Dulcimerica 274 - "Multi-Finger Method" - Mountain Dulcimer

Bing introduces a technique to using multiple fingers on the fretboard to increase dexterity and speed. Includes exercises and examples of different applications plus a few good tunes!
Bing Futch endorses, and is endorsed by, Folkcraft Instruments ( Folkcraft.com ), V-Picks ( V-Picks.com ) and General Case (GeneralCase.com) Please help support Dulcimerica by becoming a patron on Patreon! / bingfutch

[@PatMontgomery-f4z]

I loved this video. My beginning one-finger efforts will now have another group to join it. Love the exercises and sliding efforts as well. Thank you.

[@bingfutch]

You're welcome - thanks for watching! I've got new episodes every Friday.

[@PatMontgomery-f4z]

@@bingfutch I'll be watching for them. Hints on strumming cords would be helpful as well. Many thanks!

[@tomjohnson1252]

Well I was a guitar player for 40 years and had a stroke which killed my guitar playing. I played fingerstyle guitar to. So now i want to buy a dulcimer. You were my 5th lesson and you make a lot of sense to me. Thanks so much.

[@bingfutch]

Tom, I find that many people who can't enjoy their instrument of choice any more, for any reason, come to the mountain dulcimer and have found a new way of once again making music. For someone with your experience, I would recommend starting in DAD tuning and learning the D, G and A major scales. From that, you should be able to clearly discern the "boxes" and begin to work with chords. The hardest thing will be to rewire your brain to work with the string pitches going in reverse order (heaviest farthest away.) That's the biggest feedback that I get from guitarists moving to dulcimer. Other than that, it's a lot like playing in open tunings all the time, easy to just pick melody and drone. For your first axe, look into a used Folkcraft on eBay, or contact me if you want to buy a new one. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@ayanajohnson2155]

Love this. When my best friend's mom passed away, she gifted me with her mother's dulcimer. At that time I played piano and viola and I fell in love with the resonance of this new instrument. Over the years 2 of the strings popped and I never replaced them as I was busy learning guitar. But oh how I missed the sound of the dulcimer! Yesterday I took it out and decided I am ready to replace those strings. Watching your fingerings and hand positioning is really helpful to me because it is unique from the other instruments I play.

[@bingfutch]

So glad you're interested in the mountain dulcimer! You can purchase individual strings at www.JustStrings.com and basic guitar strings are what you'd be using. An average dulcimer, with a VSL of 27-28" (measured from nut to bridge) will sound great with .013 gauge on the melody string course, .016 for middle and .026 bw for bass. You can always adjust these gauges down or up to get a slightly different feel and tonality. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@ayanajohnson2155]

@@bingfutch Definitely! Thanks for your guidance in this.

[@bingfutch]

@@ayanajohnson2155 Oh, you're welcome!

[@terriebrader7009]

Every time I watch your videos (especially this one) I gain more “critical” info. Nurses always go for “critical thinking”. Many thanks to you for assisting in my Mountain dulcimer journey😍

[@bingfutch]

Tis a pleasure to be of assistance. Thanks for watching!

[@hnttakata713]

Mahalo from Hawaii! A transplant from the Appalachia, I recently purchased a dulcimer to learn more about music of my childhood.

[@bingfutch]

Aloha! You should look up Terry Duggins - he's somewhere on one of those islands! Does a lot of old-school dulcimer music!

[@drobertadams]

Great lesson! I'm a long time fiddle player and your insights into thinking about "positions" is just what I needed to hear. A lot of videos assume everyone is a raw beginner. Thanks for providing a more advanced lesson. You got my thumbs up, and a new subscriber.

[@bingfutch]

+Robert Adams My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@victoriafreeman978]

Thank you. I play each video seven times and learn something else each time.i am a total newbie.

[@rationallogo]

Hey Bing! I love your cigar humidor almost as much as I love your dulcimer instruction!!!! Thanks for all of the great lessons!!!!

[@bingfutch]

Lol - I don't even smoke cigars anymore, but there's some great vintage in that box! Thank you - and thanks for watching!

[@AshleyNicoleFlows]

I've been watching through many international and FINALLy came across yours! I love your style. Definitely subscribing and learning from you. My husband built a mountain dulcimer years ago and we never play it. It is a shame that such a beautiful instrument never sees the light of day. Guess it's time I show off my husband's handcrafted instrument by learning to play myself! Thank you for offering these lessons!!!

