Developing Technique Through Exercises and
Studies
Hands-On Dulcimer 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.