Lesson #1 - Mountain Dulcimer Introduction
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
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I really appreciate you posting this. My deceased neighbor hand made me a dulcimer 10 years ago but I was a dumb kid who didn't really appreciate it. I've taken care of it over the years and now I'm getting to enjoy its beautiful sound.
That's wonderful.
Kindness is a wonderful thing, and I hear that you received it twice. First with an instrument and then the lessons to play it. 😊
I am PSYCHED. i just inherited a brand new instrument! So excited to learn to play!!! 😍🙂
Same here, RIP grandpa
I love that feeling I play guitar but had that with alto sax and lap guitar recently also singing and harmonica, I never really play harmonica, but can, sometimes I very occasionally I might do a solo at one of our blues gigs, I think it helped going to sax too, I only had the sax for six months though so it was heart breaking..
My grandmas friend gave it to me
Please let your students watching the video know that they may not have the new 6.5 fret. Otherwise they might become confused and discouraged. Please mention that the traditional dulcimer does not have that 6 1/2 fret. Cyndi Lauper, one of the first to use it, brought the modification to the general public’s attention. The 6.5 is a modern variation starting mainly with custom-made instruments in the 1970’s or so and commercially available in the 1980’s. Even now, in 2020, many dulcimers still have the traditional fret spacing of two long one short, two long one short. If your dulcimer doesn’t have one then you’re normal. The DAD tuning provides the “missing” B natural - use the second fret of the A (middle) string.
I like your work very much. Thank you for doing these videos.
It can be worse, mine has a 1.5, 6.5 and 8.5. With fret markers at 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 14 It's very manageable.
Wouldn't that mean a C sharp is missing, pushing it in to a D mixolydian tonality? sorry I may be wrong, bit confused lol.
I know nothing about music, but I love music and have a desire to learn! I'm sitting here with a dulcimer on my lap as you describe, not like the one he is playing. I'm hopeful I'll be able to figure it out, though, and still make beautiful music!!
Thank you so much for these. I just inherited a mountain Dulcimer that my grandfather made. I play violin but have no idea how to play this beautiful handmade heirloom but am determined to learn.
Looks like a Dulcimer is what is need to try to learn. Got the bug to play a guitar but I have small hands and my pointer finger and third finger have arthritis (aren’t straight at last digit) which makes it very difficult to reach the right strings.
Ellen, dulcimer's are beautiful and highly underrated instruments. They are relatively easy to play, much much easier than guitar and provide beautiful music. If you need any help and selecting a dulcimer or in any other way, please let me know
I am wondering about the ergonomics, too. I am glad that you show proper posture. I have had bi-lateral carpal tunnel surgeries (and copious complications) and I’m not sure if I can both hold the pick and my wrist at that angle. I will go try it out today, as they have a Dulcimer at the music shoppe, where I live. $235.00 🇨🇦 (plus add sales tax, at 14%) so, not inexpensive, but still under $300. I’m looking for a new instrument to learn for 2020 💕 Best wishes to you and thanks so much, I have subscribed for the videos. They are great! 😁
So life has taken me from watching video games played online, to listening to various game soundtracks, to enjoying some really interesting tracks with an instrument i couldn't place, to finding out it's a mountain dulcimer, to being suggested this video by youtube. So now I'm thinking I have to get a dulcimer and learn to play it.
Have you found a dulcimer yet?
@@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife Yep :D First ever stringed instrument and first time making music since high school. I'm loving it. It's a cheap one of those made in Romania ones (tbh though, perfect for a beginner and I cannot tell the difference because at the moment I'm the reason it sounds bad, not the instrument).
I'm currently up to your lesson 6 learning you are my sunshine, it's going fairly well. Only downside so far is my hands cramp up after a bit as I'm not used to it but that has been improving.
They are easy to learn. You'll have fun! 😉
That's amazing, congratulations! I have a similar story. Been addicted to video games my whole life, but always had a soft spot for their soundtracks. Heard Uilleann pipes in World of Warcraft and the Witcher games, and I looked into what was making that beautiful sound. Now I own and play my own Uilleann pipes. Good luck on the dulcimer, I'd love to play too someday!
