The Mandolin dates back many centuries, as a member of the italian lute family. It is tuned like a violin (G D A E) and is played with a pick. In the 1880's, immigrants brought the instrument to the U.S. Classical composers wrote music for the mandolin, and in the early 1900's mandolin orchestras were popular. Folk musicians also used the instrument.

In 1905 Orville Gibson made a mandolin that had a revolutionary design. The Gibson A-4 had a carved top and back and was flatter than the traditional mandolin which was made of bent wood.

In the 30's, Bill Monroe's energetic mandolin playing was quite popular. The word "bluegrass" came from the name of Monroe's band, The Bluegrass Boys.