Which hand to use hammered dulcimer?

Subject: Which hand to use hammered dulcimer?
From: Rosebrook
Date: 06 Jan 00 - 09:55 PM

I got one! I got one! I got one!!!

This past holiday season, I was given a lovely hammered dulcimer, and have been enjoying it so much. I have a question for those of you who play this instrument:

When you learn a tune, how do you know which hand to start with? Which hand to play for which notes? Is it just a matter of personal comfort? Do you try playing the tune a couple of different ways, and then realize which way flows more naturally?

This doesn't seem to be too big of a deal on slower tunes, or does it? Maybe on slower tunes, it's just easier to realize which hand would be the more appropriate/ more natural hand to use. This week I've been learning the tune Liberty and these questions have come up for me.

How do you know which hand to use?

Rose

Subject: RE: Which hand to use hammered dulcimer?
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Jan 00 - 10:01 PM

You work out the hammering pattern to eliminate crossovers and that type of problem. This becomes more important as you play chords/arpeggios/trills and such. You'll find that embellishing your simple tunes may require a good bit of thought beforehand. Just try to keep your motion as efficient as possible and avoid the need to hit a bass course for instance, with your left hand.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Which hand to use hammered dulcimer?
From: Willie-O
Date: 06 Jan 00 - 10:16 PM

It's kind of like piano fingerings--you have to analyse the whole phrase and figure out where you're going to end up--while trying to play across (left - right rather than up-down) as much as possible--so you don't end up getting stuck somewhere where you need to play, quickly, consecutive notes with only one hand, because your other hand is too far away. Later on you'll be able to put the harmony notes in that are on the other side.

Clear as mud, I know. Nother way--there's three areas, on mine at least--left side of treble bridge (left hand is used most); right side of treble bridge aka center courses --which hand is dominant depends whether you're playing to the center & left, or center and bass courses; and bass courses--right hand dominant.

When I say dominant, usually that's the hand that should be playing the last note in the phrase. I think.

Its interesting to think about this from a distance since I don't actually play dulcimer much anymore. Maybe I'll have to get it out and give it a few whacks to refine my observations.

Not now though. Hope this helps a tiny bit.

Willie-O

Subject: RE: Which hand to use hammered dulcimer?
From: paddymac
Date: 06 Jan 00 - 10:29 PM

Rosebrook - Spaw's advice is on point. The objective is to avoid having to cross your hands as you cross the treble bridge or go to the bass bridge. Each tune is different and you'll have to figure out the pattern that works best for you. The best advice I could give you is plant a map of your instrument in your head before you get carried away trying to learn tunes. Once you know how many places you can play the same note, determining hammering patterns becomes a lot easier. Sometimes, no matter what you try, you'll find patterns that still leave you with the "crossed hands" problem. As you advance in your playing, you'll find little techniques that can eliminate those problems, like playing arpeggios, trills, rolls, flams or diads. If you read music, pay attention to notation as it will help you find solutions to pattern problems. You don't have to read to be a good player, but I think it is helpful to at least have some rudimentary ability to read. Probably the smartest thing you could do is go to one of the many summer camps that offer classes on the instrument. It'll help you avoid learning bad habits. Be patient, and practice every day you can. Enjoy!

Subject: RE: Which hand to use hammered dulcimer?
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Jan 00 - 10:56 PM

Well put paddy........The more you understand about the "beauty" of the stringing pattern and the different ways to get the same thing, the better off you are. Sometimes even to the point of considering which hammer is above the other. Sometimes I have worked clear through a piece and find myself just plain "uncomfortable" with the pattern and by making a change here or there, the thing will fall together more easily.

BTW, what instrument did you end up with getting?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Which hand to use hammered dulcimer?
From: paddymac
Date: 06 Jan 00 - 11:11 PM

Spaw - I'm not sure if your question was intended for me or for Rosebrook. I play a 12/11 built by a friend who now lives & works in Oregon. He built about 20 before he got distracted by other passions.

Subject: RE: Which hand to use hammered dulcimer?
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Jan 00 - 11:25 PM

For Rosebrook paddy, as she was asking purchasing advice back in December. But that's interesting. I've taken a little time off for some health reasons but I'm starting again now, but this time building only one model, a 16/15 with a more rounded and smooth shape and a more exaggerated trapezoid. Same soundbox and bracing that I'm basically happy with, just a more "radical" appearance.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Which hand to use hammered dulcimer?
From: Rosebrook
Date: 06 Jan 00 - 11:34 PM

I was given a Songbird (Wren) 13/12 over the holidays. It's really beautiful, and it sounds magical. It is a whole lot LOUDER than I realized it would be, and has a lot of echo...echo...echo. Is that normal?!

Speaking of sounds, should the same notes on each side of the treble bridge sound exactly the same? When I play the A on the left side of the treble bridge, I can hear overtones, and it has a tinny-ish sound, whereas the A on the right side of the bridge (and up a few strings) sounds more full and clear. What's that about? When I first got it a couple of weeks ago, it was relatively in tune, but the whole thing was a half step flat, so I brought the whole thing up into tune. Is this an indication that it needs a tuning adjustment?

Is it preferable to play up and down the sides of the bridge or back and forth across the treble bridge - someone spoke of hammering patterns. What's the thing about the arpeggio being in a certain figure, and chords being in a triangle?

I read music, and so initially used the cheat-cheat note slips that came with the instrument. But, I have taken those off, and am playing from a combination of some sheet music and some by ear. (The notes on the bass side pretty naturally lend themselves to the theme song of 'The Beverly Hillbillies'. Wasn't particularly looking for that tune, it just popped out of the instrument ; )

Thanks for all of the advise. I really welcome and appreciate it. Anybody know of any hammered dulcimer camps or week-end instructional sessions? (I'm in US, west coast) Instructional videos?

Rose

Subject: RE: Which hand to use hammered dulcimer?
From: vikinglass
Date: 06 Jan 00 - 11:44 PM

If you are considering summer dulcimer camps try Kentucky Music Week in July. It starts out with a weekend of concerts and mini sessions along with craft booths set up at Iroquois Park's ampitheater in Louisville under beautiful old trees. The week of workshops taught by nationally and world famous folk artists/musicians ends up in Bardstown (my hometown)which is the site of My Old Kentucky Home. If you want world class instruction but with relaxing surroundings and fun lovin'folk, come on and give it a try. Last year we took our instruments and rode and old train for an hour and jammed while on board. For more information the website address is www.texas.net/~square1/kmw