So far, I’ve introduced you to the box concept and how you can build box 1 and box 2. Now, I’m going to show you the “key” to the box, meaning how you can use the box to play in multiple keys.
NOTES
I will show you how to play in the three native major keys of the hammer dulcimer. There are absolutely more keys you can play in, but these are the three most common major keys. They are D, G, and C.
To begin, you must know what the notes are for each marker on the bass bridge. They are (from bottom to top), D, G, C, F, and Bb. Memorize and internalize these. You must know them as an anchor reference point in order to know which key you’re playing in.
Now, look at the illustration below. Orange is the key of D that I already introduced you to. Blue is the key of G and red is the key of C. Do you see how box 1 and box 2 repeat themselves exactly?
The only difference is the starting point. The key of D starts on the bass bridge D marker. The key of G starts on the bass bridge G marker. And the key of C starts on the bass bridge C marker. See the redundancy?
(Note: Due to size variations, your instrument may not include all of the notes for the 2nd box of the key of C)
Simple isn’t it? You don’t have to memorize the appropriate sharps or flats in order to play in a different key (although that knowledge certainly wouldn’t hurt you)!
Also–get this. I have in three lessons introduced you to almost all of the notes on a typical hammer dulcimer, unless you have a huge 17/17/5/4 dulcimer or something like that!
Tags: beginner, Hammer Dulcimer Lessons