[@AshleyNicoleFlows]

I meant instructional videos.....not international. Lol.

[@amandas1270]

Ashley . . . my dulcimer was made in 1985. newer instruments have more frets, but they play the same... only different. hmmm, that doesn't seem to make sense? you'll figure it out :)

[@bingfutch]

You're welcome - hope your journey is going great!

[@mrjamrol]

The only person I know whose 4 fingers are all the same length used to operate a press brake! Anyway- extraordinary lessons! Wish you lived next door to me so that I could access you at will!

[@bingfutch]

+James Ralph Haha, it took me a second to get that. :) Thanks, glad you enjoyed the episode! I do Skype lessons if you ever want to brush up on your studies.

[@all_skate]

Awesome lesson friend. Just found a vintage dulcimer at the thrift store and have it sounding beautiful. Very inspired by your easy , clear instructions.

[@bingfutch]

Happy to be of help, thanks for watching!

[@gwyncalvetti6789]

I really appreciate your videos that offer technique exercises and instruction. This is a great complement to some I learned in a workshop with Stephen Seifert a couple years ago. Thanks!

[@bingfutch]

Glad to be of help - thanks for watching!

[@jeanninebrownd6497]

Fantastic... really have been enjoying several of your You Tubes already and will return to see more ! You have really given me some new ways to strengthen my fingers and will enjoy trying something new. Already had been trying Over The Rainbow and want to return there and catch a few more way you use your finger! Thanks again. I am crazy about your videos !

[@bingfutch]

Thanks so much! There's more on the way!

[@BolanKeith]

Your videos get right to the practical tips that beginners like myself need. I am finding them invaluable. - cheers mate!

[@bingfutch]

Thank you!

[@NJP76]

Been watching these instructional videos as I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of my very first Mountain Dulcimer. Now it has arrived (Sept 21, 2016) and I am going back through these with dulcimer in hand(s). I plan on getting to your site to order some of your books, but there is nothing like seeing/hearing it as it is supposed to sound. Bing, it is sooo easy to learn from you because you keep it real. One thing I am going to have trouble with is use of the left thumb. It is sore already, and coordinating it is going to be a challenge....but I will keep trying in the interest of becoming a more flexible player. I do believe the action may be a bit high on my dulcimer. Going to try to take it down a bit and see if that might help. No matter what, I have truly taken a huge inspiration from watching your videos and really listening to what you say. Now to put it into practice. Thank you for all that you do.

[@N1inSK]

If your thumb still isn't working, just use the four fingers and adapt. It'll work. I cannot use my pinky as much as I'd like (smashed the tip in 2003 and had two bits of bone resettle in awkward places), so I'm using the three fingers and thumb. It's all good, friend.

[@bingfutch]

I hope your dulcimer journey is going well, let me know if I can help in any way!

[@mmmmmmmmmm297]

Love your teaching style. Thanks for broadening my horizons and making me a better player.

[@bingfutch]

+Shelley Gardner Happy to help - thanks for watching!

[@gabrielasamarghitan4981]

thank you so much for your lessons.I have learned to play dulcimer and still learning thanks to your videos.I am from Transilvania.Keep up with the good work.

[@bingfutch]

Thanks, Gabriela! Got a lot more in-depth videos coming soon - thanks for watching!

[@magicdave93]

I’ve just ordered my mountain dulcimer so I’m looking forward to learning this amazing instrument with you as my teacher. 👍

[@bingfutch]

I'm happy to help, David! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@johnwillis963]

Thank you Bing.... You've made me a much better dulcimer player. Appreciate you and your expertise. Excellent teacher you are ... Oh yes and musician...

[@bingfutch]

Thanks, John! I'm very happy to assist. : )

[@candlecane]

Your lessons are amazing!! I really want to get this instrument!

[@journeyhawk1728]

What are the details as to how your dulcimer is made? What kinds of wood are on the sides, bottom and top? What is the vsl length? What kind of tuners do you have on it? What kind of fret board do you have? I really like the sound of your instrument, and it's appearance. I called Folkcraft today and spoke to the builder about different details. I am trying to decide what kind of dulcimer I want to buy, but there are not any shops around here that sell good quality dulcimers, so I would probably have to purchase one online. I need all the help I can get, so I will know what to ask for when I have one built. I am leaning to the darker woods and want a warm mellow sound as opposed to a brighter sound that you get with a lighter spruce top. Also, do you have an electric pickup on yours? Do you also have any experience with the 5 string dulcimers? Thank you for any info you can give me.

