Group Discussions

Newbe with a ?

I have never played a dulcimer or anything with strings on it. I don't know if this is the right place to ask this question, but here it goes.since...
@Ronald R Eaches started 13 years ago - replies: 8

Fake Books, Guitar Chords and Noter Playing

I am a beginner who does not read music. I have played a little Native American flute in the past but only by creating my own music and by using...
@Garland Coulson started 13 years ago - replies: 13

Help... When the bass string doesn't sound right!

I'm tring so hard to wrap my old brain around the different modes. Somedays I have that AH HA moment and the next day I seem to be confused all...
@Sharon Hall started 13 years ago - replies: 10

playing left-handed

Hi all -I'm afraid that this is not the right place to ask this question, but I'm not sure where to ask it.I have a left handed friend who wants to...
@Kay Bolin started 13 years ago - replies: 9

Question re: bass string tuning

Hi Strumelia,I watched your video on tuning to the four main modes and I have a question. You said that you usually tune your bass string an octave...
@Sharon Hall started 13 years ago - replies: 2

AEA tuning

Hi folks,I don't post very much anymore but still check in at least every other day to read what's happening in our world. Always some good...
@Terry Wilson started 13 years ago - replies: 22

Sore elbow - Poor posture? Poor technique?

Hi, Lately - past month, I've been having a sore elbow. I think it maybe posture at work (I'm in an office at computer all day), but I have this...
@Ruth Lawrence started 13 years ago - replies: 17

Newbie milestone reached - first broken string!

Well I just broke a string - I knew it was bed time but I was still noodling around, messing with tunings and Kerplung! Gave me a start and woke...
@Ruth Lawrence started 13 years ago - replies: 12

simple pleasures

Although I hope to be an accomplished expert someday, Right now I am having fun taking "beginner tunes Like Boil That Cabbage Down and spending an...
@paul buckner started 13 years ago - replies: 2

Hammer-Ons

I'm wanting to improve my hammer-ons. Any tips or exercises anyone can recommend? Mine are not consistent, plus I'm playing with finger picks on...
@Parker Buckley started 15 years ago - replies: 15

Setting for Chromatic Tuner

I am trying to tune my dulcimer with an electronic tuner. When I turn the tuneron, the default setting is 440. Is that the correct setting for...
@Michael Willey started 14 years ago - replies: 7

Beginner Instrument?

by Roger Goode Hi all.. I am starting the methodical process of shopping for a dulcimer. I am leary of the quality of the commercial...
@Ken Hulme started 13 years ago - replies: 5

Lessons - how are you learning?

I have set up lessons with a local instructor, Joseph Shelton, here in Greensboro, NC. I am looking forward to working with him and begin next...
@Gail Webber started 13 years ago - replies: 7

Combining Noter/Drone with Chords?

I've seen some mention playing a piece first with Noter and Drone style and then switch to Fingerdancing or Chords.Is there a way to have a Noter...
@Lois Sprengnether Keel started 13 years ago - replies: 15

Dulcimer tuning problem

Hi. I have a McSpadden dulcimer which I purchased in November. I am a beginning player and have enjoyed it so far. However, after not being able to...
@Gail Webber started 13 years ago - replies: 14

Digital recorder recommendations

As a beginner/novice I was wondering if a digital recorder might be helpful to have. My thoughts were to record at jams so that I could later...
@Rich Labbe started 13 years ago - replies: 4

Strums and also practicing without a dulcimer

This may be two separate topics. I've seen Strumelia's Bump Ditty video and the recent John Keane video with the drum sticks. Mentally I...
@Lois Sprengnether Keel started 13 years ago - replies: 15

Starting the New Year Right

I'd put this on "My Page", but don't see how to start something there. This is both a personal announcement and a bit of announcement/temptation...
@Lois Sprengnether Keel started 14 years ago - replies: 6

Beginners- are you getting clear tone, or are your fingers 'taking a nap' ?

I wrote a new blog post about how the way you hold your hand and fingers while fretting can really affect the tone and clarity of your music....
@Strumelia started 14 years ago - replies: 9

How Much Pressure is required to strum? (Sylvia asks)

(New FOTMD member Sylvia Moore has asked us all the following question...I hope some of our wonderful members here will give her some helpful...
@Strumelia started 14 years ago - replies: 23