Mountain Dulcimer: Left-Handed Technique and Set-Up

Date: Sun, 14 Jul 2002 16:25:19 -0500

Greetings Pam,

Glad to assist if I can:

Mickey,

I was browsing the net ant noticed the question about left handed players for the dulcimer. I play the mountain lap dulcimer and was told all I had to do was restring for left hand play. In other words, change the melody and bass strings abound. This has worked fine for me. That way it makes it easy to play. Being left handed has not caused a problem except for having to make sure I have room when I sit next to someone.

Sure, left-handed set-up on dulcimers is far easier than on most other string instruments...such as guitar, mando, or banjo...It does only require reversing the strings for left-handed approach. However, you'll want to make sure both the nut and bridge are properly slotted for the melody strings on a 4-string dulcimer. As you know, the melody strings are paired and situated in close approximation. Therefore, when reversing the strings, you'll want to reverse the nut and bridge to accommodate this arrangement.

I have some friends wanting to learn to play, they have pruchased new dulcimers and have asked me to teach them. I was taught that most music is in the DAD or DAG tuning. However, I noticed your instructions show DAA. I am a little confused as to what is best. Most of the music I have is tabbed for DAD. I have had to create a lot on my own. I have not been able to locate music with old church songs. Out pastor at church likes me to play during the invitation since the sound is so soft and does not disturb when prayers are requested. I have tabbed out several such as Whiter Than Snow, Only Trust Him, Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling etc.

You're correct...many dulcimer manuscripts are written in the DAD tuning. My suggestion would be to teach various tunings so that the student gains a full understanding of the possibilities available. The DAA seems to offer a full drone effect and doesn't have as many clashes in melody playing. For instance, a major triad for the key of D would be D - F# - A....the melody lines available on the melody strings, using the DAA tuning allows for a more accessible higher register. When playing certain melodies, you may find that the DAD tuning will allow more accessibility to reaching the melody notes. Experimentation should be encouraged. Certainly, for students just beginning, it's best to have them start out on one tuning...and as they grow on the dulcimer, open up new realms to them by introducing other tuning possibilities. Sounds like you're already doing justice to the dulcimer...therefore, stay with the DAD tuning as your standard.

Can you tell me which tuning is best? Also, I have trouble keeping the strings in tune. Does this mean they are old? Also, one of my friends new dulcimer does not want to hold the tuning. I broke her new bass string trying to tune it to DAD. Any suggestions wil help. I have never taught before and am a little nervous.

There can be many reasons why your strings are not staying in tune:
1. As you've assessed...older strings are more difficult to tune...and can sound slightly out of tune even after tuning them to pitch...this is due to the small creases that can accumulate where the strings touch the frets.
2. Your tuning machines may not be holding pitch properly.
3. How well the strings are wound on the tuning machine shafts...be sure to tie your strings under when installing them on their respective tuning shafts.
4. Accumulation of dirt and grime...which can be easily cleaned off with products such as "Fast Fret".

To determine if your dulcimer is holding pitch, try using an electronic tuner as a reference...after tuning the string to pitch, try playing a song or two and return to the tuner to assess any variations.

Hope the above helps in some way...Mickey