Mainstream Dulcimer 3 - "Power!"

How to play mainstream music on a 3-string fretted dulcimer, meant for people who play dulcimers or guitars or anything else, hosted by Sam Edelston. This episode is about Power Chords - that is, chords that only have the 1st and 5th notes in the scale - which are very useful when playing rock songs on the dulcimer. Here are some things you can do with them:

1. Play just the power chords as accompaniment.
2. Use them in conjunction with variations, such as 6th (or 7th) chords for more varied accompaniment.
3. Play two-note power chords underneath a melody.

Song examples drawn from:
Iron Man, by Black Sabbath
Locomotive Breath, by Jethro Tull
Johnny B Goode, by Chuck Berry
The Twist, by Chubby Checker (or Hank Ballard and the Midnighters if you're a purist)

Though usually associated with old folk songs and tunes - simple melodies or simple chords - the fretted dulcimer (or mountain dulcimer) also can play a melody over rich, moving chords, fills, and other musical elements. Not only that, but it's easier on a 3-string dulcimer than on a 6-string guitar.

That's why I say the dulcimer is a natural instrument for pop and rock music. In fact, I call it a more logical first stringed instrument than guitar -- it just seems to me that there ought to be millions of kids wanting to play, if only they realized it was relevant to their music. I do these videos to inspire more people to play and listen to dulcimer music, in diverse, non-traditional styles.

If you like what you hear, Subscribe to me on YouTube.

Also, please "Like" it, Share it, and check out more of my videos.

Check out my new album, MAKING WAVES, by Edelston & Dulcimer, which features my dulcimer fronting a rock band and covering classic rock songs. https://edelstondulcimer.bandcamp.com...

To find out about future videos, performances, and more, follow me on Facebook or Instagram, or join the Info List at my website
www.SamTheMusicMan.com
www.facebook.com/Sam.Edelston.Music
www.instagram.com/contemporarydulcimer