Mountain Dulcimer Basics

[@giovannamealer3208]

My frets are different than in the video. My dulcimer was given to me by a family member, so I didn't purchase from you. I can't even seem to begin to tune it. She also elected to remove the 4th string, so there are only 3

[@melissabogolubov6248]

Your dulcimer may just need new strings. Some have extra frets.

[@Phoenixhunter157]

It may be a chromatic dulcimer. Just means you have even more options.

[@robertharrison1397]

Why did I have the notion that playing the Dulcimer was going to be hard when you make it look so easy. At the ripe old age of 90 years, I think I am ready to purchase my first Dulcimer. Thank you so much for helping to make the remainder of my life much my adventurous.

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Robert, glad to hear you are having a great time playing dulcimer! Remember my theory; Play loud and with confidence, everyone assumes we know what we're doing! Troy

[@simonchilli2088]

@@cedarcreekdulcimers5054 That's a great quote!

[@simonchilli2088]

I've just seen them at 61 years old. How are you getting on?

[@julesunearthd]

beautiful! hope you’re strummin up a storm

[@marlenehellmann8223]

I’m 71 years. I am getting ready myself

[@loganbush]

I remember meeting this man several years ago. He played the dulcimer so well (and made it look so easy) that I decided to buy one on the spot! Very nice guy too.

[@alisonmaxfield7823]

This guy is wonderful. I pray for him to have much abundance and prosperity

[@lindaroberts1284]

I just purchased a gently used Cedar Creek dulcimer. The sound is so sweet!

[@billyaitken7461]

I’m a ukulele, Banjolele, banjo player. Your video taught me so much about the Dulcimer, great tutorial & information video ⛰🪕🎻😊👍‼️

[@deborahpacheco2799]

Sir, I'm so glad I found your videos. You break it down step by step & tonight I played my 1st song on the dulcimer along with you. I had been so discouraged until I found your videos. You're a great instructor. Thank you so very much.

[@MrDrew1963]

Met these folks and they are awesome and very helpful and knowledgeable about any stringed instrument.. will be a regular stop for us when we are in the area...

[@plucknpick6414]

Hey! Great series! I am still loving my Butternut wood Dulcimer! I play it at living history events in the Mid West. People are drawn to the music!

[@riganocanada]

I've never heard about this instrument and now I want one

[@crystalheart9]

I love the sound of the dulcimer and have wanted one for ages but I was afraid to spend the money on it and find out I couldn't play it well. I am thinking on getting one now, they look like a lot of fun and I could probably be successful in learning to play.💙

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

@crystalheart9 Crystal, thanks for watching! I always say the Dulcimer is the instrument for the rest of us! We want to play something, but never had much success with anything else! If you're looking for a dulcimer, Matthew has a nice selection of beginner models to choose from. Everything from the cardboard dulcimer to a couple of used models to new hourglass models starting at $259.99. The Branson shop # is 417 334-1395. HE also has a lot of music for the traditional tuning like I use in all my videos. Thanks again! Troy

[@crystalheart9]

@@cedarcreekdulcimers5054 Thank you so much for your response. I clicked on the link for cedarcreekdulcimers and it said it couldn't find the page? Can you direct me to a working link so I can visit their website? 😍💙

[@carlaschulz4217]

Absolutely LOVE your video!!! I have had my mountain dulcimer about 12 years, and it has been in a bag in my closet almost since I got it because the book and DVD that came with it just left me so frustrated trying to learn the notes and fingering to play it. Thanks for making it simple and still sounding amazing. I think I can do this! 😄

[@Phoenixhunter157]

You CAN do this 😊❤

[@valorcolbailey8433]

Your video have made me understand what I should be doing and why. I have built my own box dulcimers but given up trying to learn them because in part I was struggling with the DAdd 'norm' which is not as straightforward and intuitive as the DAAA. Having watched your tutorials I can now plink away quite happily, impressing myself. Your mentoring is better than any others on the Net, I know as I've watched them all ! Thank you, Troy.

