In this free mandolin video lesson by Brad Laird you'll learn the basic information you need to get started playing the mandolin. We'll discuss the parts of the mandolin (peghead, tuning machine, body, neck, fingerboard, strings, frets, tail piece, and nut). This lesson also covers other basic elements such as proper playing position, how to pick, and how to apply a strap. This is the first video you should watch when learning how to play the mandolin.
Watch the lesson: Quicktime or Youtube
Here is a diagram of the mandolin neck.

Moveable Major & Minor Chords by Brad Laird is a downloadable Quicktime lesson that will teach you how to play the twelve possible major chords and twelve possible minor chords. This beginning mandolin video will teach you two chord shapes that you can move up and down the neck to play in different keys. We'll also cover a little music theory so you can better understand this concept. $4.99