By using different shapes, you can develop ways to play back-up without having to jump all over the dulcimer. Lots of tunes use only or mainly the three major chords -- I, IV, and V -- so we'll start there.
If you're a righty, use the chord shapes in the first diagram. Lefties, use the second diagram. Either way, the first shape is the I chord, the second is the IV chord, and the third is the V chord. Starting with the lowest mark on the right treble bridge, play each shape a few times. Practice switching from shape to shape without pausing.
Notes on Exercise 3:
1. Try the following variations: Boom-chuck, 4/4 Arpeggios, 3/4 Partial Arpeggios, and 6/8 Jig Patterns. (Each one is linked to a MIDI clip.) For each variation, play four measures each of I, IV, V, I, for a total of sixteen measures. Next, play two measures each and repeat the whole thing once to keep a total of sixteen measures. Now play each chord for one measure and repeat four times. For a challenge, play each chord for half a measure and repeat eight times. This is challenging because, except for the boom-chuck pattern, each pattern lasts a full measure. You'll need to decide whether to do the first half of each pattern, the second half, or even the first half of the pattern for the first half of the measure, and the second half of the pattern for the second half of the measure. It's even trickier for the 3/4 pattern, because each measure is in three parts, not two; I suggest doing one chord for two beats and another chord for the third beat.
2. Choose a different chord shape for the I chord. Find V and IV chord shapes that will fit near it. Repeat the variations.
3. Move to a different key by starting at a different mark on the right treble bridge or on the bass bridge. Repeat Notes 1 and 2.
4. Find a tune that uses only the three major chords. Write out the chord progression and repeat Notes 1-3.
Home |
Ex. 1: Triads |
Notes on Ex. 1 |
Ex. 2: Chord Shapes |
Notes on Ex. 2
By using different shapes, you can develop ways to play back-up without having to jump all over the dulcimer. Lots of tunes use only or mainly the three major chords -- I, IV, and V -- so we'll start there.
