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ionian

New Theory Quiz

Following our first two Live Music Theory classes for Premium Members of DulcimerCrossing.com, Erin Mae and I have a new Quiz, this time comparing the Ionian and Dorian Modes.



Click here to try it out and test your understanding!



Later today [4 pm PST = 5 pm MST = 6 pm CST = 7 pm EST] is the 3rd lesson, this one focusing on the Aeolian Mode.



Premium Members have access on the Live events page at DulcimerCrossing.com.



(Be certain that you have logged in and the background is blue and th…

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David Massengill and Reverse Ionian Tuning

by Steve Eulberg On the road as part of my country-crossing-summer-tour, I got to visit with David Massengill at the Gebhard Woods Festival in Morris, Illinois in June. David has a long history with the mountain dulcimer and developed some playing styles that pre-date the 6-1/2 fret, DAd world that has been more common since the instrument was brought in from the "free-range."   Here he demonstrates the beautiful of what he calls "Reverse Ionian Tuning".   5 - 1 - 5 are the relationships between…

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Benefits and Limitations of Different Tunings on Mountain Dulcimer? Part 1



Epinette scroll head

by Steve Eulberg

So how does one choose between the benefits and the limitations of different tunings when playing mountain dulcimer?  To me the most important factors in this decision are:
 
1)  What kind of dulcimer do I have?  Is it "traditional" (with no extra frets like 6-1/2 or 1-1/2)?
 
2)  What kind of music do I want to play?
 
3)  In what style do I want to play this music?  Do I want to play in the traditional noter or drone style?  Do I want to play back-up chords?  Do I want to …

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