If you don’t mind me asking, What were the tracks that you listened to that featured the Appalachian dulcimer?
Your teaching is realy straight to the point and no bull shit, no excessive talking. I love it.
I appreciate your clear technique! I have had my deceased partner's self-hand-made dulcimer, and for years have been almost fearful of attempting to learn. Your teaching delivery has broken that block. Thank you! Day one....
I have a chance to play in a group. Have never played a Dulcimer, but I'm stoked! Thank you for sharing these lessons. Oh, and yes, they are providing me with a Dulcimer. If I like it, I can buy it. Love the sound of it.
I have just bought a mountain Dulcimer. Now I can see the direction in which to travel with my lessons. Brett seems to have everything for the beginner, I am really looking forward to learning to play this beautiful instrument properly!!
So glad you are enjoying the lessons! ANd glad to be of help! Thank you! :)
I'm 60 & recently decided that I wanna learn to play the dulcimer. This is who I wanna learn from!💕
This helped so much! I just bought a new McSpadden and I've never played. I'll definitely be watching the rest of the videos!
I need to say how much I enjoy these lessons, how fast I seem to be moving along, because Brett is an excellent teacher. All along, he covers just what I need, and he moves at a speed I can stay up with. Thank you, Brett.
My dad played the dulcimer. My son bought me one for Christmas. So I guess I need to learn how to play it now. 😉🤔😧😬
You: Out, Back,
Me: Steak, House,
Thanks so much for making this 💕 Realizing that when I started playing years ago, it was with a Dulcimer group. I never learned basics, we just "jammed" and then I put away the instrument for years 😥 So, here I am, basically starting from scratch, and I am so glad to find out how to begin correctly 🎶
use normal emojis
Thanks for this! My dulicmer was giving me poor weak sound when fretting the first melody (DD) fret but the positioning here (1st fret over the knee and soundbox close to your right did help somewhat. I think my dulicmer is made just not responsive with the 1st fret, sound tone is different than all other frets but at least its an improvement after watching this video. Also found the anchoring for the plucking hand really helped wtih improving tone as well.
Thank you. I look forward to learning more from you!
I love the way you teach!
Does anyone think Harry watched this ?
I have had my dulcimer for a long time, bought it and didn't have time to try to learn (demanding Job). I am retired now and I am going to try and learn this thing. Mine was made by a fellow in Pigeon Forge, Tenn, and I love the simplicity of the instrument. However, I was told to tune mine as D-A-A-A. Is that wrong?
No, its not wrong. Its just a different tuning. I teach in DAD just a different seemingly more common tuning now
@@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife Since mine is a 4 string, how would you tune it for a total beginner?
@@Gary-e5w DD A D
Does anyone know the name of the song in the intro?
Wayfaring Stranger
Can I request 'duelling banjos' please? - going for a walk in the forest soon, and need to play it behind a bush while people are walking past.
Nice lesson. Thanks for making these excellent lessons available.
So the double strings go closest to the player? I saw a dulcimer today and looks like it must be a left handed model.
I have a Seagull Merlin and always found it hard to find quality content to learn. Glad I found your channel, very clear instructions and to the point.
Thank you Lyly! And I am glad you are enjoying the lessons. I used to have strumstricks but I think the Merlins are a bit more substanstial and flexible. Very neat instruments!
So excited my dulcimer has set on a table for 30 years, ordering new strings and ready to give it a go....
Through video 5 you use 2 melody strings. Starting with video 6 you use only one. How come?
Very good I think the dulcimer is a very cool but simple instrument my mom has one which is why I was interested in learning how to play it thank you!
Thanks Brett, just starting at age 62, looks like your content is a good path to take, I'll be signing up on patreon. I see you have a chord chart available as well. Re your lessons, is there downloadable tab or notes to go with it, eg: the exercises in lesson 1. Thanks!
Good clear instruction - thank you 😀
I have a little wooden stick that I have always used to push down on the frets. Is that okay or do you think I should just toughen up my fingers?
Amelia, Using the noter is actually a more traditional method of playing, but using the fingers to make chords and other left hand techniques open up the dulcimer to a whole new level of possibilities!
