Forum Activity for @julie-semones

When all strings have the same number

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks Rob, it is a quandry for sure!

When all strings have the same number

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ok hopefully this comes out right; I have been trying to play a couple of songs, but in the songs there is a note when all three (or four) strings need to be depressed on the same fret. For instance, it would be 3 3 3 My problem is, when I put my finger down, the strings fall where the crease in my finger is, so I get a dead sound, or something that sounds very off key. I'm not sure how to compensate for this issue. Any ideas?

updated by @julie-semones: 06/11/15 07:40:16AM

Strumming so frustrated

Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

Thanks Richard and Helen - unfortunately I've been away from my dulcimer for MUCH too long. I had taken on a job caring for an elderly lady and that took most of my time. Unfortunately she passed away on Wednesday...so I am hoping to jump back into learning again!

Strumming so frustrated

Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

Alrighty all, I've been trying everything you all have posted, I think I'm finally catching on....here I am (YIKES, can't believe I'm sharing this!!LOL)

Strumming so frustrated

Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

Thank you all for your responses!! I am going through reading them all. I've been trying to play since Aug 2013, which isn't really that long at all. I'm proud of myself for plucking out the tunes I have. My dad for Christmas made me some beautiful noters, and I've tried using those too...beautiful sound.. Please don't think I'm ignoring comments, I am just taking my time reading through them all!

Strumming so frustrated

Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

I LOVE my dulcimer, let me say that first, and I've learned a few tunes, and they sound pretty decent...however my issue is, I can't strum! Its gotta be a left brain/right brain issue, but anytime I try to start strumming, I stumble on the notes. I can get the notes playing clearly but can't strum. I have tried air strumming and that seems to go ok, until I try to actually play a tune. Can anyone offer some help?

I wish I were closer to people who play the dulcimer, but I don't; I tried dulcimerschool.com and while the lessons were great, I think I need someone in front of me, live, to teach me.

updated by @julie-semones: 07/31/23 09:31:04PM