Be flexible! Practice strumming each chord individually, in a steady time signature such as 4/4 time. "middle," and "bass" strings. This leads to another aspect of the dulcimer. Hammered dulcimer anatomy . As in everything, rules are made to be I just broke 2 “E” strings in a short period of time, so I’m not much in the mood to buy a new set of strings. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Bill knows how to set up a dulcimer and I am certain your MD did not leave his workshop with string … ( Log Out /  1) You can play the dulcimer with ease by laying it flat on your lap in a comfortable position. Here is a chord constellation for A7 The open dots are the ones that make it a seventh chord. Probably the best “starter” dulcimer… This dulcimer is made out of … In the United States, the fretted dulcimer is better known as the Appalachian or Mountain dulcimer. It was  another great dulcimer fete with workshops, concerts, vendors and jamming. Step 1 Place the loop or ball end of your string And if you’re looking to know which of 3 or 4 strings dulcimers are better… Well keep looking, because there is no single answer to that question. You can also tune it to another tuned instrument by playing a D on that instrument, such as, for example, the open 4th string of a guitar. many dulcimer players are switching to chromatic dulcimers, so you could leave all the frets, but remove 3 strings. Dulcimers are modal instruments. For information on the dulci-bro and books, visit Steve Eulberg’s WEB site: https://steveeulberg.com/, For information about Blue Lion dulcimers and tablature books contact the Blue Lion WEB site:  https://www.bluelioninstruments.com/index.html. So I changed one of my dulcimers to this string tune configuration for a “resonator dulcimer.” But I never reached the part of raising the strings to make that “bluesy” sound. frets on the second melody string and play the song exactly as Contact Mr. Smith directly by email. The 4-equidistant strings and Steve’s tuning resulted in a beautiful, full and soothing tone to the dulcimer — almost like a harp. One way to play the dulcimer is to arrange 4 strings by spacing them equidistantly across the fretboard. For playing only chords and singing along, barre chords can be used for the D, G, A and C chords (as well as Em, F#m and Bm chords). The traditional way to play the instrument is to lay it flat on the lap and pluck or strum the strings with the right hand, while fretting with the left. Unfortunately, many players saw the fourth string as an “inconvenience” and removed it from their dulcimers. It was originated in the Appalachian mountain regions to create wonderful compositions. top three strings if you ignore the bass, and you have "New play dulcimer with three separate strings. Tune your dulcimer by beginning with the bass (D) string. How to Play the Strumstick. But this string also gets in the way of other chords. The head should be to your left. Dulcimer has a sound that is very pleasant and soothing to the ears. broken. Mountain dulcimer looks more like a guitar (often hourglass-shaped) and is played by fretting and strumming the strings. The lap dulcimer is a stringed folk instrument that evolved in the Appalachian mountains in the 1800s. Maltbie Davenport Babcock was a Presbyterian minister who lived in Lockport, New York, which is close to Niagara Falls. Beautiful! You can get this string to D in a number of ways. The wound bass string is on the outside. You can get this string to D in a number of ways. Rochester, New York, lilacs in May. D'Addario's portfolio of products designed specifically for World Instruments is based on research and product testing with instrument builders, educators, and professional musicians. Mostly today, the dulcimer has 4 strings. Holding the Dulcimer – (how to play a dulcimer pt. This is the I don’t have a resonator on my dulcimer and attempted to play it without raising the strings. Adjust the tuning machines to tighten or loosen the string until it sounds the same as this note. Smith is a musician in East Flat Rock, North Carolina. Often I'll use the pattern as-is, and An open strum across all the strings results in a rich and full sound almost like a harp, as I mentioned earlier. With a you play on just the bottom three strings, you have Those are called quarter notes. If the tab says to play a 2-3-4 chord, you would play 2-3-2-4, a 4-5-7 would become 4-5-4-7, and so on.) This is especially true when playing arpeggio chords across all the strings. To tune your dulcimer to DAA tuning you will first tune your melody string(s) to an A note. Start by tilting the hammered dulcimer towards you, so that you can easily reach the rear string courses. This pattern “pinches” the melody and bass string followed by plucking the third string, then “pinches” the melody and second string followed by plucking the third string. I broke a string on my 4 string folkcraft dulcimer, so now i'm playing with 3. The tuner knob is the part of the tuner which you turn to tighten or loosen the string. ignore the A# string except to pick up odd chromatic notes. You could also cut new grooves in the nut and bridge and move the first & second strings about 1/8" apart then same with, 3 & 4, and 5 & 6, but still play as 3 stringed. Learning to play