A collection of songs, jigs, hornpipes, airs, polkas, and marches from the Celtic lands of Scotland, Ireland, and England. the songs are arranged for mountain dulcimer primarily in 1-5-8 (Mixolydian) tuning, along with a few tunes in 1-5-5 (Ionian) tuning. the arrangements make use of the capo, as well as playing tunes in Em and Bm, and include a Part II for a suggested harmony on selected songs.. the book is accompanied by a CD recording of each tune. Song titles include: George Brabazon, Off She Goes, Irish Lamentation, Keel Row, Water Is Wide, Loch Lomond, Foggy Dew, and many more. Intermediate playing level suggested.
In folk tradition, stories of love lost, betrayal, jealousy, conflict, emigration, and the supernatural are often immortalized in songs of many traditions, demonstrating that singing has been a universal vehicle for the human condition. the criteria for this wonderful collection of prose and melodies is from Celtic traditions that have been with us for hundreds of years. These compositions have been arranged so that each will work both as an air and as a song. All of the selections in the book appear on the companion CD.
Bing Futch's "Method For Beginning Mountain Dulcimer" is the most comprehensive how-to-learn-the-dulcimer book available. You'll learn the basics, sure, and start playing songs right away. Even better, though, is the depth of content that Bing provides for you in this one incomparable volume - technique, repertoire, theory, history, and FUN! Once you've worked your way through this book, you'll be a competent dulcimer player that can enjoy playing with any group. You'll have a great time honing your skills with Bing, and you'll end up with a wealth of technical skills, music fundamentals, and dulcimer repertoire!
Dulcimer a La Mode takes the mystery of out modal tuning and playing for the mountain dulcimer player by presenting four common tunings (DAA, DAG, DAD, and DAC) with instructions for tuning, finding the scales and chords, and learning traditional tunes in each of the four modes. This book will encourage players to retune their instrument and learn more of its versatility. Each tune is presented as a melody with a drone in the mode indicated with strumming and rhythm guides. for most tunes, an optional arrangement or accompaniment is also provided using more complex chords and reflecting more traditional Western harmony. As a further learning tool, the accompanying CD allows the listener to play along with the song as presented in the book.
This collection of sweet waltzes and lively two-steps presents an exciting new repertoire for mountain dulcimer players, with playing techniques for authentic style. An audio download online is availableof all the music is included, and the notation and chords in standard keys can also be used for other instruments. This music suits the mountain dulcimer well because it comes from the Cajun accordion, which has the same simple diatonic scale. The easy melodies and chord progressions in this repertoire can be played by less experienced dulcimer players, while the tips on improvisation and embellished versions offer creativity for more experienced players.Music includes Jolie Blon, Mardi Gras Dance, J'ai Pass, Devant ta Porte, Allons a Lafayette, MadameSosthne, The Back Door
This book is designed to help fretted dulcimer players at all levels grow in their technical abilities by developing strength, precision, control and flexibility in both the right and left hands. Acquiring a solid technical foundation provides a base upon which to build strong musicianship, enabling one to play more satisfying music regardless of style. Explore flatpicking, fingerpicking, slurs, chords, strumming, left hand precision and placement, right hand strength and control, volume, tone, articulation, and more using both dulcimer tablature and standard music notation. In this book, Mike has used ideas drawn from classical guitar study plus years of teaching dulcimer to develop exercises that will inspire and challenge players at all levels. the tunes and exercises are in the common dulcimer tuning of D-A-D, with a few exceptions. Some exercises are included for the four-string and five-string dulcimers, and a 6+ fret is required. the accompanying CD demonstrates key exercises and most of the tunes in the book.
Over 50 hymns included, all with lyrics and dulcimer chord symbols! A Dulcimer Hymn Collection is a great way to share the joy of the old hymns and spirituals that you love on your mountain dulcimer! Great care was taken to ensure that the selections in this book sound great and are easy to play. Chords are also provided for each tune and tuning with diagrams to help you jam along with friends. All tunes are written in standard music notation and dulcimer tablature. All major tunes in this book are in D-A-A tuning and are playable on the melody string. All are suitable for noter/drone playing styles. Minor tunes are in D-A-G tuning or using a capo on the first fret in D-A-A tuning. Be sure to check out the D-A-D version of this book as well for those who prefer that tuning. Tunes in this book were written for a Beginning to Intermediate playing level but folks of all abilities can find something in here to enjoy! Tunes include: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God; Abide with Me; All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name; Amazing Grace; Battle Hymn of the Republic; Be Thou My Vision; Blessed Assurance; Blest Be the Tie That Binds; Christ the Lord Has Risen Today; Come Thou Almighty King; Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing; Come Thou Long Expected Jesus; Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy; Crown Him With Many Crowns; Do Lord, Remember Me; Down to the River to Pray; Faith of Our Fathers; Go, Tell It on the Mountain; Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah; He Leadeth Me; Holy, Holy, Holy; How Firm a Foundation; I Love Thy Kingdom Lord; In the Garden; It Is Well With My Soul; Jesus Loves Me; Jesus Shall Reign Wheree'er the Sun; Jesus! the Very Thought of Thee; Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee; Just as I Am, Without One Plea; My Faith Looks Up to Thee; Nearer My God to Thee; O For a Thousand Tongues To Sing; Old Hundredth; Onward Christian Soldiers; Rock of Ages; Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us; Simple Gifts; Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus; Sweet Hour of Prayer; Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood; This Is My Father's World; To God Be the Glory; Wayfaring Stranger; We Gather Together; What a Friend We Have in Jesus; What Wondrous Love Is This; When I Survey the Wondrous Cross; Will the Circle Be Unbroken? And Bonus tunes: Hosanna, Blessed Is He that Comes; Sing Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!
This book was written as a basic guide and source book for all dulcimer players, from the absolute novice to the most advanced picker. With its 53 songs in various modes and tunings, The Complete Dulcimer Handbook is meant to be used as a songbook, a lesson plan book, and a step-by-step guide from beginner to intermediate or advanced level. The author's basic premise is that, given this instrument's relatively brief pedagogical history, There are no right or wrong ways to play the mountain dulcimer, only harder or easier means of reaching the same ends. The stereo CD features the authors outstanding performance of 17 tunes from the book.
This classic collection provides fretted dulcimer players with an authentic Irish repertoire. The 31 selections include jigs, slides, hornpipes, polkas, reels, slow airs, harp tunes, and songs. Accompaniment chords and musical notation are provided for other instruments. The modal music of Ireland fits well to the modal techniques and nuances of the dulcimer. It can drone like the uillean pipes, be rhythmic as a bodhran, and melodic like a fiddle. Lois gives the dulcimer player an important introduction to the techniques of applying Irish music to the dulcimer. Consider this the beginning of a new approach to an old music, and a point of departure for your own interpretations of tunes you love
A collection of Christmas music arranged for mountain dulcimer. It seeks to rediscover an aesthetic of Christmas that predates the domestic, hearth-bound Victorian vision. Pieces in this book are drawn mostly from the Old World, including some well-known favorites that I have reinterpreted as well as some forgotten treasures.