[@grannydeem3602]

Thank you so much for your video! My husband bought me this beautiful maintain dulcimer years ago. I have tried to learn to play it before with disappointing success. With just one viewing of your video I feel so excited that I could actually learn to play my dulcimer and enjoy it. Your presentation and encouragement are wonderful!

[@grannydeem3602]

That is mountain dulcimer. Oops:)

[@bobmiller7502]

amazing dont know how i ended up here but glad i did, it looks so easy to play, im dyslexic and struggle usually i play the harmonica but this has peaked my interest,,thank for sharing, keep on keeping on my brother xx

[@rosierain3398]

Thank you so much this video is extremely helpful. I never thought to look on KZbin for this, a friend sent me this video, and I am so happy to know exactly which strings to use, because before I was relying on other people to know, So I got all different kinds of results depending on who strung it up for me, so even knowing that one thing has changed my life!!!!!! God bless you and thanks for brightening my day 💗

[@annemcfiddle]

Very helpful video for this new dulcimer owning fiddler.

[@walteryoung2025]

I bought mine from these guys four years ago now. I still love it!!!

[@GeminiDolly52951]

I have thought about getting a mountain dulcimer, but always thought it would be hard to learn. But you make it look easy enough. I am enjoying watching your videos. Thanks for posting this.

[@-jank-willson]

as with any instrument, it is very easy and simple to learn a basic tune, you can do it within 10 minutes. But learning to play it in a far more complex way will take years of practice

[@congerscott6064]

Great video thank you, now im going to visit Cedar Creek on line and look at some Dulcimers ! 👍🏆.

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Hey Conger, Thank you for the super comment! As you probably found out by now we are running behind on our orders. Our main builder Chas is battling Leukemia, he is a trouper but we Are a couple of months behind. Appreciate your patience and your prayers. Look forward to building something special for you! Troy

[@congerscott6064]

@@cedarcreekdulcimers5054 Thanks Troy, im trying to decide on the dulcimer i want to purchase but im willing to wait if i have to, im sure it will be worth it, they are all works of art, thanks again and our prayers are with you all.......Scott 👍🏆.

[@chrisguenther7237]

I wonder if you could help me know more about what I have. It's a 16-stringed instrument which is obviously not a "traditional" mountain dulcimer but built and played like one. It was custom made by a fellow named Pete Belcher back in 1977. As far as I know it is the only one like it ever made. It is currently missing 2 strings but still has an amazingly rich sound...

[@Cheesus4jesus]

Great first lesson

[@stevensexton204]

You did a really good job all the way through

[@glennaadams8412]

Hello Troy! This is Glenna Adams. Hope you remember me! Had that fire in Branson and traded my hammer dulcimer in on a harp. Hope your business is going well. Good yo see you again.

[@suemattes202]

Thank you for helping me with tuning my dulcimer so I can play it with my banjo and guitar. Now do I use the cords that are on my banjo book or do I use the guitar cords in the book to play my dulcimer??

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Either one should be fine. Your chords will match any instrument as long as your tuned to G D D on your dulcimer! Any music that has the cords you can now use! It's great how versatile the Dulcimer can be when you use this tuning!

[@auntnan9121]

Yay! I’m inspired 😃💕

[@mikebadilla6970]

Thank you very good teaching.

[@DeannaWillistonOFS]

Lol you encouraged me into trying the harmony line. What do we do when the melody line is on 0? (Of course, PawPaw Patch had to have one.)

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

On notes that land on one or 0, I just omit the harmony. If you would like to play some kind of harmony though, you could try the bass string. Fret # 2 or 3 (on the bass string) would be the first to try.

[@AllanParmenter-m1g]

Thank yo for the lesson. Very helpful.

[@deborahquinnan]

Great lesson!!

