Strap button: The stick dulcimer has a strap button, which allows for the attachment of a strap, making it easier to play the instrument for extended periods.
End pins: These are the points where the strings loop over. Stick dulcimers typically use mandolin strings with loops at the end. Felt or pipe cleaner is often placed on the end pins to protect the instrument.
Top and sound hole: The top of the instrument is where the sound hole is located. This is the area that produces the acoustic sound of the dulcimer.
Bridge: The bridge of the stick dulcimer is movable, unlike some other types of dulcimers. It is important to keep the bridge in place for proper intonation and tuning. Moving the bridge can result in the instrument sounding out of tune.
Body: The body refers to the entire structure of the stick dulcimer. In the case of a pick and stick model, the neck and body are constructed as one piece, without a visible seam. This design choice enhances the instrument's construction and sound.
Frets: Frets are the metal wires embedded on the neck of the dulcimer. By pressing a string against a fret, the player can change the pitch. Each fret represents a specific note or sound.
Zero fret: The stick dulcimer may have a zero fret instead of a traditional nut. The zero fret and nut serve the same purpose of determining string height and spacing.
Tuning keys and headstock: The tuning keys, sometimes referred to as string winders, are located on the headstock or peg head. They allow for precise tuning of the strings. The gears connected to the tuning keys facilitate the tuning process.
Six and a half fret: A unique feature of stick dulcimers is the inclusion of a six and a half fret. This fret provides additional notes and chord possibilities, adding versatility to the instrument. It is specific to mountain dulcimers and stick dulcimers and is not commonly found on guitars.
Conclusion:
Understanding the anatomy of a pickin' stick dulcimer is essential for both beginners and experienced players. By familiarizing yourself with the different parts and their functions, you can better appreciate the instrument's construction and make informed decisions about playing techniques and tuning. Whether you're an aspiring strumstick player or simply curious about the dulcimer, this knowledge will enhance your appreciation of this unique and charming instrument.
Please feel free to contact us via email at hey@heyinglewood.com if you have any questions.
When I got the Seagull Merlin M4 "Education" Model (i.e., the G or "SG" tuned Merlin), I was amazed at the sound difference between the D and this G version! This G model is the lower range from a G tuned Strumstick (not bad or good, just a nice difference!), and sounds richer with notes closer to the low end of a guitar.
BUT... the way they come strung from the factory is IMO backward on the two highest strings. The thinnest, highest register string, should be on the far outside (the farthest to the right if you're looking head-on at it). That way the high notes ring through.
Watch to see what I mean and how to quickly correct the issue, so you can decide if you like it this way or the original way WITHOUT restringing the instrument.
BTW, if you're looking for a G set of strings, WE HAVE THEM IN STOCK (most of the time), and we're the only company who carries them!
Click the link to have access to FREE song guides and cheat sheets
I’ve had great feedback from my ‘Chord Cheat Sheet’. People seem to find it really useful, so I recommend making the most of that!
]]>
It’s very exciting when you finally get a new musical instrument that you’ve been dreaming about. Maybe you were able to visit a local music shop, happened upon one at your favorite gently used store, had a dulcimer guitar passed down to you by a family member or friend, or you might’ve finally clicked “buy” on a new Seagull merlin you’ve been wanting.
Whatever way it is you got your new dulcimer it’s now time to dive into the joy of learning; however, you may be asking yourself, “Where do I even start?!” There are so many resources to begin learning a new string instrument out there it’s hard to choose the right ones. But we’re here to help you figure out the best ways to start your journey to becoming the instrumentalist you’ve always wanted to be.
Before you try to play anything, get to know your new dulcimer guitar. Learn about the different parts like the body and neck and whether or not it has an additional fret. Know what it’s made of such as a maple neck, maple body, or if it’s maple mahogany topped. Make sure you understand how to take care of the instrument and if there’s anything else you need to do before getting started such as bass strings or anything else to make sure your instrument is in good playing condition.
If you don’t know anything about music, take a quick theory lesson. You don’t have to be a musical guru, but it’ll be great to understand some basic music theory. Most easy to play instruments have a quick guide for notes, chords, and simple how-to-play beginner guides. If you’re wanting to learn the stick dulcimer guitar, download this dulcimer guitar chords guide to get started.
It’s never a bad idea to ask for help, and when learning a new mountain dulcimer, why wouldn’t you? Consider a private, one-on-one lesson either from someone in-person locally or virtually from anywhere. There are many great sites available to help you find your next dulcimer guitar instructor. Not only will you be learning from someone who knows the ins and outs of their instrument, but you will also be supporting a guitar player in their music career, and it’s always a good idea to support musicians when possible!
There are also many tutorial videos like this Free 1-Hour Video Tutorial to help you learn the stick dulcimer. You can search for specific technics or even how-to videos to learn a song you are dying to play. There are whole YouTube Channels devoted to these easy to play instruments, and when you do watch those videos, like and subscribe to support those musicians.
There’s an app for that, and when it comes to music it’s no different. There are some super helpful music apps on the Apple App Store or on Google Play to assist you musically. Some of my favorites include digital tuners and metronomes. Most are free, or a small one-time download fee. That makes educating yourself on the guitar mandolin easy even on the go!
When you’re just beginning a new instrument, start by playing a song you not only know fairly well but enjoy. Begin with a song with a very simple melody or only a few chords. You might be surprised how many of our favorite songs aren’t as complex as you may think. You can find many of your favorite tunes online whether full sheet music, a chord chart, or a TAB.
You may find yourself eager to try something that is originally in a difficult key. Don’t fret! (And yes, that was a bad music joke for the guitar players) There are simple ways to change the key of your favorite song to something that might be better to play as a beginner. You can download this free key change guide for the dulcimer guitar.
You may experience some frustration or some growing pains, but push past the learning curve and remind yourself you are just starting. Enjoy the process because you are a guitar player no matter what level you are at in the beginning!
If you have questions about how to begin playing dulcimer guitar, what Seagull merlin is best for you, or anything you may want to know, contact me–I’d be psyched to help you any way I can. ]]>Transcription:
One of the best pop rock songs, by one of the best pop rock bands, even if they wouldn't want to play it on a dulcimer or classify it that way for themselves. All right, let's take a stab at walking through this real quick. This injured part is all downstrokes. We haven't talked as much about this. I'm just doing that with my pic right now. So down strokes, starts on the second fret first set of strings here on the Seagull Merlin. So I’m switching from the first first fret first string, and my middle finger on the second fret of the middle string. Then I'm going (Music). You could also do (Music). I don't know, it's up to you really. And you're in this song. The chorus portion of this one is really tricky, better be careful. Open, which is d, is the rock song so it's all just kind of open. You can bar with one finger, I often use this one because it puts these fingers back in position over here. So D, then A, then G. Even though this song could be played with the majors in it, so you could play it (music), it's not required. When they play it they don't play it this way they played it with just the power chords mostly so (Music). And then the chorus is the same. I've not bothered to sit down trying to work out the guitar solo, but since it covers more octaves than this instrument has, it's probably not gonna work. However, I did notice that you can go up at the very top fret and then just work your way all the way down, as fast as you can pick it and that's the end of the solo.
Looking for more Strumstick Rock Songs? We got 'em!
Want to play it in a different key? Check out our FREE key change guide!
Have you subscribed to the YouTube channel yet?
DO IT... please.
And while you're here, don't forget to check out our dulcimer guitar collection! Plenty of different instruments to consider.
]]>