What type and thickness pick should we use? Thanks.
When im hitting the fret that is being called 6.5 it doesnt sound right
Second day with my dulcimer and this was the best intro that I have viewed! Thank you so much.
What is the difference between 4 string and 3 string?
Ooooo my partner is from SE KY and I want to play a song for him on this for our wedding. I play violin already.
Xaforn If you look in my lessons I have the melody too, I can’t help falling in love.
Very helpfull, greetings from The Netherlands
Is the Dulcimer more difficult to play than a Seagul Merlin or Dulcimer stick? And how can I know which Dulcimer to buy?
They are very easy to learn. There are numbered chords 1-10 I believe. 0 to 10. No chords like other instruments. No A, B, C, D, E, F, G. NO FLAT OR SHARPS. Trust me. I tried to learn piano. It was too hard for me plus I have small hands.
Thanks for the lesson! I play in DAA tuning but I still learned something.
What is the tune your videos open with?
Is your dulcimer tuned DAD or DAA ?
I just got a dulcimer today and I'm excited to learn
Too confusing. Would be a better tourtial for less scatter brained
Sorry, It doesn't get any simpler than this.
So goooood !! thank's !!!
Very clear and progressive, thanks !
Glad you enjoyed!
I would like to try this. Online store dulcimers have 4 strings. I only see 3 on yours. Can you tell me what to look for? Brand or type, do you remove a string untill you graduate to 4 strings? Thanks in advance!
Three or four strings is a matter of preference only. And many, many are switching to three strings unless you are just planning on strumming. Three strings make it easier and sounds "cleaner" than four strings. If you need help choosing an instrument, I would be happy to do so!
I wonder why you don't tell people about using a noter in the left hand. It keeps you from getting blisters on your finger. It takes a long time to develop enough of a callus on your finger to prevent pain and blistering even under a developing callus. That really hurts and limits the time you can spend enjoying making music. As a nurse, I needed the sensitivity in my fingertips for feeling veins and foreign bodies under the skin of patients.
A noter need not slow down the music either. Just, like everything else, it takes practice.I was very good and played my dulcimer with a bluegrass band.
Because a noter does not allow you to flatpick or make chords.
Where would be a good place for someone living in South Central PA to buy a dulcimer? I'm a disabled veteran and tried doing the program the VA offers to learn how to play the guitar but I couldn't manage it with my arm issues. I heard someone talking about this instrument and seen it when they were traveling through TN. Looking at how it's played I believe it's something that I could physically manage.
I am actually a dealer for McSpadden Dulcimers, and could have one shipped directly to your door. I highly highly recommend them. It would actually be custom built for you, where you pick the words, etc. and that is something I can help you with. One of the reasons I recommend them, is in my opinion, it is one of the easiest Dulcimers to fret and play and of course, they also sound great. I own and have played several different Dulcimers, but no matter how many I have, McSpadden Dulcimer will always be amongst them. There are other good companies. I can direct you to as well, but I don’t know any physical location in central Pennsylvania.
Thats the next instrument i want to learn!
Pretty top wood. Is that cedar?
New here thank you.
Can this instrument be played left-handed? Thanks in advance!
It can be but the strings would need to be strung backwards. By the way, I am left handed and technically, the left hand does more work than the right hand. I can't even hold a pencil correctly in my right hand but have never even thought of switching anything I play to a left handed instrument. As I said, its the left hand that does most of the work! :) Hope this helps!
I am also left handed, and this bit of info helped a lot. Sometines I am somewhat ambidextrous in my painting and pottery techniques, and this made sense.
Subscribing! Floated thru several how-to videos, and felt comfortable here. Thanx!
this is so helpful! thank you!
Thank You Shannon and if you go to my Playlists you'll find a whole lot more!