[@MarioHemsley]

Great job! Thanks so much!

[@stevekonbass]

Very cool.

[@MissisChannel]

very nice!

[@sound_verse]

Great Video!

[@deborahpacheco2799]

Can you change a baritone small dulcimer that's in key of A to key of D? Will I have to change strings? New to this.

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Hey Deborah, if you are tuning DAA on a smaller dulcimer, I would use a .026 wound string on the bass & .014 plain for the other 3. If tuning DAD .026 bass, .014 middle & .012 for the first two. Of course before you change strings go ahead and tune to D and see how it sounds. If it sounds just fine you can go with the strings that are on your Dulcimer now. Glad you're having fun! Troy

[@wendyhintze6092]

How can I get a wall mount for my dulcimer? thanks

[@StopFear]

When was this made? Is this guy still around? He seems like a cool guy.

[@DeannaWillistonOFS]

I just called and talked with him today. I had lots of questions and even though I bought my dulcimer elsewhere, he was super friendly and helpful.

[@Daniele-hh6gt]

I wish I had a dulcimer.

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

@Daniele-hh6gt Hey Daniele, thanks for watching! Give Matthew a call at the shop in Branson. He has many to choose from, including used and even cardboard Dulcimers![phone] Thanks again! Troy

[@btipton72]

I’m tuned to DAD. Can I tune to your tuning without problems

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

You bet! Tune your bass string up one note to E, your middle string up one to B, then your first string(s) down to B. You're ready to play along! If you didn't care about playing along with the video, you could keep your bass and middle strings at D and A, then simply tune down your first string to A. The numbers work the same no matter what key you are tuned to. You just wouldn't be in tune with the video. Have fun! After you get 5 or 6 tunes under your belt, move on to lesson two and learn how to add harmony to your songs! Have fun! Troy

[@btipton72]

@@cedarcreekdulcimers5054 is there a video or book to explain how to tune the different tunings

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

@btipton72 The Cripple Creek book by Bud and Donna Ford talks about all the different ways you can tune a dulcimer. It starts with the traditional Ionian tuning like I'm playing in my videos and goes on to Mixaloydan, Dorian etc. (We have this book at our shop in Branson. ) As far as the different keys

[@btipton72]

@@cedarcreekdulcimers5054 we will have to stop by on our next trip to Branson

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

In the traditional Ionian tuning. You tune the bass string to whatever note you want; D, E, F, G. Then, hold the 4th fret on your bass string and tune the other strings to match this sound. ( they will be 5 notes higher than the bass)

[@mindyglazer8389]

Could you please tell me which model Mountain Dulcimer you have in this video? I love the look of the open design along with the dark wood. How can I go about getting it, price, etc. I have never played before, but I LOVE this instrument! Thank you!

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Mindy, thank you for your comment! That model is called the Walnut classic. They all have walnut back and sides, but you get to choose from a variety of woods for the top. If you go to our website www.cedarcreekdulcimers.com you will find pictures of the different woods available.( sound hole options as well. ) The price of the Walnut Classic is $349.99. On the website you will find photos and descriptions of all the models we sell ranging from $219.99 -$399.99 Thanks again! Any questions our number here at the shop is: [phone]

[@mindyglazer8389]

@@cedarcreekdulcimers5054 Thanks so much for your excellent response! Since I am getting a dulcimer for the first time, I honestly don’t want the expensive Walnut Classic. I will probably go to your website and take a look at the lower end priced one. If I love it, keep on playing, I will get the more expensive one when I feel proficient at it. I am assuming a beginner, less expensive one is still made extremely well from your company! I can’t wait to start playing! Thank you!

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

You are exactly right! All the dulcimers our guys build are great and they all sound good. The models like the Old Timer and Red Meadow take less time to build and the material cost is not as expensive as the walnut classic. But the workmanship is always great! Thanks again. Any other questions let us know! Troy

[@arieswaters]

Do not get the resonator or double back on your dulcimer. Cost more makes it heavier makes it larger so it won't fit in some cases. And if anything it makes it quiet or not louder

[@Steamtramman719]

My late wife played the hammered dulcimer for decades, but a question for you .....can someone naturally left handed play the Mountain Dulcimer?

