Tunes and Techniques for Four-String Equidistant Dulcimer
EXPERINCED INTERMEDIATE AND UP
Mountain Dulcimer
Wednesdays 9:00–10:00 am Central / 10:00–11:00 am Eastern
March 11, 18(cancelled), 25
April 1, 8
No class April 15
April 22, 29

(March 11, 25 - April 1, 8, 22, 29)

[March 23 Update - I had to cancel classes Match 17 and 18 due to my mother’s hospital stay. Now that she’s doing better, classes are back on starting March 24 and 25. I’ve updated all the class descriptions on this website to reflect the altered schedule.]

You’ve got some good experience under your belt, and you’re ready to try some new things with your dulcimer. Maybe you’re already playing this way and want to get a lot better. Either way, I’m going to show you everything I love about this special string setup.

If you didn’t know, most dulcimers are already have a nut with extra slots just in case you want to switch to four-string equidistant spacing. The main tuning that I, and many others, use is DAdd, from bass to melody. With evenly spaced strings, you can comfortably play full four-note chords.

I have a lot to share, including techniques and arrangements. I especially enjoy turning pre-existing three-string arrangements into four-string versions. This is a magical tuning, and I’m looking forward to helping you level up.

Bring a capo! I recommend https://www.mccaffertydulcimers.com/capos.

Lesson Plan

Wednesday, March 11 – Session 1 of 6 - Proper string setup. A little history. Two useful approaches to playing three-string music on a four-string equidistant. One or two nice arrangements.

Wednesday, March 18 – Class Cancelled

Wednesday, March 25 – Session 2 of 6 - Beautiful chords. One or two nice arrangements.

Wednesday, April 1 – Session 3 of 6 - Harp scales. One or two nice arrangements.

Wednesday, April 8 – Session 4 of 6 - Using a capo. One or two nice arrangements.

Wednesday, April 15 – No Class

Wednesday, April 22 – Session 5 of 6 - Try a different tuning. One or two nice arrangements.

Wednesday, April 29 – Session 6 of 6 - Harmonics. One or two nice arrangements.

These are online workshops via Zoom. You’ll receive a meeting link and handouts by email shortly before the first session, and sometimes handouts a day before other sessions. For dulcimer classes, please bring a capo. Each week, you’ll receive a video recording of the class, usually within 24 hours and often right after the session.

Attending live is not required. You’ll get full session videos whether you’re in class or not. Some folks prefer it this way. do what works for you.

🌟 Multi-Course Bundle – 10% Off

If you add two or more courses to your cart, use the coupon code COURSEBUNDLE at checkout to save 10%. If, for any reason, you don’t receive your discount, email me at stephen@stephenseifert.com. This usually happens when someone purchases courses one at a time over multiple days and later wishes they’d used the bundle.

Whatever you need, just include your full name and email address, and I’ll straighten it out.