Mandolin for Violinists Book/CD Set, by Andrew Driscoll. Learning the mandolin should be required for every violinist: it has the same tuning and is a chordal instrument. This book provides violinists with the skills and knowledge needed to master the mandolin; it also teaches ways in which mandolin concepts can open up one's violin playing. The book offers key insights into the similarities and differences between the two instruments so that violinists can quickly learn to play the mandolin.