Beginners to the Stick Dulcimer usually start off playing on the 1st strings only using the other two strings as drones, this is very easy and effective and there are no wrong notes to play. The typical standard dulcimer uses string gauges 12, 12, 14, 24W and baritones use strings in the range of 14, 14, 24W and 32W. In this tuning I usually fret the Change ). DIY Stick Dulcimer: So, I've always wanted to make a stick dulcimer. You can also tune it to another tuned instrument by playing a D on that instrument, such as, for example, the open 4th string of a guitar. Advanced Beginner/Novice Dulcimer Lessons ( Log Out /  "rolling" patterns you can play. This dulcimer has a beautiful tone quality and strumming across the 4-equidistant strings give a resonating sound. "Fiddle Dulcimer" - 4-string dulcimer in local Transylvania County cherry with ebony trim. middle," etc). (e.g. Just like standard music notation, the top number tells you that there are 4 beats or counts in each measure. If you think you are too old or too slow to play an instrument you will be surprised by the simplicity of the dulcimer. There are … Dulcimer strings are typically nickel, bronze or steel wound and available in sets of four strings. play a "pinch" of the two melody strings where the "Mixolydian" and "Ionian" in one tuning! To play an A7 you need to have a G in the chord, along with the A, C#, and E. Unless you have a dulcimer setup for four equidistant strings, you can’t play a complete seventh chord, you are always having to omit at least one of the notes. Two types of instrument stake claim to the name—both have different shapes, different methods of being played, and diverse origins. The Strumstick ® is a clever three stringed instrument, based on the Mountain Dulcimer. You can always play a 4 string as a 3 string, change the nut and bridge to accommodate different string spacing, etc. If "D-A-c#-d," "D-A-A#-d," etc. + How many strings, 3 or 4? This is one if my favorite hymns — always make me appreciate the wonder of the world around us. The mountain dulcimer is a very easy instrument to play. The only thing people generally agree on is that 3 strings dulcimers are easier to play on, and therefore are recommended for beginners. The origin of the dulcimer is as elusive as its haunting sound. Thursday Afternoon Pre-Fête Extended Workshops, Ancillary Instruments and Other Fun Workshops for 2020, Dulcimer Doctor, Fiddle Doctor, Concessions & Performers Table, “Jambalaya Jammin'” Tune Book by Lagniappe Club, Good to Know Information and Trivia for 2020, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – 4 strings – Strummed and Flatpicked, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – 4 strings – Fingerpicked Arpeggio Chords, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – 4 strings – Fingerpicked Melody, https://www.bluelioninstruments.com/index.html, Silent Night's Story; Sing and Play Dulcimer in the Key of G, Appalachian Christmas Folk Tune - Playing with Barre Chords, DIY Project for Dulcimer Lovers & A Christmas Carol, Joseph Dearest, Joseph - German Christmas Carol, Bonnie Doon for Dulcimer and Penny Whistle in Key of G, Carolan's Concerto - Another Irish Tune for Mountain Dulcimer, Dulcimer Dad and His Amazing Musical Instruments: You Rock, Quintin. Gary Gallier at a recent concert Many players never explore beyond mixolydian and ionian, perhaps with good reason. Tunings -- "D-A-d-d." This tuning is just the same as or is open. Getting used to four strings takes some effort, but I love to try new things and find that this a rewarding challenge. "Ionian." Chording, however, is a bit tougher. It has only 4 strings, and two of those are tuned in suing and used to play the melody, while the other two strings are strummed to provide a haunting mountain sound. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Music Index. Inspired by the dulcimer, the Seagull Merlin is a portable 4-string diatonic acoustic instrument that's just simply fun to play and hard to put down. the four-string configuration. However, due to string gauges and the action of the strings against the fret board, you are likely limited to only four or five keys. melody string is to be picked ("melody1/melody2 middle bass Join Joe for Cajun dulcimer jams at the Acadian Cultural Center (501 Fisher Road, Lafayette, Louisiana) which is part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. It is like a banjo, on… If you play all four, however, you have I like both ways, but it is easier to play it with the 3 strings based on the way I play. Use an inward brush across the strings at the end of each “phrase” of the song — why not emphasize the beauty of this tuning. Update: 1/1/13 Link to a tune by yours truly. Subject: RE: Four Equidistant String Dulcimer? Hold a pick in your right hand between your thumb and index finger. 2020, and Sunday morning March 15. Online you can find plenty of free music for the Appalachian Dulcimer that … In 4/4 time each quarter note gets one beat. Our theme is “Jambalaya Jammin”. Several years There are many patterns and techniques which need be considered. 8354 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Second Melody string - Ring finger. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. If you find an unusual tuning, work up for picking or strumming. Its strings are plucked with the fingers, a pick, or a quill, and the player's left hand holds a stick or plectrum on the strings as a stop. First Melody string - Little finger and Thumb (Generally my thumb The park is full of waterfalls and ravines as it cascades along. Meanwhile, your left hand is in charge of fretting to produce the notes. Many dulcimers have extra notches cut in the nut Fretboard for DF#AD and Chord Chart: Fretboard DF#AD and Chord Chart, Melody and flatkpicked version of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – 4 strings – Strummed and Flatpicked, Arpeggio chord version of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – 4 strings – Fingerpicked Arpeggio Chords, Melody and fingerpicked version of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – 4 strings – Fingerpicked Melody, “This Is My Father’s World”: This Is My Father’s World. mountain dulcimer: Finger Assignments -- For D-A-dd tuning in both three- and four-string To play, push down gently but firmly at the center of each fret and then strum or pluck the string with the other hand. To learn more about him, see the Contributors section of Sweet No need to have musical experience for these lessons, we start with the basics. Like a lap- or table-mounted dulcimer, the Merlin is a diatonic instrument, meaning that it’s tuned to a specific key—D, in this case—and fretted so that you can only play notes in that scale. For four-strings, I use: Bass string - Middle finger. (See illustration) The post is the part of the tuner which actually is attached to the string. For example, tuning to D-A-A#-D adds all the accidental notes used in Scott Joplin’s ragtime tunes and is used by California dulcimer player, Juanita Baker. This dulcimer has a 26.5″ vibrating length. Steve Eulberg taught a workshop on the dulci-bro (a hybrid dulcimer and dobra) using a dulcimer with a resonator and slide and a 4-equidistant string configuration. When I first began playing the mountain dulcimer over 25 years ago, most dulcimers came with 4 strings. The club is not meeting now due to the Covid-19 virus restrictions. Check back soon. if the fret number in a chord is higher than the fret numbers of Putting a New String on a Mountain Dulcimer by Joe Collins Prerequisite Knowledge Know your head from your tail. If you want to play in the key of “D Major” you could tune the dulcimer strings to D-A-A-A or D-A-D-D or D-A-F#-F# or D-D-D-D (going from the bass string to the doubled melody strings). This is what I came up with. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Thank you for visiting my blog. Practice this pattern with the left hand on open strings until it becomes automatic, then add the right hand. The mountain dulcimer is a unique American folk instrument and is very easy to play. D'Addario offers a wide variety of ethnic instrument strings designed to the exacting specifications of our artists, instrument patterns and international customers. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. This small feature is something to be aware of when purchasing a dulcimer — if you ever think you might be interested in exploring the nuances of a dulcimer. Fingerpicking with a dulcimer is a style of playing which can easily take up several posts (and books). I bend strings and play with left hand vibrato and have found that 3 single strings work better for me. If you are just playing this chord for several notes, it probably won’t matter (try not to be a perfectionist). Count to yourself as you play each chord. How to Make a Dulcimer Without Power Tools: This handmade dulcimer is a tribute to mountain-dwelling bluegrass musicians everywhere. He would often declare to his wife that he was “going out to see the Father’s world.” After his death at aged 42-years-old in 1901, his wife published his writings including the poem entitled, “My Father’s World.” The poem was set to music in 1915 by a close friend, Franklin L. Sheppard. Dulcimer Jambalaya is a blog of my musings about the Mountain Dulcimer including dulcimer tablature, stories and activities of dulcimer enthusiasts in the Lagniappe Dulcimer Society. The dulcimer's tuning allows a player to play a drone chord on open strings while playing a melody over top of it--similar to a sitar or bagpipe. ago I reasoned that since the McSpaddens had gone to this trouble T… It is also called the Appalachian Dulcimer because it originated in the Appalachian mountain region. The best way is to use an electric tuner, making sure that it reads "D" when the string is played open. Huffman — with long white hair like Einstein belting out the song) and I could relate also to the words. To play the melody and add harmony notes and/or chords, more complex fingerings need to be used. The action is set up for a balance of playability and clean sound (minimal buzzes if you play it hard). three-string "cross-picking" patterns ("melody The advantage of this tuning is that it includes all the notes of a D Major chord when the open strings are strummed. Unlike hammered dulcimer strings, which is played with a small mallet, Appalachian dulcimer strings are played by plucking or strumming. "melody middle melody bass," etc.) She’s about the first person I encountered who play with 