[@bingfutch]

Hi, Tanya! Drop me a line at [e-mail] and I can help you get started picking out a Folkcraft (plus a discount on your purchase!)

[@journeyhawk1728]

@@bingfutch thanks so much for your reply! I am working on my email to you and will send it when I get done with it. So grateful for any help you can give!

[@IvonicePowell]

Thanks for your clear and concise lesson, i've just bought a Dulcimer and love the sound of it, i'm about to cover loads of Carter family songs ..can't wait :-) nothing to show yet ... will let you know when i've mastered it ( lol) hopefully :-)

[@bingfutch]

Thanks for watching and I hope to see you posting your own dulcimer videos one of these days. :)

[@bingfutch]

Whoever gave the thumbs down vote must be the same ONE person who always gives the thumbs down vote on my videos. I'd like to know what it is that you don't like about the episodes or what's being taught. It would help me to improve and make watching enjoyable for you.

[@dholeton]

Bing Futch Bing...I'm more or less a two finger player on tunes like Whiskey Before Breakfast. I'm probably too old with too many habits to try to get my thumb and other fingers to cooperate. As for disliking ones, I think you do a great job on all of your instructional videos. You cover the topics from all of the angles. I'll just say one bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch. Keep on playing and instructing.Dave

[@bingfutch]

dholeton Thanks, Dave! The thumb can be tricky to incorporate if you're not used to using it. The ring finger might be easier. Thanks for the vote of confidence; I'd just like to see everyone happy if I can. :)

[@Arkybark]

Bing Futch Some people just go through YT videos and turn thumbs down just for "fun." It's happened on my videos, too. I don't bother with asking why ;).

[@bingfutch]

+Arkybark Yeah, I'm not gonna stress about it. But I do like to make sure everyone is happy. I know that's impossible. :)

[@christopherreilly5339]

+Bing Futch Forget about it. 37 other people like it dude.

[@me-cq7wv]

Well done Bing thanks for sharing your knowledge on this beautiful instrument. Something I have been researching videos at and looking to purchase one soon. 235 thumbs up.

[@bingfutch]

Thank you!

[@eeekaa6183]

Great appreciation for your videos. You are an excellent teacher!!

[@bingfutch]

Many thanks! Sorry I didn't see this sooner.

[@denisenadeau5243]

this was great thanks bing

[@bingfutch]

You're welcome! If I may ask, did you find this video here on KZbin or did you follow a link from somewhere that it's posted? This video has been getting a LOT of views lately. Thanks for watching!

[@bwanna23]

Well thought-out presentation. Also, great for playing "air dulcimer."

[@bingfutch]

Thank you!

[@rod1148]

Great lesson. Thanks for posting!

[@bingfutch]

rod1148 Thanks, Rod!

[@jodisherman4954]

I literally picked up a mountain dulcimer in Viroqua WI and thought, "this is cool." Long ago, I played the piano (well enough to earn a college scholarship) and the guitar (just OK). I understand the notes, the scales, and why you need to practice scales. I have found that my thumb position gets in the way of playing other strings clearly. I have tried turning my thumb on its side along with curving my fingers. Suggestions? My thumb is a problem!

[@bingfutch]

Hi, Jodi! Try using the side of your thumbnail. Depending on the chord shape I'm playing, the contact point on my thumb is different, but it's very often the side of the thumbnail. This puts your other fingers in a better position for chording. Maybe I should do an episode on hand positions!

[@jodisherman4954]

@@bingfutch Thank you! Working on that right now. I have spent time just watching the shape of your fingers and tried to copy that shape! The downward camera view of your dulcimer is very helpful.

[@tombarber6150]

Great instruction. Like the thumb and 2 fingers.

[@bingfutch]

Tom Barber Thanks, Tom!

[@drmichaelshea]

That’s a beautiful dulcimer. What is the wood? BTW, when you play those groups of three, I keep waiting for Dueling Banjos.😊

[@bingfutch]

I'm thinking it was a really nice batch of black walnut for the sides and back, with a butternut top. Some lucky person has got this one in their collection and it must sound amazing 8 years later.

