A common "bad habit" for beginning mando players in my area is that they all presume that "bluegrass" is the only thing to play. As a result of this, they spend all their time learning "the chunk," which basically is little more than imitating a snare drum; and they neglect getting acquainted with the "musical" aspects of the instrument.

What they practice is fine for "backing" in a bluegrass band, but there's a lot of other stuff that's more fun.

I favor having fun with it - but then some have said I'll never be a "real mando player."

John