Group Discussions

From Ionian to Mixolydian

I'm trying out Mixolydian (going from CGG to CGC).  However, this of course causes a flat note at the 6th fret.  I don't have a 6+ fret.  I know...
@RoyB started 2 years ago - replies: 20

Length of commercial straps

I am in the process of weaving a strap for my first mountain dulcimer.  It will have a 26" VSL.  I was hoping someone here could measure the...
@TheresaSC started 2 years ago - replies: 16

How should I tune?

"I'm confused as to what tuning I should use , everyone uses different it seems , any ideas what tuning is best for a new player , thanks ? "
@markprewett28 started 3 years ago - replies: 26

Tuning issue (including breaking a string)

Hi all, I recently got an old dulcimer and have had a ton of fun learning to play it. However, sometimes when I tune back up to DAD from CGC I hear...
@Canadian Dulcimer Boy started 2 years ago - replies: 3

Should a beginner buy this 6-string dulcimer/epinette?

Hello all ! I am brand new to the world of dulcimers, and would love to pick your brains if you have a minute. I'm considering buying this...
@Aska started 3 years ago - replies: 11

Pick Advice Needed

I am a folk guitar player who uses bare fingers or thumb and finger pick - rarely strumming and never with a flat pick.  So as I start to learn to...
@RoyB started 3 years ago - replies: 23

Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic

I do not understand what diatonic vs chromatic means.  I would also like to understand and know the purpose of a capo.  I've googled and still...
@Buckskinbelle started 3 years ago - replies: 15

Good sources/materials for lap cloths?

What's a good source/material for a lap cloth to keep the dulcimer from jumping around? [As much fun as it is honing my Tai Chi skills while...
@Greg Patterson started 10 years ago - replies: 20

need some guideance

does anyone have a suggestion as to how i can get my wife to relax her picking hand as most know my wife has dementia, she was also hit by a hit...
@Don Smith started 3 years ago - replies: 11

New to site and have some questions

hello everyone I play Banjo and Mandolin I am searching for my first Dulcimer and have a few questions   #1- I am looking for a Dulcimer for my...
@Don Smith started 3 years ago - replies: 9

barre chord question

Hello, looking for advice on forming these on the dulcimer, which finger(s) to use, do I roll the finger to the bony edge toward the nut like on a...
@Dave T started 3 years ago - replies: 2

The bottom Tablature

Okay, I've googled this a bit. Even watched a video where a young lady was explaining how to play each.Take a look at the linked pdf. I...
@Pete Babechuk started 3 years ago - replies: 5

Ready to Begin!

I got my dulcimer delivered a few days ago. I am so looking forward to learning and making beautiful music! I've been reading over some of the...
@CarolynF started 3 years ago - replies: 5

have some questions about dulcimer care and getting started

hello all, my first post here and have some questions.i just bought a mcspadden m12-w special should be here Tuesday. mcspadden told be it was...
@richmo started 3 years ago - replies: 5

Awkward breaks in songs

Hello everybody, i stumbled about a problem when trying to play the "Wedding dress" tab from Strumelias great noter/drone blog. Normally I'm...
@jost started 3 years ago - replies: 7

A question concerning extra frets on diatonic dulcimer

Hello everybody,my dulcimer has only a diatonic fretboard since I didn't insisted on adding the extra frets when I get it from the luthier....
@jost started 3 years ago - replies: 19

Tips for stringing a dulcimer

As I experiment with different tunings and different string gauges I am replacing strings more frequently than normal. I find it not particularly...
@traildad started 3 years ago - replies: 6

BEWARE of internet 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 6 years ago - replies: 32

5 string strings and tuning

I'm new to dulcimers and have one that needs the strings replaced.  I did a bunch of research of the various types of tuning, strings, etc. and...
@deweylandrum started 3 years ago - replies: 14

Looking at the Fretboard When Playing

Hello all, I'm new player to the instrument, learning to play some chords and melodies. I started out of necessity looking at my finger placement...
@Dave T started 3 years ago - replies: 1