I'm pretty much playing DADd tuning these days, and throw a capo across the first fret to play in a minor key. When I get around to building another dulcimer, I'll probably put it into DAA. If you can join us and give a presentation on DAA tuning, that would be wonderful! There is no charge for the event, pretty much come & go as suits you.
Thanks, Strumelia. I'm looking forward to it. Should be a good chance to meet some local dulcimer players and learn from them, as well as show 'em what I'm playing these days. There are some really good teachers & performers on line, but it just isn't the same as being in the same room with 'em.
Thanks, Dusty! It is a new venue, and this is my first attempt at teaching a class. There are quite a few dulcimer players in the area, hope the word gets out. It'd be great if you could make it.
I am organizing a "Dulcimer Day" Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 near Neosho, Missouri, and would like anyone interested to attend. We have a great venue at the Old Cedar Mill Gallery. I will be offering FREE workshops in beginning and intermediate dulcimer techniques. If someone is interested in offering free advanced dulcimer or basic clawhammer banjo instruction, I'd be pleased to include that as part of the event. This is a chance to meet other dulcimer players in the area, and perhaps pick up a few techniques. Neosho is within easy driving distance of Springfield, MO, Fayetteville, AR, Pittsburg, KS, and Miami, OK. Event starts at 10:00 am, and goes until around 5:00 pm.
10:00-- Session 1: Tuning, using a metronome, basic strum for "Old Joe Clark" and Liza Jane"
11:00-- Session 2: Hammer on, Pull off, and slides for "Old Joe Clark" and "Cripple Creek"
12:00-- Lunch: Pizza, $5 each.
1:00-- Session 3: Major chords, "Cripple Creek" and "Waltzing Matilda"
2:00-- Session 4: Minor chords, "Wayfaring Stranger" and "Star of the County Down"
3:00-- General Q&A, sharing experiences and jam.
This is preliminary, subject to change.
If anyone is interested in carpooling to the worshops, I plan to leave Neosho, MO in the morning and return the same evening.
The capo allows the guitar player to play in D with the same fingering that would be used if the music were played in C. Another option would be for you to drop the pitch of your dulcimer down a whole note to match everyone else playing in C. Have fun!
