.

However, Dunlop has a basically IDENTICAL pick that instead of costing $35 a pick costs around $2 per: the Dunlop Primetone Triangle 1.5mm Sculpted Plectra.

Highly recommend.

Late on this thread...

But is this the mandolin you have?

http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-RM-100A-A-Style-Mandolin-Sunburst/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427687597&sr=8-1&keywords=rogue+mandolin

I'm trying to search for a good one to start on to see if I really get into it like I have with guitar. I also just like exploring instruments and seeing what all is out there. It would also be cool if I could get a mandolin and play with some people that have banjos and guitars and stuff like that!

I'm just worried that I will get it and not be able to set it up correctly. Did you have any problems with this?

I recently picked up a copy of this book and have been extremely pleased with the approachability for newcomers as well as the depth of lessons as you get more advanced http://www.amazon.com/presents-Mandolin-Pickers-Bluegrass-Improvisation/dp/078668237X

Gives you exercises to help you learn the scales and theory behind what you're playing as opposed to just a lead sheet or fakebook.

sites to help

www.mandolincafe.com

chordlist.brian-amberg.de/en/mandolin/

www.chordie.com

www.folkofthewood.com

this is the book i started with and i think it definitely helped me get a good grasp on playing.

http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Mandolin-Book-Greg-Horne/dp/0739034715

watch your right and left hand technique from the beginning. don't wanna pick up any bad habits that will require more effort to fix down the road.

Learn your scales.
you can learn them by remembering major scales move in the order of WHOLE STEP > WHOLE STEP > HALF STEP > WHOLE STEP > WHOLE STEP > WHOLE STEP > HALF STEP.
Minor scales move in the order Whole step - half step - whole step - whole step - half step - whole step - whole step

I'm by no means a great mandolin player, but I was happy with Beginning Mandolin by Greg Horne.

If you can find a used copy of Dave Peters Masters of Mandolin, I'd recommend getting it. It has a ton of breaks tabbed out from several genres (from Grisman and Burns to Monroe and Lawson). I'd also recommend the Mandolin Picker's Fakebook. It has 250 fiddle tunes ranging from well known to obscure.

In my blueglass ensemble class we used 50 Tunes for Mandolin, Vol. 1: Traditional, Old Time, Bluegrass & Celtic Solos by Mark Geslison. Here's the Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mel-Bay-Tunes-Mandolin-Vol/dp/0786664649/ . Looks like there's a newer version here: https://www.amazon.com/50-Tunes-Mandolin-Traditional-Bluegrass/dp/0786687487 . Includes staff notation, tablature, and audio. Has a nice variety of tunes.

I really dig these Golden Gate picks. http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Gate-Deluxe-Tortoise-Mandolin/dp/B0052S3WFU

That is a 12 pack, about $1 per pick. Nice and thick, good shape.

Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LHV1X4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TxuQCbM7VTZ1F

Above is what I have, and so far it’s been great to learn on! Also available:

Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Sunburst https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZyuQCb8VEN2TD

Savannah SA-100-BK A-Model Mandolin, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WDQ5GE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.zuQCbG11VF2C

Do you have prior experience with stringed instruments? If so I strongly suggest The Mandolin Picker's Guide To Bluegrass Improvisation, and Getting Into Jazz Mandolin, the don't require a lot of experience, but you might struggle if you have none at all. I'm sure some ones suggested Mandolin Cafe, but If you are a complete beginner, Folk of the Wood Is another good place to start.

[Just Bought this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Mandolin--Style-Holes-Sunburst/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1302032932&sr=8-2) and I love it.

[His awesome mando book] (http://www.amazon.com/Bays-Complete-Jethro-Burns-Mandolin/dp/0786665378/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1345217761&sr=8-5&keywords=Jethro+burns)

I'll throw in my 2 cents - the Golden Gate is my favorite so far: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Gate-Deluxe-Tortoise-Mandolin/dp/B0052S3WFU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550528566&sr=8-1&keywords=golden+gate+mandolin+pick#customerReviews

Grab
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bach-Cello-Suites-Mandolin-Unaccompanied/dp/1494347377/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522833361&sr=8-3&keywords=bach+mandolin

and maybe this would be good too
https://www.elderly.com/two-book-set-the-raffaele-calace-method-for-mandolin-volumes-i-ii-english-edition.htm

This is worth a look:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B001OQC70K/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473185536&sr=1-3&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=kentucky&dpPl=1&dpID=41XP6MP%2BAfL&ref=plSrch

Why not try the go-to book for this?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825601541/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nyWvCbNBCW8CE

It is also in Jack Tottle's book

https://www.amazon.com/Bluegrass-Mandolin-Jack-Tottle/dp/0825601541

J. S. Bach The Cello Suites for Mandolin: the complete Suites for Unaccompanied Cello transposed and transcribed for mandolin in staff notation and tablature https://www.amazon.com/dp/1494347377/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1yzwDbAEGHEP2

Buy this

https://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Bluegrass-Mandolin-Method-Valla/dp/0786657782

Learn every melody

If you can read music then this is a great start. It starts off pretty easy but quickly challenges you in sight reading. Other than that there are plenty fiddle tune fake books around.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0871667630

Fake book suggestion-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0825602394/ref=mw_dp_img?is=l