Definition:

A mandolin is a small stringed instrument with eight strings in four pairs (two strings for each note) that are either plucked or strummed in a trill. It's a descendant from the lute, which has six pairs of strings (12 in total). Similarly to the lute, the body of the mandolin is oval or teardrop-shaped.

History of Mandolin

The mandolin in its current incarnation evolved from the lute in Italy during the 19th Century, but earlier versions of the instrument were played during the 14th Century around Europe.

(The history of the lute stretches much further back.) Also related to the mandolin are the mandola, bazouki, mando-bass, mandocello, and octave mandolin.
The mandolin came to the States via European immigrants. Soon, it became fashionable to play mandolin in a large group of other mandolins and mandolin orchestras emerged. It wasn't until the 1930s that the mandolin became a popular addition to smaller bands in country and bluegrass music. More specifically, Bill Monroe's popularity first with the Monroe Brothers and then with his Blue Grass Boys, helped to popularize the instrument.

Popular Mandolin Players

In addition to Bill Monroe, other popular mandolin players through the years have included Sam Bush, Ricky Skaggs, Bobby Osborne, Tiny Moore, Ronnie McCoury, Chris Thile, and several others.