I’m so confused can you make it more simple how do you hold it but still make sound
The best beginner teacher is on UA-cam named LemonadeBanjo. This host, Mandy, also teaches Banjo, but her beginner dulcimer is excellent. For tuning, if you don't have a smart phone (like me) , she shows you how to use the electronic tuner that clips to your scroll, simple and cheap ($10). Mandy also teaches over-the-shoulder view, so the learner sees handwork and frets as the player does. She speaks clearly slowly. She inspired me to buy my first dulcimer, a used wormy chestnut teardrop. And now I'm getting a used walnut hourglass. Keep your costs low. You can always get a top quality someday, after you're good at it. I'm saving up for a Blue Lion. For an excellent finger picking teacher on UA-cam, see Linda Brockinton's videos. And see the website called Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Lots of info there.
I recently was fortunate enough to get a McSpadden, and while I play acoustic guitar, I am really looking forward to playing this as well. THANKS for your effort with this, it is a real blessing.
Thank you!
If this is lesson one then a few questions.
Are you pushing down on the first string or just touching it? Are you using a pick on the first string only or all the strings?
Yes, you have to push down, but only hard enough to hear the string change pitch. And I am only playing on one string in this particular lesson.
This is probably the coolest lesson that I have ever seen of any instrument but especially for the dulcimer.
I love that you are showing it from the players perspective.
How smart is that?!
Visually watching and learning something is so much easier, especially if you don't have to look at it backwards. 😊
sadly my frets do't deliver this pure scale-is there an alternative fret board?
You can actually have the 6 1/2 feet added but any luthier!
My fret board is different than yours. I bought mine over 30 years ago and love it. It was tuned to C and I’m just now getting the time to learn chords and not just play melody. Suggestions?
I inheriteted a dulcimer made in the 1950's by my grandfather. Trying to figure it out. Thanks!
I am probably at a beginning intermediate level as a 2 year dulcimer player. I saw one of your videos explaining strumming techniques and was impressed. Should i enroll as a patron. Could I start with lessons somewhere further along than beginner. I have built several dulcimers (teardrop and hour glass shapes) and I'm playing tunes with chords. However the addition of strumming adds a rhythm to a tune that brings it to life. Can you recommend to me what steps I should take next to improve. I'm at that age where slower tunes seem easier to handle. Thank you for your time and consideration.
I received a seagull Merlin for Christmas, is it possible to learn it from your mountain dulcimer lessons? I really enjoy your clear way of teaching.
The fretboard is basically the same, but the fingering might be different because of how it is held. But yes, for the most part! :)
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Brett Ridgeway's Learning For Life Thank you for the quick reply, looking forward to trying this.
I saw one of these for the very first time two days ago - they are intriguing. I notice players strum on the fretboard part of the neck and not in the scalloped area and am curious why.
I am interested in buying a mountain dulcimer in the brand you sell.Can you share a link? Can you tell me why you recommend this brand? I am looking forward to learning how to play this beautiful instrument! Thank you for these videos!
Do is C not D
Thank you so much!!! I’m trying to learn and you seem like a good teacher ❤
Good starter lesson.
Thank you!
4:46 The Aussies are coming!
What is the name of the song that was playing at the beginning, I really like it, and would like to hear, and see the whole song. Thanks.
Your lessons inspired me to buy a dulcimer and am making progress, thanks!
Question about picks and picking though - how to choose a pick (size and stiffness considerations?) and actually hold it (index finger straight down or curled sideways, 1 or 2 fingers, etc.)?
Also, are you strumming inwards at all with the ring/pinky anchored to the fretboard? Or is that only for a picking technique and outward strums (ie. your chord lessons 2, 3 and 4)? I seem to be able to strum out okay while anchored , but trying to strum in, my palm keeps deadening the strings. Am guessing that you do need to go "free-floating" when you start strumming inwards? Thanks.
Thanks!
I am excited to learn how to play the Dulcimer and glad to find a resource on UA-cam. I noticed though I don't have the 3 short frets that I am finding on the tutorials. I am not sure how to work around this and apply the lessons to the dulcimer I have. Also, Is there a basic tuning tutorial?
I’m not sure where you are located but any music store that has a luthier can add that fret and should be a minimal charge… maybe $20. ?
Thank you , I will call around to see if I can get this done. @@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife
Lesson
Thank you very much ! I learn dulcimer with your videos !
Joni Mitchell brought me here, the idea of learning has been growing more and more every year
Very Nice, Brett! BTW , that Wood Grain is Gorgeous! What type is it please?
