The Appalachian Dulcimer: An Instructional Record

What better way to learn a musical instrument than from someone who is generally acknowledged to be the foremost performer and authority on that instrument? This recording provides just such an opportunity. Jean Ritchie has long been regarded as a master traditional Appalachian dulcimer player, as well as a superb traditional folksinger. (The Appalachian dulcimer, usually having three or four plucked strings, is not to be confused with the many-stringed hammered dulcimer.)
During the first half of this recording, Ritchie provides easy-to-follow spoken instructions for the beginner, with many demonstrations. The second half of the recording includes examples from a variety of traditional dulcimer players, who often sing as well as play; several of them can be heard on Folkways recordings of their own.
Liner notes provide a complete transcription of Ritchie's spoken instructions, song lyrics, and a biography.
Track Listing
101
|
Introduction | Jean Ritchie | 1:42 | |
102
|
How to Hold the Dulcimer | Jean Ritchie | 1:20 | |
103
|
Tuning Up in the Major Key | Jean Ritchie | 1:17 | |
104
|
How to Hold the Noter | Jean Ritchie | 2:21 | |
105
|
Playing the Scale | Jean Ritchie | 1:29 | |
106
|
Simple Thumb Strum | Jean Ritchie | 2:13 | |
107
|
Use of a Pick | Jean Ritchie | 0:32 | |
108
|
Singing with Counter-Melody | Jean Ritchie | 1:32 | |
109
|
Strumming Variations | Jean Ritchie | 2:02 | |
110
|
Picking with the Fingers | Jean Ritchie | 1:26 | |
111
|
The Minor Key-Aeolian Mode | Jean Ritchie | 3:29 | |
112
|
The Mixolydian Mode | Jean Ritchie | 2:49 | |
113
|
The Dorian Mode | Jean Ritchie | 2:00 | |
114
|
The Phrygian Mode | Jean Ritchie | 2:17 | |
115
|
The Lydian Mode | Jean Ritchie | 2:35 | |
201
|
Pleasant Ohio | Anne Grimes | 2:07 | |
202
|
Old Crumley | Edna Ritchie | 1:02 | |
203
|
Common Bill | I.G. Greer | 2:16 | |
204
|
Warrenton | Andrew Rowan Summers | 2:39 | |
205
|
Civil War March | Aunt Dora Harmon | 0:57 | |
206
|
Play-Party Medley | George Armstrong | 2:24 | |
207
|
Went to See My Susie | George and Gerry Armstrong | 2:05 | |
208
|
In Good Old Colony Days | Howard Mitchell and George Armstrong | 2:48 | |
209
|
Shady Grove | Jean Ritchie | 1:20 |