Down Yonder

This is a video of a lady that I have been following on YouTube. I don't know her real name but if you are interested is seeing more of her work her YouTube tag is Loreid. This song is called "Down Yonder" and gets played almost every week at Tanneill. I am working on perfecting this song myself but thought I would let you guys hear what it is supposed to sound like before I upload my own video. This is one of my favs so hope you enjoy. Hope to have a new video up soon!

Greetings and New Video

Welcome Yall!!!! I am so glad that you have decided to come and visit my new blog dedicated completely to me and my dulcimer, hence the web address! If you don't mind, I'd love to give you a little background on this awesome instrument. You didn't know you were coming to a history class did you?!?!? This is just as much for me as it is for you because I love learning more about this dulcimer.

NOTE : This is coming straight from the website, "Appalachian Dulcimer". "The word dulcimer is believed to have originated centuries ago. It was derived, it is thought, from the greek word "dulce" (which means sweet) and the latin word "melos" (which means song). The Appalachian Dulcimer is not to be confused with its biblical counterpart, the hammered dulcimer, rather in its current incarnation, it is believed to have evolved from a northern European instrument, the German, "scheitholt" which like the Appalachian Dulcimer is played with a bow and plucked or strummed as well. The instrument is found in many European cultures, Sweden, Holland, in various forms. In each of these countries the instrument took on local characteristics . It is believed that this "scheitholt" made it to Appalachia toward the end of the 18th century, and once again it evolved and was modified to suit the needs of the local players."

"It is commonly thought that the Appalachian dulcimer was widely used throughout the mountains and hollows of the Appalachian area. But, technically the experts believe that in its heyday and prior to its recent reintroduction to folk music, there were perhaps as few as 1,000 dulcimers throughout the whole region. There are as many shapes and styles of dulcimers as there are players and mountain craftsmen. Except for adhering to a few basic conventions, the builder was free to explore options and possibilities in the creation of the dulcimer."

So there is a little history for you. Today it is mostly used for bluegrass (folk) music, which is it's purpose with me. So now on to how I am progressing. When my mom bought me my dulcimer she also bought me a DVD and a book on "How To Teach Yourself the Dulcimer". She knew that I would not exposed to any kinds of lessons or tutoring down here so she was hooking me up with instruction before we left Gatlinburg. I have followed along in the book as I watched the DVD and tried to pick and it ain't no easy job!!! So far I have learned a few basic songs that only requires you to strum one way and that is away from you. In the second lesson the lady on the video, I don't know her name but she makes me mad becasue she goes to fast and I always have to pause her, taught that you can't just strum one way that you have to get in a rhythm back and forth. Since this is my first experience with an instrument it has been difficult for me to learn to do this. So I have for you today my first song, BEGINNER SONG MIND YOU, that I have learned to play while strumming in a rhythm. This is nothing spectacular but really a chance for you to see where I am starting and allows you to hear what the instrument sounds like. Hope you enjoy and look VERY forward to you joining me again as I learn new and exciting songs!