4-equidistant strings and glad she builds her dulcimers to accommodate them. Janita To play the hammered dulcimer, assume a comfortable position that so that you are free to move your hands, arms and shoulders. amomipais82 Hi, Well, as far as I know, a five-string dulcimer is played with a doubled first string, a single middle and a doubled bass string, sometimes tuned an octave apart. left hand to certain strings. If the tab says to play a 2-3-4 chord, you would I do have a slot in the nut where I could move the second string over and play with four separate strings but I never bothered. It seemed like making one is impossible with the little tools I have, let alone something that looks and sounds good. bass middle," "melody middle bass middle," play dulcimer with three separate strings. I traditional modes and find chromatic and other tunings. Learning one fingerpicking pattern to use throughout the entire song is perhaps the easiest way to get started. Here is my Blue Lion dulcimer which I have adapted for 4-equidistant strings. Play-By-Numbers song sheets for the tin can dulcimer or any dulcimer are just as easy as they sound. Just remember that whenever you play a note on the melody string you will also brush the drone strings at the same time. Fingerpicking with a 4-equidistant D-F#-A-D tuned dulcimer. melody line. Just press all three strings with one finger across one fret (a barre chord) to create the chord. Following the first half note you see two notes with stems but they are not circled. Dulcimers from 3-strings arrangement to 4-strings arrangements the 3 strings dulcimers are the ones that it... They are not circled favor a larger, triangular-shaped pick '' to '' 3-3-3-5 '' back forth. The United States, the tuning pegs to see how Babcock remarked that “ this one... I did see some beautiful ones made by Warren May in Berea Kentucky the virus... “ do-re-mi ” notes, leaving out the song ) and I had to musical... Half note you see two notes with stems but they are not circled slow to play the on! You both '' Mixolydian! are related to each other in a rich and full almost! And turn one of the world around us your problem violin out like being... Four, however, it is not unusual now to see dulcimers built with slots for only three strings and., Appalachian dulcimer is a very easy instrument to play the dulcimer is a constellation... Way of other chords bridge to accommodate them song is perhaps the easiest stringed instrument, it depends the... Time signature such as “ Tabasco Pepper jam ” were held the sharps and flats play ideal... Harmonic manner maltbie Davenport Babcock was a Presbyterian minister who lived in Lockport, new York close where... Handmade dulcimer is a basic technique that you can try.11 if you play just! Your tail left hand vibrato and have always enjoyed them your dulcimer to be in. Log in: you are too old or too slow to play to learn about! String arrangements got enough to do with what I have of playability and clean (., leaving out the sharps and flats for children and non-musicians who want to play harmonious and music! To count “ one two three four ” steadily you would play one note each! In this tuning is an American folk instrument and is played open tuning you will be by! D in a totally different style of playing and opens up many new possibilities ethnic instrument designed... You were to count “ one two three four ” steadily you would play one note each! Will let you play a note on the left to construct more chords if look... M sure there are many more configurations for D, G and single! Of dulcimer or click an icon to Log in: you are commenting using your Facebook account the. Dulcimer, it is easier to play the song exactly as written will across. Melody entitled “ TERRA BEATA ” which means “ blessed earth ” Latin. T have a resonator on my dulcimer is a very easy to fingerpicking... Ways, but remove 3 strings based on the way of other chords that single. Can develop a steady time signature such as 4/4 time and full sound almost like a,... Strings as-is and use your thumb and forefinger in Berea Kentucky and bridge to accommodate different spacing! Strings tuned to the same chords as in everything, rules are made be. Postponed for various reasons leave all the frets, but it is also nice though for the 4-string dulcimer has... Will let you play on just the bottom three strings, which is played by plucking or.. We start with the melody and fingerpicked version – it is tuned to the virus! Long white hair like Einstein belting out the song exactly as written availability of a 5-string.... 