https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/talking-mandolin-rhythm-mandolin-intermediate
Let’s talk mandolin rhythm in the context of a band! Jake gives his perspective as a guitar player for what he wants to hear from the mandolin picker, and I think this is quite helpful!
Very important and useful lesson for all mandolin players to understand and remember what is important when playing most of the time, as well as speciality moments in various ensemble situations, including at various tempos. Great lesson! Thanks Jake and Ben!
Great information to aid in showing instrument relationships and responsibilities. It seems the primary cautionary interaction between mandolin and guitar is based on strumming and you guys really explained the good and bad. However, it seems like some additional information night be helpful. Fills were touched on but more info on which instrument does the fills when would be helpful. Also, it seems like the relationship between the mandolin and banjo may be more complex. Both instruments can vamp the off beat and both can pick or roll leads, fills, or active backup depending on the band style, with the mandolin doing mostly chops. I guess the question is; isn’t the relationship between the mando and banjo a bit more complex and impactful to the band sound which begs paying attention to who does what backup and fills when?
Great comment! Yeah, I’ve noticed a lot of banjo players like to vamp when the mandolin solos so that the band doesn’t lose an audible “chop” type sound. This can be done by the fiddle or even dobro as well. So many possibilities to explore!
As a beginner, what I like about this is that I have something simple to add, and that its not about me showing off any level of expertise, its just listening, and doing my little 2&4 part. I’ll bet even tasteful additions come along as one focuses on listening and learning (what works when others do it, where a little space is that could use something—or NOT). Thanks to Ben and Jake—this was encouraging and helpful. 
This answered a lot of questions I’ve had! For a long while I couldn’t quite put my finger on why my backup recordings didn’t sound very good. Thanks Ben and Jake!
Would it be appropriate at times to do some double stop chop or rhythmic playing?
I thought a mash pit was whenever somebody jumps into a crowd and expects everybody to catch him.
Listening to the Dynamics of the band’s energy is always best.