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

David, so sorry for the loss of your wife. Learning to play the Dulcimer can be very therapeutic and a good way of remembrance of her. In answer to your question, yes, very much so can a lefty play Mnt.dulcimer! Some lefty's like Matthew that works here at the shop seem to prefer to go ahead and strum with their right hand therefore the dulcimer doesn't have to be changed at all. But for those who are very dominant left handed you will want to strum with your left hand. In those cases we simply reverse the nut and the strings to the opposite direction of a righthanded dulcimer ( it only takes 10 or 15 minutes to do so). If you have other questions about playing, let me know or call the shop here in Branson 417-334-1395 And we will be happy to answer any questions. Thanks! Troy

[@rayvoith1344]

If I tune to GDD, do I tune up from DAA? Won't that break a string?

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Hey Ray! Yes, that is correct, you will tune up from DAA to the GDD. If you have heavy strings on your dulcimer they very well could break. The string gauges I like are. 020 for my bass and .010 for my little strings. This allows me to tune to EBB,FCC and GDD. You can tune DAA with these strings if you have to, I just have never liked the way the strings react in that key. So that is why I don't tune to D. If you would like more info, go to our KZbin page and watch Mountain Dulcimer basics lesson #3. Thanks! Keep on a pick-"n" Troy

[@olivers3298]

This is a great beginner's lesson, thank you so much. Using a sweet but well-worn used dulcimer while I wait for my Cedar Creek kit to arrive-- can't wait!

[@nnemoyer]

Do you have a next lesson? This was so informative!

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Hey Thanks for the reply! If you go to our KZbin page:(cedar creek dulcimers KZbin) you will find all of our videos. We are adding more and more all the time! Thanks again! Troy

[@nnemoyer]

@@cedarcreekdulcimers5054 thanks!

[@rayvoith1344]

Do you have books with tab for dulcimer?

[@DragonAngel26]

FYI, none of your links work. You may want to update them.

[@bill1021b]

How do I order from you

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Hey Bill, thanks for your interest! All of our products are being sold by Needful Strings. Run by the young man who has been helping me for the past 6 years. You can order over the phone at 417 334-2634 or his Needful Strings website

[@bill1021b]

@@cedarcreekdulcimers5054 needful strings. How cool is that. I will call today.

[@fstopPhotography]

Aaaaaaaand kills the good bacteria in your septic system.

[@arieswaters]

How come you guys make your fretboards so wide over an inch and a half is just too big. Why?

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Hey Aries Troy here. Sorry your having some playing issues! Believe it or not over the past 39 years of cedar creek dulcimers our fretboards are one of the features everyone has always loved about our dulcimers. Plenty of room to harmonize and chord or for setting up equal distance string spacing. But since you're having playing issues this is obviously not the case for you. Without more information I don't know what difficulties your having, but I assume it's with harmony's and chords. If you are trying to learn in the Mixaloydan DAD tuning this could be your difficulty. The chord structure in this tuning doesn't allow you to use your whole hand like the traditional tuning does. Over the years I've had a lot of players tell me when they switched to the traditional tuning (like I teach in Mnt. Dulcimer basics lesson #2 & #3) their progress excelled quickly And they were finally able to reach all the chords they were looking for! However if you are playing in the traditional tuning and you are still struggling to reach chords, the issue could be hand size. If this is the case, our string guides at the top of your dulcimer are designed to be easily changed to accommodate different string spacing. So if smaller hands are the issue we can cut you a new string spacer (nut) with the strings closer together. Just give a call to the shop in Branson and we will fix you up! [phone]

[@bill1021b]

How do I purchase from you