Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@davisjames
• 48 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Old King Cole
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Old King Cole
@davisjames
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @erthling: to get chromatic or not
Liked a forum discussions item created by @erthling: to get chromatic or not
@lmcwilli
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
"I recently started playing the pure diatonic Jean-Ritchie-style dulcimer my wife built 50 years ago. No extra fret enhancements (6.5 or 1.5). For modal..."
@lowell-moore
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Amazing Courting Dulcimer for sale $500":
Created a new forum topic "Amazing Courting Dulcimer for sale $500":
"I have an amazing "courting dulcimer" in great condition made from walnut by Terry Cannon (#48 on the label inside). This dulcimer is a true work of art and..."
@michael-willey
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
"Hi, Ken, I'm not really into chording, but I would like to look at your friend's essay. Do you need an email address? Thanks."
@michael-willey
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
"Hi, Strumelia! I appreciate you clearing that up for me. I was flummoxed! So, if I come across DAA tab that has chords, do I just play the melody line..."
@michael-willey
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
"Hi, @Ocean-Daughter. I appreciate your comments and I think that's what I'll try to do is just jam with this group in DAA. Thanks!"
@ocean-daughter
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
"I learned of this when I received my magazine yesterday. Ashley said she would keep the website up, and the festival and club directories.
I'd like to see..."
@ocean-daughter
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
"Hi Michael, I'm also a more traditional player. So far I've only jammed with groups online. But I always just play either the melody, or a counter-melody..."
@michael-willey
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
"Ken, DAA is my preferred tuning. I probably should have mentioned that sooner. But I don't mind playing in DAD. I've just never been interested in..."
@lisavb
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
"My first dulcimer was a Backyard Music cardboard kit. The fretboard (mercifully) already had the frets on, and it was easy to assemble. The tone was..."
@randy-adams
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
"An aside great DAA chord melody player is Les Gallier can be found thru brother Gary Gallier's website."
@ken-hulme
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
"Michael -- are you tuning to DAd along with the others in the group, or are you tuned DAA? What Ken wrote is perfectly true if you're tuned DAd. If you..."
@ken-hulme
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
"An old, and sadly now deceased friend, Merv Rowley, wrote the definitive essay on playing Chord Melody style in DAA a number of years ago for the old..."
@strumelia
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
"Looking at your image, it looks as though the tab indicates playing chords in DAA... just as one would in chord style DAd.Just because one is tuned DAA, it..."
@michael-willey
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
"Strumelia, thanks for your response. I'm familiar with the numbers on the bottom line. But this tune also has numbers on the top line for DAA tuning. I'm..."
@richard-streib
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
"If all of the notes on the melody line of the song are available on your dulcimer as tuned, I just ignore numbers on the middle or bass strings. That being..."
@davisjames
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
"Thanks for the advice-3 strings for melody playing,making harmonies with 2 fingers,etc."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
"Not sure if that's what you meant. Can you point to an example online of what you are confused about?"
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
Posted a new Comment on Question on DAA Tab:
"In dulcimer tab, it's not uncommon to put the numbers on the bottom line, because that is how you will see the strings with the instrument on your lap- the..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on All Things Bright and Beautiful:
Posted a new Comment on All Things Bright and Beautiful:
"So very lovely, John! "
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: All Things Bright and Beautiful
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: All Things Bright and Beautiful
@michael-willey
• yesterday
• comments: 9
Created a new Group discussion "Question on DAA Tab":
Created a new Group discussion "Question on DAA Tab":
"I have owned dulcimers for years, but am still basically a beginner because I don't make myself sit down and practice. I'm trying to change all that and was..."
Beginner players
Beginner players
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: All Things Bright and Beautiful
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: All Things Bright and Beautiful
@michael-willey
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
"Thanks, Ken. That is helpful. I'm basically a beginner, despite having owned dulcimers for years. I'm trying to change all that this year. "
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
Posted a new Comment on Thoughts on Tabs and Chords:
"If you are using DAd tab, most of the melody will be on the bottom line of the tab. Numbers from zero through seven is the first octave of the scale. Often..."
@michael-willey
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Created a new Group discussion "Thoughts on Tabs and Chords":
Created a new Group discussion "Thoughts on Tabs and Chords":
"All of the dulcimer clubs in my area are big on playing chords. I would like to be able to play with these folks, but what do you do when the tab of a given..."
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players
@john-w-mckinstry
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on All Things Bright and Beautiful:
Posted a new Comment on All Things Bright and Beautiful:
"Hi Cynthia, One of these days I'll share a mule with you in the form of "Mule Skinner Blues".
I think you will get a "kick" out of it."
@cynthia-wigington
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on All Things Bright and Beautiful:
Posted a new Comment on All Things Bright and Beautiful:
"Lovely paintings and music. I especially like the turkeys. They are quite challenging to paint I think. I wonder if you have a painting of a mule in there..."
@john-w-mckinstry
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new YouTube video:
All Things Bright and Beautiful
All Things Bright and Beautiful
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Flow Gently Sweet Afton (American tune)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Flow Gently Sweet Afton (American tune)
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
"I'm glad you finished it and can enjoy playing it. Have fun.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@dwain-wilder
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
"shootrj2003:
…I guess you learn something every day wether you want to or not!… I saw a poster once with a cat hanging from a clothes-line. The caption was..."
@sam-edelston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
"@davisjames and @robert-schuler , I won't try to change your approaches to playing, but I invite you to consider other aspects of the dulcimer that also..."