[@OUTDOORSWITHDOMINGO]

Thanks for the free lesson !!

[@bingfutch]

My pleasure!

[@oshgcan3350]

Awesome 👍

[@chadicusthegreat]

great lesson!... you're really good teacher... Thank you

[@smmsjw]

Great Bing! You are the best!

[@bingfutch]

Sister Margaret Mary SJW Thanks, sister!

[@MariaCalfaDePaul]

great helpful video for a newbie like me!!! thank you!!

[@bingfutch]

+Maria Calfa-DePaul Glad to help - thank you for watching!

[@mkapsos]

I’m new to the dulcimer , this week. I’ve been learning using DAA tuning . I’m assuming that your using DAD when your teaching most lessons, like this one. ?

[@bingfutch]

Hi there, and welcome to the dulcimer family! I teach in a number of tunings, both here and through Patreon, but DAD is the most widespread, so a great deal of my teaching is in DAD. That said, there are Dulcimerica episodes that focus on DAA here as well. You can use The Dulcimerica Episode Guide to hunt these videos down - tinyurl.com/dulcimericaguide - and my archives on Patreon contain whole sections for different tunings and skill levels - www.patreon.com/bingfutch - hope this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@BillOtinger]

Good Sound etc

[@tjmellonslap]

Move to Central Florida Bing so I can take lessons from you !!!

[@bingfutch]

I'm in Orlando! When do you want to start?

[@janetklinker8227]

thank You so much for sharing.. God Bless

[@bingfutch]

You're welcome!

[@pattyhall6778]

I am new to this great video Thanks

[@bingfutch]

+Patty Hall Thanks for watching!

[@najeyrifai1134]

That dulce is an absolute beauty. Details?

[@bingfutch]

+Najey Rifai Thank you! That is a custom Folkcraft that I'm playing. You can see some of the custom designs here: folkcraft.com !

[@UriyahYasharal]

Subscribed!

[@bingfutch]

Thank you, so much!

[@Retro6502]

Great video, thanks for making this! (and for your other videos, I've watched a few over the past couple weeks.) Quick question for you: I noticed that a lot of players only use a single string for the melody string. Is this a more common style than the doubled string? I'm just starting out with the dulcimer. I've been playing around with a Seagull Merlin, but my first proper dulcimer is arriving tomorrow :-)

[@bingfutch]

Thanks, and welcome to the family! A single melody string is actually traditionally how the mountain dulcimer was set-up. A second melody string was added to raise the melody volume. It's easier to play with just three strings in many ways and the sound is more uniform and versatile. I like the four-string option on my instruments so that four-string equidistant spacing can be used for more complex set-ups. Enjoy your new dulcimer and your journey!

[@martinh9263]

Bing, long time guitar guy. Now I'm seriously considering getting one of these. Would you suggest a 3 or 4 string for a beginner?

[@N1inSK]

Most dulcimers are 4 strings, with two melody strings strung close together like a 12-string guitar. That's to give the melody more volume. But you could also ask the maker to add another notch in the nut so you can move the second string and make it four individual strings. And if you want just three strings, you can remove one of the melody strings; you might have a rattling tuning peg to silence, but that's easy with a rubber band. I hope you do acquire a dulcimer. They're lots of fun to play.

[@mcjango27]

Let me suggest to just put one in your hand.

[@danielfritchley6649]

how about using all four fingers ¿?

[@frankiebuchanan2205]

is that a capo you have here on you Dulcimer?

[@bingfutch]

+Frankie BUCHANAN It is - it's a Dudley brass capo.

[@bobfritz1091]

Where do you live Bing? What manufacture do you recommend?

[@bingfutch]

I'm in Orlando, FL (when I'm not on the road) - I highly recommend Folkcraft Instruments - www.Folkcraft.com

[@sherylhuffman9200]

On your tee shirt ; it looks like a Bigfoot holding a mountain dulcimer while walking .

[@bingfutch]

That's a shirt from my good friends John and Karen Keane - you could get one from them, I"m sure.

[@tjmellonslap]

This all makes good sense. I do find that I can use my pinky finger.

[@bingfutch]

That's good - a lot of people have a hard time bringing it in. The more you use it, the stronger it gets!

[@danielfritchley6649]

find it easier to use all four when throwing chords into a song