A mandolin (Italian: mandolino pronounced [mandoˈliːno]; literally "small mandola") is a musical instrument in the lute family and is usually plucked with a plectrum or "pick". It commonly has four courses of doubled metal strings tuned in unison (8 strings), although five (10 strings) and six (12 strings) course versions also exist. The courses are normally tuned in a succession of perfect fifths. It is the soprano member of a family that includes the mandola, octave mandolin, mandocello and mandobass. COUNT 5
QSN1 What country did the mandolin originate from? ANS1 Italian QSN2 What does mandolin translate to?  ANS2 small mandola QSN3 What musical family does the mandolin come from? ANS3 lute family QSN4 How is the mandolin usually played? ANS4 usually plucked with a plectrum or "pick" QSN5 How many courses does a mandolin commonly have?  ANS5 four