Forum Activity for @mandy

Ok so I'm wanting to branch out in my playing more. Anyone have suggestions on how to find the harmony notes and chords without getting in too deep in the music theory department? Really looking to play more back up and variations within what I'm already doing to add in more instruments. I can do the basic stuff (play the same chords further up the neck, play the melody notes on the bass string kind of stuff) but am looking to expand more. Thanks. I could be just digging myself into a hole with this question but I'm living on the edge anyway so why not. LOL.

As an example let's say the main chords the song uses are G and D. What would be considered the harmony notes/chords of those 2 chords?

Hi Dusty,

thank you for your reply.

1.) In fact, when I first found this song in the internet, it was written in 3/8 time. Now I have also found the song in a song-book in 6/8 time. I don't know how Hannikainen wrote it. But both measures make sense, because the stress should be on the first eighth note of a group of three. 3/8|oo|oo|oo|oo|... resp. 6/8|oo oo|oo oo|...

If I'd put the 6 eighth notes into a 3/4 measure, I'd get 3 quarter notes resp. 3 groups of 2 eighth notes rather than 2 groups of 3 eight notes. 3/4|OO|OO|... resp. 3/4|o oo oo|o oo oo|

So I think, a 3/8 or 6/8 does make sense and gives the song the touch of a dance...

2.) Not at all - you are welcome to use it! Thank you for asking... Enjoy!

Thanks, Peter. That's a pretty tune.

I have two questions for you:

1) Why did you tab this in 3/8 time instead of 3/4 time? Were you just following the original score or is there some advantage to that time signature?

2) Would you mind if I shared this tab with my local dulcimer group in California? I think it would work as a nice study in basic chord shapes.

After focussing on the Finnish kantele for some time, I decided to tab a dulcimer version of a Finnish song today. The song is about a squirrel nest (drey) in the trees and about the baby squirrels' life while growing up in summer and winter, protected by their comfortable nest.

The music was written by Pekka Juhani Hannikainen (1854-1924), so according to European laws it is in the public domain (author died more than 70 years ago).

As some notes of the melody are on the second string (A) in DAdd tuning, I recommend to play it in flat picking or fingerpicking style.

Enjoy. :)

I'll try to record it by the end of this week.

EDIT: So here's the recording:

I've used this kind of non-slip carpet pad. I also use it on my workbench. Same advice as above about storage

The rubber shelf liner material only damages the finish if you store it against the dulcimer....like folded under the dulcimer in its case, or leaning the dulcimer against the shelf liner on its stand. Using it for regular playing times does no harm. Just keep them away from each other while not in use.

John- good point about the thighs being level.

The first thing you need to do to stop sliding, is stop wearing "slippery" pants made from polyester blends. I get very little sliding from cargo pants, chinos or denim jeans.

Second thing is proper position and posture - sit up straight, knees wide apart, 1st fret over your left knee, dulcimer angled back to your right hip not square across your legs, thighs parallel to the floor (use a foot rest, special chair or other aid if necessary).

Third, use the little finger of your right hand to continuously pull the instrument back in place about every third strum.

I agree with John about the shelf liner. It's good stuff, if you can't manage good position and posture. Just don't leave it under your dulcimer, in the case, for days/weeks/months in the summer!

I think the danger of a shelf liner to a finish is over-stated. If I used one and discovered it had a tendency to stick firmly to the instrument after a short time, then I would worry. Otherwise I wouldn't concern myself. The finish surface (matte vs gloss) isn't the issue so much as what the finish and/or liner were made from. I wouldn't store them touching, though.

I discovered that if I use a chair or stool low enough my feet are flat and my thighs are parallel to the floor, slipping isn't an issue.

I find the 'under the thighs' strap system is much firmer than the 'round the back' system for contemporary playing styles (chords and out-strum lead) - it also allows for more 'aggressive' positioning and strumming. For traditional playing technique (noter and in-strum lead or thumb strum) the dulcimer sliding around is not so much of a problem. Many of the old dulcimers I have are quite rough on the back andtwo small pieces of shelf liner or chamois leather sorts out those that are a bit slippery.

Hmm....well, I generally have a big bulky brace on my left knee. That seems to stop the dulcimer from sliding pretty well!

I just use a strap. I find that if I angle it out and down a bit at the top (I lower my left knee a bit) and have the strap taut that it has nowhere to go and doesn't slide. I play pretty aggressively sometimes, and never have any problem. Seems to be some good ideas from others here, so I hope you figure something out.

I have been using some of the shelf liner type material to hold my dulcimer in place. However, I just had strap buttons put on 2 of my dulcimers and use a strap under my legs instead of around the back. The strap I ordered was actually too big, so I took it to a shoe shop and they are adjusting it for me. I like this by far better than anything I've tried. My teacher suggested using the strap this way - if you have it tight enough under your legs, the dulcimer doesn't slide or wobble at all. Too bad it's taken me 2 years to figure this out!

