Group Discussions

About 1500 Free Tabs you can Download all at once.

Forgive if this has already been posted - but I'm a beginner and just discovered this online download where you can get a bunch of tabs all at...
@kateharp started 5 years ago - replies: 3

How to Flatpick from guitar books?

I have some guitar books with chord names (but no dulcimer tabs).  I'm using them by matching the chord name on the dulcimer that is listed for the...
@kateharp started 5 years ago - replies: 6

Help - Barre with pinky?

Thanks to suggestions in this group, I am learning from Faster, Cleaner, Better by Aaron O'Rourke. The exercises are really helpful!  But I'm...
@kddurbin started 5 years ago - replies: 2

How to find easiest tuning for different key scales

I want to play songs in different keys scales.  I made a chart (attached) and have 5 so far: E=Capo 3rd fret, A=Capo 4th fret, D=DAD, G=Capo 3rd...
@kateharp started 5 years ago - replies: 7

Another Newbie Question - Drone Volume

I'm playing DAa noter and drone. My dulcimer has two melody strings. The drones still sound really loud. Sometimes it seems the melody is covered...
@Pondoro started 5 years ago - replies: 7

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 at...
@Lisa started 5 years ago - replies: 15

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 5 years 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 6 years 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 5 years ago - replies: 16

Tempo

I recorded a song (a very beginner song)....however, when playing it back, I couldn't believe how slow I was playing (it's painfully slow) I think...
@PatG started 6 years ago - replies: 6

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 5 years 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 6 years 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 6 years ago - replies: 34

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 6 years ago - replies: 13

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 7 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 6 years 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...
@YeahSureOK started 6 years ago - replies: 3

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 7 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 years 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 6 years ago - replies: 12