Mandolins are typically strung with four or eight strings, tuned in pairs. The most common tuning for a four-string mandolin is GDAE, while the most common tuning for an eight-string mandolin is GDAEBEF#.
Mandolins are used in a variety of musical genres, including classical, folk, bluegrass, and country. Notable mandolin players include Bill Monroe, David Grisman, and Chris Thile.
Here are some additional details about mandolins:
* The earliest known mandolins date back to the 16th century.
* Mandolins were originally made with pear-shaped bodies, but the teardrop-shaped body became more common in the 18th century.
* Mandolins are typically made of wood, but some models are made of metal or other materials.
* Mandolins come in a variety of sizes, from small "soprano" mandolins to large "bass" mandolins.
* Mandolins are often played with a plectrum, but can also be played with fingers or a bow.