Group Discussions

My first dulcimer

I made the trip yesterday to Mountain View, Arkansas and purchased my first dulcimer. McSpadden 4FHWW. I haven't had time to sit and piddle around...
@salsarev started 4 years ago - replies: 8

more DAd than DAA instruction available?

Happy Sunday Is it just me or does anyone else bemoan the lack of DAA tutor material? With the notable exceptions of Dulcimer Crossing &...
@Banjostray started 4 years ago - replies: 54

Newbie!

Hi I just received a dulcimer for my birthday! I have started to play around and getting to know it. I am looking for any ideas that can help me...
@VMasters started 4 years ago - replies: 6

What are half frets and do I need any?

This is the third incarnation of this piece. The first part of what follows was initially posted as a response to a question on Everything...
@Dusty Turtle started 10 years ago - replies: 24

Easy instructions on changing strings on a flathead dulcimer

I have had a heck of a time locating easy to read and understand instructions on the simple task of putting a new string on my dulcimer. Most...
@Leny-Sue started 4 years ago - replies: 3

String gauge

I have read in different posts that string gauge is important and the size varies with different factors. What needs to be considered when choosing...
@traildad started 4 years ago - replies: 17

strumming and picking technique

Hi!  I've been playing my dulcimer for about a year now but would like some information on how to refine my strumming and finger-picking styles....
@Diane Mayfield started 4 years ago - replies: 23

What key am I playing in?

I learning Old Joe Clark noter drone style. My dad asked me what key I am playing it in. I’m tuned in DAd but I don’t know if that means I’m...
@traildad started 4 years ago - replies: 7

Using TEFpad app to help learn new songs

I wasn’t sure if I should post this here or in the technology group. I want it to be seen by beginners that might not see the other groups right...
@traildad started 4 years ago - replies: 3

Choosing a dulcimer

I’m looking for a quality mid-range beginner dulcimer. I’m currently looking at Sweet Woods and Mountain Made Music dulcimers. Can anyone offer...
@traildad started 4 years ago - replies: 18

Left-Handed person playing right handed

I’m left handed, but have been playing right-handed since getting my dulcimer 2 weeks ago. I think it’s going ok, but I do notice that my right...
@ADKzookeeper started 4 years ago - replies: 11

Tunings ....

Hi All. My first post here. I have just started to play mountain dulcimer - which I'm just loving - so there's plenty I'm still figuring out. One...
@Aire started 4 years ago - replies: 20

Buying my wife a Dulcimer - string gauges question

My wife has watched me learn the mountain dulcimer for the last week and decided to try mine out. She has never played a stringed instrument but...
@ConnorC started 4 years ago - replies: 4

how to hold a flatpick

How should I hold a flatpick?  I've heard that the strumming/picking hand should look as if it's holding a dandelion gone to seed.  When I'm...
@Diane Mayfield started 4 years ago - replies: 4

How thick are a nickel and a dime? Action height question.

I have never seen a nickel or a dime, sorry. I need to fix the action on this cheap offshore dulcimer (in my profile pic atm.) but I don’t know...
@ConnorC started 4 years ago - replies: 4

What Happened to the Dulcimer School

Does anyone have information on what happened to Stephen Seifert's dulcimer school online? The site is there with lots of great information and...
@Cheryl Johnson started 12 years ago - replies: 5

Help arthritic fingers!

I just received my new dulcimer yesterday and I am so thrilled. I've experimented with one before and my intent was to learn chords. I fell in love...
@Melanie Cook started 9 years ago - replies: 11

Which chord fingering should I use?

I'm using Mel Bay's First Jams for Mountain Dulcimers book, which gives the melodies of each tune (all in DAd) including tablature and chords.  It...
@Diane Mayfield started 4 years ago - replies: 4

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 5 years ago - replies: 7

Would like to finger pick.

While waiting for my dulcimer to arrive, I made a practice fret board with guitar strings. I had the strings set about 1/4 inch above fret board.(...
@Gennaro started 4 years ago - replies: 4