Group Discussions
Virginia Beach 2019 Festival?
I just saw this posted online as coming to my area, Virginia Beach. I don't know if any of my newbie friends would be interested, but it might be...
@Msmouce started 15 hours ago - replies: 0
Playing chords in GDg
if I’m playing DAd tabs with a dulcimer tuned GDg....what key am I playing in? It probably only makes a difference to me. i’m trying to...
@Don Grundy started 7 months ago - replies: 7
Strings - brands and gauges?
So my used dulcimer came with strings as follow: 0.020", 0.010", 0.010" and 0.010" The strings are rusty and I should probably buy a couple of...
@Pondoro started 2 weeks ago - replies: 16
Vsl vs hand size
I'm sure I'll be looking for a proper instrument soon, and wanted to know more about vsl. I understand that longer is okay for noter style, but...
@Lisa started 2 weeks ago - replies: 5
Strum all strings all the time, or...?
I found tabs for "I'll Fly Away" and "Go Tell Aunt Rhodie" - both in D for a DAa tuned dulcimer. They only show the melody. Should I only strum...
@Pondoro started 2 weeks ago - replies: 8
Is there an open tunings guide?
Hi, I was wondering if there is a chart or book recommended showing all the different open tunings. I like to experiment, and I’m not a singer...
@Lisa started 2 weeks ago - replies: 12
Strumelia's Traditional noter player's instructional Blog
If you're just starting out and want to play in traditional noter style (playing the melody on the melody string only using a little stick, with...
@Strumelia started 3 weeks ago - replies: 1
Finger Positioning
Are there any general principles, best practices, or guidelines for moving around the fretboard? An example of what I am talking about: over the...
@ptsgp started 3 weeks ago - replies: 7
Buying my first instrument..
Hi, I'm looking to buy my first official Appalachian dulcimer. I already play old-time banjo and I'm just looking to expand my horizons. What...
@hoodoo started one month ago - replies: 34
BEWARE of sponsored ad sites of "the BEST dulcimers" to buy.
It has recently come to my attention that A**zon has started paying money to promotional sites that are basically ADs for some of the really...
@Strumelia started 4 weeks ago - replies: 7
DAA to DAd
I've been playing the MD since early June. I bought the DAd (sorry if I write those cases wrong) kind. I am happy playing it. After buying it,...
@texaswind started 4 weeks ago - replies: 13
Ken Hulme's "I Just Got a Dulcimer, Now What?" article
A few years ago, member Ken Hulme wrote an article that helps answer many questions that new dulcimer owners have. Are you a beginner player? You...
@Strumelia started one month ago - replies: 2
Do you have a way to stand up and play?
Okay, at 70 I don’t exercise much. But the doctor encouraged me to get up, even to just stand. Any suggestions?
@Don Grundy started 2 years ago - replies: 12
Further ado about 2 v 1 melody string(s)
I am both a beginner and this is my first post. I apologize if this subject belongs elsewhere on this site. Also, I do not wish to hijack the...
@billybobboy42 started 5 months ago - replies: 11
New strings
I am getting ready to replace my strings for the first time. Looking for size(thickness) and brand recommendations. If it makes any difference, I...
@YepSureOK started 3 months ago - replies: 3
Out of tune bass string
Hi. I began playing the dulcimer back in June and have noticed that when I get up to fret 7 on the bass string, it sounds sharp. Could this be a...
@texaswind started 5 months ago - replies: 5
Shoulder Cramping When Playing
Has anyone else ever routinely experienced cramping in his or her right shoulder when playing? That's my strumming arm, of course,and I can't...
@Laurel K Scott started 2 years ago - replies: 26
Some gimmicks that might be helpful for beginners
In giving a workshop for beginners I found three gimmicks that I would like to mention. I: For the dulcimers that...
@John W. McKinstry started 6 months ago - replies: 3
I, IV, V chords
Last night we went to a concert. There were guitars and ukuleles. At intermission I mentioned that I thought the kids were great. A friend...
@Don Grundy started 7 months ago - replies: 12