Edward, first off,, thanks for posting. Thhe wood is called Curly Red Cedar or Redwood. McSpadden does not always have it but they do get it in. And if you are interested. I am a McSpadden dealer.
Oh! Thank you for explaining that...I watched a video online of someone showing about 20 different dulcimers and she described a few as having "redwood," which seemed like an odd wood to use. (Soft, splintery?) But curly red cedar makes total sense.
I'm 71 and I hope to learn to play the Dulcimer from you
What do you use for a pick, just a guitar pick?
Good man alternate picking and fretting lesson
Is there a standard tuning?
I'm using DAD
I'm a new learner here. Thank you sir .
Excellent introductory lesson!
Thank you for doing this.
I don’t have a full one like that
Why are the frets spaced so irregularly?
It is set up in a diatonic scale rather than a chromatic scale like a guitar, banjo, etc. In other words "D, E, F#, G, A, B, (C) C# D" if you played each fret. Older dulcimers don't have the half step of C#. If you playes straight up the neck of let's say a guitat starting on D it would be D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C, C#, D. You can actually buy chromatic dulcimers. But with the way the dulcimer is set up, is that if you can count to seven, you can play the dulcimer!
@@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the info!
The best beginner teacher is on UA-cam named LemonadeBanjo. This host, Mandy, also teaches Banjo, but her beginner dulcimer is excellent. For tuning, if you don't have a smart phone (like me) , she shows you how to use the electronic tuner that clips to your scroll, simple and cheap ($10). Mandy also teaches over-the-shoulder view, so the learner sees handwork and frets as the player does. She speaks clearly slowly. She inspired me to buy my first dulcimer, a used wormy chestnut teardrop. And now I'm getting a used walnut hourglass. Keep your costs low. You can always get a top quality someday, after you're good at it. I'm saving up for a Blue Lion. For an excellent finger picking teacher on UA-cam, see Linda Brockinton's videos. And see the website called Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Lots of info there.
Good lesson! Thanks! :)
Hi I'm trying to follow along but I don't have a 6 1/2 fret like your dulcimer. Can I play the DAD style without it? Should I just not skip 6?
You can find that same note on the middle string at the 9th fret...however, it may be worth your while to have a luthier install the 6 1/2 fret which is usually around $15, maybe $20 but well worth it!
Cool.
what is it tuned at?
Thanks!
Thank you so much Eddie!
EXCELLENT tutorial!
Hi Brit, I happen to own an older dulcimer that doesn't have the 61/2 fret. My question is what note fret can I use to get the 61/2 note?
Taken from another comment on this video:
"Please mention that the traditional dulcimer does not have that 6 1/2 fret. Cyndi Lauper, one of the first to use it, brought the modification to the general public's attention. The 6.5 is a modern variation starting mainly with custom-made instruments in the 1970's or so and commercially available in the 19805. Even now, in 2020, many dulcimers still have the traditional fret spacing of two long one short, two long. one short. If your dulcimer doesn't have one then you're normal. The DAD tuning provides the "missing" B natural - use the second fret of the A (middle) string. I like your work very much. Thank you for doing these videos."
I'm just getting into this but it seems that you should have that note already. I'm not sure which fret. Sorry if this isn't super helpful, but I hope it's a place to start
Rewatching the video again, it might just be your sixth fret. Try playing it and listening to the video and seeing if they sound the same
Hi Brett .... I really enjoyed this intro to dulcimer. The camera orientation is so helpful. My instrument does not have a 6 1/2 fret' it's a large fret. The scale goes wonky at that point. Can you shed any light? Also, I have 5 strings: 3 melody, one A, one bass. Do I leave the 3rd melody string as a drone string? Thank you.
Randi Struxness hey there and thank you for taking the time to comment and ask. I truly appreciate the encouragement. You can take your dulcimer to any reputable music store and have the six 1/2 fret installed. It’s usually $20-$30 but well worth it. Don’t worry about how many strong as you have it will all work! Please let me know if I can be of further help!
@@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife Thanks, Brett, will do!