I use a strap and that works fine. I play pretty aggressively too so if I don't use a strap it would be in the floor in pieces! Good luck!

I should point out that I do not play for long periods of time and I never leave the non-slip pads with the dulcimer when storing. I must say though that I like the idea of Kristi's chamois. Sounds good to me and will certainly give that one a try.

I use two pieces of the non-slip material used under rugs, etc one on each knee. Doug Curran, who as a lot of you will know is a long-time MDulcimer player and luthier, suggested this to me. I don't use a strap at all but this material (I use a light colour) stops the slide. I haven't noticed any adverse effect on the surface. I hope this is useful.

I play naked. (Just kidding)

I sometimes use one of those rubberized pads, but I do worry about the possible effects on the finish.

The best solution I have found is to use a chair or stool low enough that my thighs are parallel to the floor, so that there's no slope for the dulcimer to slide down.

I use pieces of soft but somewhat rough leather about as thick as shelf liner. Mine are from a 30+ year old calendar, but we've bought other pieces from the scrap bins at craft stores. With them, we've never had to use straps. I put one over my left knee and place the dulcimer with its first fret above it. The other goes where the dulcimer crosses my right leg, near my hip.

Dustin, read my blog post on fingertip fretting:

http://dulcimer-noter-drone.blogspot.com/2012/07/lazy-fingers.html

Many people these days are fretting angled as though they are typing on their keyboard- it won't give you as clear a sound.

Julia, the Arranging Group here at FOTM D is the place to ask TablEdit questions. Join that group and start a discussion with the title representing the question. I've done that myself and gotten specific answers within a day.

Julia Poor said:

Does this group answer questions about TablEdit?

If so, I've been on Everything Dulcimer with someone who is having trouble with it, and I'll refer him here.

Julia

Does this group answer questions about TablEdit?

If so, I've been on Everything Dulcimer with someone who is having trouble with it, and I'll refer him here.

Julia

Laura and others, I didn't notice this discussion or I would have pointed this out earlier, but a while back I discussed with Strumelia and the other Moderators the possibility of a group devoted to the various tab software questions, and we decided to use the Arranging for Dulcimers Group . If you visit there you will see some other discussions where people (such as myself) ask Tabledit questions. In the future, try to use that group for this stuff so we can keep it all in one place. (I would move this discussion there but I don't seem to be able to do so.)

Thanks! And happy tablediting!

It's great when things come together.

Thanks for the tip.

Try using the 2 modules, the 1st with the lead and the 2nd the chords. Hide the tab for the lead and the notation for the chords. You may need to adjust spacing if the get too far apart. I don't know of any other way, although someone else may. You might contact the developer and see if the grouping you're looking for is can be done. He is very helpful. There may be a way using the Text Manager, the chord #'s would be horizontal, 200, 013, etc. The text can be positioned above or below the tab or notation.

I'm not sure what you're after. The notation can be turned off [hidden] or the tab can be turned off, leaving the other on. If you're looking to have the chords as a separate work piece, you'll probably have to use an additional module and copy/re-enter them from the 1st module.

You can add a module from 'Score > instrument' selection just like the 1st module. This will give you another notation/tab set [module] in the score that is independent of, but in sync with, the 1st module. You can then turn off [hide] the notation/tab of either module as needed. The hide function is in 'Options >multitrack'. Just clear the check mark from the appropriate box[es]. This is how multi-part scores are on done also.

I don't know that I can help you with vocals, I've never done one.

MSI = MicroSoft Installer package.

1 - File > options > display > check mark 'Effects in notation' box.

2 - File > options > advanced > check in 'Extend bends/slides' box.

3 - Enter first note, eg., C in key of G > tab to move cursor > 2 note, C# [cursor on tab entry] 6 [same number as 1st note] and the plus sign. This makes the note sharp in the correct position on the staff. Using the sharp symbol or Alt D moves the note down a position and it must be moved back to the correct position.

4- Put the cursor on the 1st note, the one you want to bend, and click the 'simple bend effects' button. If you don't have that tool bar up you will find the radio button under 'Note > special effects'. The bend will be indicated as a bracket below the 2 notes in the notation and a curved line with the duration on tab.

I think I have it all there.

Note: I have a Musedit msi that may be usable.

My experiences on eBay have been mostly good ones, and I buy a lot of different types of things on eBay. I have met many delightful, caring people who really value their reputations as members of the human race, not just as sellers on eBay. But I would certainly think twice, now, about buying an expensive instrument on eBay if I didn't know the seller or know someone who had dealt with them in the past.

Kenneth W. Longfield said:

Looks like you are reading this correctly Jan. As usual, buyer beware! It pays to know with whom you are dealing in these transactions. One of the reasons I have stopped buying off of eBay.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

They do have a 'pay after receipt' program now. I don't know the details, but it may help.