@shootrj2003
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
"It lives,and sounds good now if I can only learn to sound good!"
@cindy-stammich
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Flow Gently Sweet Afton (American tune):
Posted a new Comment on Flow Gently Sweet Afton (American tune):
"I haven’t heard this in years - and you played it beautifully! Thank you!"
@robert-schuler
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
"DavisJames, the drones and tuning in modes is what makes a dulcimer such a unique and beautiful sounding instrument...Robert "
@cindy-stammich
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Country Gardens:
Posted a new Comment on Country Gardens:
"This was so bright and cheery, and the flowers are such a nice touch! Thank you for sharing this!"
@dwain-wilder
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
"Kay Bolin:
…Several of us are interested in playing different dulcimers and are looking into purchasing inexpensive cardboard dulcimers to try out..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
"Ken Hulme: Dusty -- the strings are only attached to the fretboard not the body, so the body would not have stress on it from baritone tunings. True...."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Perpetual Motion:
Posted a new Comment on Perpetual Motion:
"Oh, I like the movement and you getting "in the zone"! "
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
"I have a lovely Tom Yockie chromatic.My second dulcimer.However I'm glad that my first dulcimer was a standard mountain dulcimer with a 6+1/2..."
@msdeebee
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Group discussion "Jam Groups near Waco":
Created a new Group discussion "Jam Groups near Waco":
"Hello out there,
I'm looking for jam groups in the Waco area. Anyone know of any?
Thanks,
Dee"
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
@ken-hulme
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
"Dusty -- the strings are only attached to the fretboard not the body, so the body would not have stress on it from baritone tunings."
@dusty-turtle
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
"Hi Kay. I hope you're doing well.
I was amazed when I played one of the Folkcraft cardboard dulcimers. They don't have much volume, but the tone is much..."
@kay-bolin
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
"Thanks Ken Hume, Ken Longfield and Dwain Wilder for your responses. All helpful!"
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
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Latest Forum Posts All
to get chromatic or not
Posted: Tuesday February 7 2023, 4:05 PM
By: @lmcwilli
By: @lmcwilli
Amazing Courting Dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday February 7 2023, 3:26 PM
By: @Lowell Moore
By: @Lowell Moore
Dulcimer Players News demise
Posted: Tuesday February 7 2023, 2:46 PM
By: @ocean-daughter
By: @ocean-daughter
Cardboard Dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday February 7 2023, 10:41 AM
By: @LisavB
By: @LisavB
Slots for frets loose
Posted: Monday February 6 2023, 10:25 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Jethro Amburgey #110
Posted: Wednesday February 1 2023, 9:16 AM
By: @John Gribble
By: @John Gribble
W. Martin Dulcimer History
Posted: Tuesday January 31 2023, 10:41 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Bing Futch...
Posted: Tuesday January 31 2023, 8:48 AM
By: @Bing Futch
By: @Bing Futch
confusing fret layout
Posted: Tuesday January 31 2023, 2:21 AM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Tuesday January 31 2023, 1:47 AM
By: @shootrj2003
By: @shootrj2003
Hearts of the Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday January 30 2023, 8:16 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Bonnie Carol dulcimer for...
Posted: Sunday January 29 2023, 3:44 PM
By: @Carmen Armstrong
By: @Carmen Armstrong
Stanley Hicks / David Love...
Posted: Wednesday January 25 2023, 3:19 PM
By: @Banjimer
By: @Banjimer
Wanted: Case for a Galax...
Posted: Monday January 23 2023, 8:28 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
2003 Performance model Kurt...
Posted: Saturday January 21 2023, 8:43 PM
By: @Thomas Paquette
By: @Thomas Paquette
A stolen Rolling Stones...
Posted: Tuesday January 17 2023, 10:02 PM
By: @jp
By: @jp
CBS piece on Troublesome...
Posted: Tuesday January 17 2023, 7:37 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Tab or chords needed for We...
Posted: Tuesday January 17 2023, 1:23 PM
By: @Art S
By: @Art S
Kind of like, "Where's Waldo?"
Posted: Sunday January 15 2023, 6:29 PM
By: @Alegre1
By: @Alegre1
Dulcimer Tuning Pegs for Sale
Posted: Saturday January 14 2023, 2:59 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Looking to Upgrade/Add to...
Posted: Monday January 9 2023, 1:06 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
New Year's Resolution:...
Posted: Sunday January 8 2023, 6:54 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
New biography of David...
Posted: Saturday January 7 2023, 12:58 PM
By: @KLKD
By: @KLKD
Sarah Kate on mountain...
Posted: Friday January 6 2023, 11:45 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Loop Pedal 101: The Basics...
Posted: Thursday January 5 2023, 1:45 PM
By: @Bing Futch
By: @Bing Futch
International Appalachian...
Posted: Wednesday January 4 2023, 11:04 PM
By: @Alegre1
By: @Alegre1
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Wednesday January 4 2023, 9:33 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Recommendations for best...
Posted: Tuesday January 3 2023, 8:57 PM
By: @jal
By: @jal
Folkcraft LAP-JO For Sale
Posted: Tuesday January 3 2023, 11:33 AM
By: @Jim Phillips
By: @Jim Phillips
Rest in Peace, Gwen Caeli
Posted: Monday January 2 2023, 2:09 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett 
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Richard Streib 
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Ken Longfield 
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