Hey Brett! I haven't played an instrument before but I would like to learn the Dulcimer! Which site should I use to buy one and which should I buy?
Aiden Viramontes Hey there! Go to my website and sent me an email and we can get in further contact. I will be glad to help you out
I recently got like last week bought a second hand dulcimer from a dealer. Half the price of a new one but played in and seasoned. Love it. Also bought autoharp too so learning two instruments at one time. Having a great time experimenting. An upside of the lockdown lol
annnnd... my cheap shopgoodwill online auction dulcimer doesn't have a 6.5 fret.... I think i am going to name my instrument "the strugglcimer" because when i got it, it was full of leaves. so i gave the poor thing shaken instrument syndrome to get the leaves to fall out of the sound holes as the first thing i did to it. i then went to tune it and discovered, all the strings had been broken and tied back together. so i bought new strings. once strung and tuned. the very next morning the strings had crushed their way thru the plastic bridge and nut, leaving the instrument unplayable. so, then i hoped around the internet unable to find a new bridge or nut anywhere for a dulcimer... I ended up buying a couple pieces of bone cut for a guitar and used a 1 dollar hacksaw from the dollar tree to cut them down to size and make grooves for the strings. which was perfect as the cheapness of the hacksaw meant it had a very thin cutting blade for precision cuts.
this surprisingly turned out looking pretty professional and sounding good. over the last couple of weeks i have been using almond oil all over the instrument because i realized this dulcimer was probably hanging on a back porch getting sun, drying out the wood, and degrading the plastic. a single application of almond oil made this sun faded dulcimer look 10 times better, like i bought something quality and really helped hide the scratches on it. the wood is very thirsty for the oil and it will go from greasy to non-greasy within 30 minutes to an hour after i re-apply some almond oil.
and now it's missing a fret... well.. lol... guess i will be learning how to play without that fret. it really sounds good either way and going from brittle plastic to bone is a major upgrade for this dulcimer. i even had enough bone left over to raise the nut strings higher then they originally where if i wanted to convert it to being played with a stick instead of with my left hand. i just don't know how high to raise those strings for that, but i am holding onto the extra piece just in case i feel like raising them.
Necro Kittie I have to admit that is one of the most interesting things I have read here! And I think it’s very very cool! Plus with all the work you have done having the fridge it’s no big deal.I’ve seen people do it at festivals just using the hacksaw and hammer,
@@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife i'm a half decent researcher, tinkerer, and maintainer.... but that's where my talent ends. i have almost no musical talent. I picked the dulcimer because it is supposed to be the easiest string instrument to play. all of this effort put into this instrument might be for nothing, since i still might fail to learn to play.
I'm considering putting in the new fret myself. it looks like the 6.5 is just perfectly centered between the 6th and 7th. i can get a 24 pack of silver frets made for guitars from aliexpress for less then 2 dollars, or just over 2 dollars if i use ebay. i don't know if my hacksaw blade is thin enough, so, i will probably practice putting in a fret on a scrap piece of wood first. i sure all i need is my hacksaw, wire cutters, something to sand the freshly cut wire, and a hammer. it looks like there are even fret saws / kits on aliexpress and everything would be under 10 bucks. but, i'll take my chances and just buy the frets.
merci beaucoup, c’est très utile pour moi, j’apprends le dulcimer, j’adore cet instrument.
C’est unique
steakhouse
I live overseas and have ordered a mountain dulcimer online. Hopefully, it will come soon and I will start to learn to play. However, I have a question. I'm left-handed. Will this make a difference? Can I still play the dulcimer?
Hi Susan and I am left-handed too. And I want to make a very very strong suggestion. Your left hand will actually do much more work in your right hand. You’re right hand will be streaming and your left hand will be making the chords. I would play it right handed. Otherwise it must be strung differently and all instruction materials will be hard to follow. I can’t even hold a pencil in my right hand so I am very strongly Left handed and never even consider playing some thing left handed! Let me know if I can help you
@@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife Ah, so are you saying it's actually an ADVANTAGE to be left handed in this case?
@@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife Thank you very much for your reply!
How to set the strings by the neck
Don't know how to set the strings