Looks like you are reading this correctly Jan. As usual, buyer beware! It pays to know with whom you are dealing in these transactions. One of the reasons I have stopped buying off of eBay.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

eBay has just changed their refund policy to read:

Local Pick-up or Freighted Items. We updated the policy to clarify that items damaged during pick-up or shipping, or not delivered when the buyer has arranged pick-up or freight, are not covered under the eBay Money Back Guarantee. We refer buyers to work with the freight company in such instances.

Now, at first glance that might make sense .....but in the world of buying and selling dulcimers, if the instrument arrives crushed because it wasn't packed adequately by the seller, then it's too bad for the buyer--because the freight company may say it wasn't their fault; it was a poor packing job, and the seller has your money and unless they just happen to be really great people (which most dulcimer people are), then you're out of luck. Up until now, the seller has had great motivation to spend the extra money on sturdy shipping cartons, adequate bubble wrap, etc. But now they can do minimal packing and then say, "Hey, if it was broken when you got it, that's not my fault."

If I'm somehow reading this incorrectly, let me know. But it REALLY offends me that the seller wouldn't be held responsible for their packing of these fragile, expensive instruments!

Has anyone had any contact recently with this dulcimer maker?
I have tried emails and phone calls with no success.
Was thinking about ordering one of her mini dulcimers.
Also, if you have any feedback on the mini please let me know.
Thanks

No problem, Val - and no confusion!

Sorry John, I mentioned NC in a different thread, where I should have said Marion, Virginia. Hope I did not cause any confusion.

I've already posted discussion threads about this on the Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina Groups, but not everyone here has joined their local FOTMD group, so I thought it might be worthwhile to start a thread about this here. It's only directly relevant to those within striking distance of Marion, Virginia!

FOTMD member Amanda Boyd and myself, both from the UK, will be in Marion VA between September 23 and October 7 as artists in residence at the Lincoln Theatre. At 7pm on Saturday September 27 we will be presenting our show "Those Were The Days, My Friends!" there.The third member of the team, also from the UK, is Trevor Bailey, presenter and curator of old professional and amateur films, both sound and silent. The show mixes archive film footage, mainly about rural life in the early to mid twentieth century in the South-West of England, with traditional English folk songs and tunes from the same region. (This region includes the county of Somerset, where Cecil Sharp began his life's work as a collector of folk songs.) Amanda is the main singer in the show; I accompany her on MD and do some singing. If you're interested you can get some idea of what we sound like from our respective FOTMD pages.

On Saturday October 4 we will take part in an edition of the "Song of the Mountains" television show, filmed at the theatre. The theatre's director will be arranging some other performances for us during our stay. In some of these we hope to explore the links between our traditional songs and music in the South-West of England and those from this part of the Appalachians.

It would be great to meet up with some other FOTMD members while we are over with you. We'd be particularly keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in putting on a house concert. I'm sure we could fit one of those in!

Unfortunately I left my copy at home after I went off to university and in the fulness of time they binned it along with everything else I'd left there. Including the stave dulcimer. At least I took my proper dulcimer with me...

I rate the shortish 'Play' section of that book as one of the best absolute beginner scripts I have ever come across, simple and uncluttered, with some very useful illustrations.

I still have a copy of that somewhere.

Didn't get hold of it until a year or two after I got my first dulcimer. It was my first introduction to all this mode stuff

I found it all very simple and easy to follow.

I've been buying John Pearse dulcimers for years and have had about 5 through my hands since. Great little things, I love 'em.

Well i've been wondering what the first tune I ever played was and now you've answered it for me. I watched that TV series and made myself a `stave' dulcimer just like they said. And bought the book. Now you've jogged my memory i remember playing Au Claire de Lune from it. So that's it.

John Henry said:

Even tho' it was a very long time ago I have no trouble 'naming that tune'. It was "AU CLAIR DE LUNE" ! How can I be so precise ? 'Cos I'm looking at the book I learnt it from, "Make and Play the Dulcimer" by John Pearse (copyright 1970) Ignoring the 'Make' content, I rate the shortish 'Play' section of that book as one of the best absolute beginner scripts I have ever come across, simple and uncluttered, with some very useful illustrations. Must admit to some bias here tho', the book has sections on using a 'noter', and 'feathering' four ways, no less , including 'beating' (as you see, I have been playing on the 'dark side' for a very long time, lol) The availability of the book coincided with a weekly TV series "How To Make and Play The Dulcimer", and the emergence of a Folk/Rock Group named 'SteelEye Span', which included one 'Tim Hart', who sometimes played ..........Mountain Dulcimer !

JohnH

When I first received my first dulcimer, a David Lynch Student Model, I strummed a crude, but recognizable version of "Sweet Hour of Prayer." I was like a kid in a candy shop--so thrilled! After only a coupla months, my playing is still bumpy and crude, but I'm having more fun than a 72 year old should be allowed!

First tune was "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" then maybe "Aunt Rhodie" and "Streets of Laredo"