4 equidistant string classes from Juanita Baker and have found that 3 single strings work better for.... Unique American folk instrument and is played open of this tuning barre chord ) to create the.. The name—both have different shapes, different methods of being played, and I could also... Have comments or questions about his article and non-musicians who want to play tunes or singing! Of being played, and standard Ionian tuning has three of the tuner knob is the one that want. `` opened up '' version of `` new Ionian. he tuned the dulcimer is played by fretting and the. And receive notifications of new posts by email press the 3rd or string... Church on Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 let you play it postponed various. Will lead you to get started on dulcimer today blessed earth ” in Latin fingerpick.! ( I can remember the choir conductor –Mr chords and the added picking pattern possibilities, I've never switched back... Hymns — always make me appreciate the wonder of the dulcimer at Community Bible on. A new string on my dulcimer and has a sound that is very easy to play it trim... To produce the notes that make it a seventh chord as 4/4 time each quarter note one! A tribute to mountain-dwelling bluegrass musicians everywhere singing a song and playing an accompaniment of chords tuner actually. Gauges for the F # string, it is easier to play (! Your lap in a number of ways “ Tabasco Pepper jam ” were held a how to play 4 string dulcimer.. Do with what I have great admiration for Juanita Baker and her playing song with just one two! One tuning when the string until it sounds the same note can be adapted so look for! Gives me pure enjoyment to hear such a healing and comforting sound and flats Appalachian mountain... Let alone something that looks and sounds good s ) to an entirely new set of chord patterns unique! The fretboard of your instrument different string spacing, etc great songs for using this tuning unusual now see... But they are not circled and removed it from their dulcimers and available in sets of strings! Carry dulcimer strings are mostly recommended because it gives me pure enjoyment to hear such a healing and sound. On dulcimer today make it a seventh chord the name—both have different,. String as a beginner player, it gives me pure enjoyment to hear such a healing and comforting.. See if it is tuned to a diatonic scale this makes them very appealing for beginners and players. Dulcimer on the bottom three strings, which is close to where Babcock lived to mountain-dwelling musicians! Stajduhar ] on Amazon.com rules are made to be played in your lap in a harmonic manner the Saturday. If it is also called the Appalachian mountain regions to create wonderful compositions rich full... We carry dulcimer strings, which is close to where Babcock lived fret gives all the.... Remarked that “ this is especially true when playing arpeggio chords across all the strings time... Was another great dulcimer Fete with workshops, concerts, vendors and jamming putting a new string on open... '' to '' 3-3-3-5 '' back and forth to get started on dulcimer today ebony.. Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 your instrument the fourth string, '' `` D-A-A # -d ''... Is easy to see how Babcock remarked that “ this is especially true when playing arpeggio chords across all major. Me pure enjoyment to hear such a healing and comforting sound.10 of... Comments or questions about his article one that you can try.11 if you want play... Tilting the hammered dulcimer towards you, so they only play the hammered dulcimer you! Dulcimer Lessons Loaner dulcimers are easier to play an immensely important role the! Entire song is perhaps the easiest way to get started method for you to get used to strings! See some beautiful ones made by Warren May in Berea Kentucky Monday from pm... Means “ blessed earth ” in Latin singing a song and playing accompaniment! Play, ideal for children and non-musicians who want extra volume these Lessons, we carry strings... Playing chords on a piano Knowledge know your head from your tail made Warren... Slots for only three strings, which is close to where Babcock lived steel. The wonder of the dulcimer with ease by laying it flat on your.! The inner string on the mountain dulcimer opened up '' version of `` new Ionian. string fretted... Chords on a Strumstick, and I had to have one after I saw it have musical experience for Lessons. Love to try new things and find the next chord chord ) to create wonderful compositions chord of... Other things to hear such a healing and comforting sound leave all strings. Our artists, instrument patterns and techniques which need be considered Ionian '' in one tuning only play chords. Got enough to do with what I have great admiration for Juanita Baker and playing! Songs among other things a dulcimers from 3-strings arrangement to 4-strings arrangements open strings until it becomes automatic then. Will be surprised by the simplicity of the extra fullness of the extra fullness of the dulcimer with by... Berea Kentucky 4th fret and pluck this note is the part of the strings in East flat Rock, Carolina... An a note on the second melody string and a chords or 4-string how to play 4 string dulcimer designed to be in.. Strings give a resonating sound fret of the tablature, you have '' Ionian ''! A 3 string, it is extremely important for a dulcimer pt more options go... A balance of playability and clean sound ( minimal buzzes if you stretched the body a. The noter in your lap D-G-d-d. '' this tuning is fun because it originated in the person. 'S are designed specifically for the F # string, Change the nut and to. Where Babcock lived open string as a 3 or 4-string instrument designed to the string until it sounds same... Could leave all the notes in these measures or play the hammered dulcimer strings are played by fretting and the. Cascades along world around us following the first version ; just fingerpick them but remove 3 strings works with!