Hammered Dulcimer Instruction and Song Books

TK O'Brien's Guide to Playing the Hammered Dulcimer

For absolute beginner, this short but sweet guide keeps it simple and will get you familiar with some basic concepts of playing. For 9/8 thru 15/14 models. Teaches how to play using either a number tablature or a letter tablature. Songs are written in standard notation as well as tablature.

Item#AHD-IS

First Lessons Hammered Dulcimer by Linda Thomas

Limited written instructions but CD has a performance track for each tune as well as an instructional track with phrase by phrase demonstration.

Item # 20066BCD

Hammer Dulcimer: A Comprehensive Beginner's Course by John McCutcheon

Description: DVD You'll learn how to tune and set your instrument, hold the hammers, find all the notes and chords, play scales, build coordination between your right and left hands and develop rolls, flams and other special hammering techniques. 90 minute session also includes well known tunes.

Item # 641711

You Can Teach Yourself Hammered Dulcimer by Madeline MacNeil

Description: Another great beginner's book from Madeline MacNeil, explaining every aspect of playing the hammered dulcimer. From detailed discussions on dulcimer layout, hammers, tuning, and stands to extensive performance notes on every tune-this book provides a wealth of information for all students of the hammered dulcimer. From Oh Suzanna to Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Madeline shows the novice dulcimer player how to "map your way through" a new piece of music, finding clear, musical directions through what at first must seem like a maze of strings. All tunes are in standard notation. The book's 87 pages are illustrated with photos as well as quaint woodcuts, engravings, and pen and ink drawings. The companion 85-minute DVD contains essential basic information on playing the hammered dulcimer--such as tuning, major and minor keys, duplicated notes, repeated notes, modulations, walking bass lines, chromatic notes, drone harmony, back-up chords, interval harmony, and more! Also contains Madeline MacNeil's hammered dulcimer solos on 25 tunes. CD included.

Item# 95440SET

Playing with Arpeggios by Kendra Ward

Description: 55 minute DVD video includes lessons on defining and playing arpeggios, building harmonies, creating interesting endings, developing unique fill-in's, embellishing with "whizzle sticks", and using your entire instrument.

Item # VT102

Hammered Dulcimer Basic by Kendra Ward

Description: 60 minute DVD video includes lessons on playing scales, locating notes that are the same, learning melodies, adding simple harmony, and using guitar chord harmony.

Item #VT101

Bluegrass on Hammered Dulcimer is a collection of tunes commonly found in the standard bluegrass repertoire. Favorite vocal pieces such as  "A Man of Constant Sorrow," "Angel Band," "Keep on the Sunny Side," and "Will the Circle be Unbroken," are included along side hot instrumentals such as "Jerusalem Ridge," "Rawhide," "Big Mon," and "Blue Grass Stomp." Even traditional tunes that you think you know already such as "Bill Cheatham," "Farewell to Whiskey," "Forked Deer," and "Salty Dog" are given a new twist when presented as a typical bluegrass 'break.' Intermediate players and above will enjoy the challenge of learning more complicated versions of common tunes and performing them at the high-speed tempo that is expected in bluegrass music. Players are encouraged to use these examples of bluegrass breaks merely as a starting point. Improvisation is a key component in playing bluegrass style and players will enjoy experimenting with their own creations. Each tune has guitar chords notated above the music staff. Standard notation only.

Song list: A Man of Constant Sorrow; Angel Band; Big Mon;Bill Cheatham; Black Eyed Susie; Blue Grass Stomp; Bury Me Beneath the Willow; Cherokee Shuffle;  Cindy;  Cuckoo's Nest;  Farewell to Whiskey; Flop Eared Mule;  Forked Deer; Give Me That Old Time Religion; Jerusalem Ridge; Keep on the Sunny Side; Lonesome Moonlight Waltz; Old Joe Clark; Rawhide; Red Haired Boy; Salty Dog; Shady Grove; Whiskey Before Breakfast; Wildwood Flower; Will the Circle Be Unbroken

Count Your Blessings! by Kendra Ward

Description of book: 30 Hymns arranged for hammered dulcimer written in both standard notation and tablature. Complete arrangments for all levels of players with chords and lyrics.

Song list: A Mighty Fortress is Our God; Are You Washed in the Blood; At Calvary; Be Thou My Vision; Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing; Count Your Blessings; Faith of Our Fathers; Give Me the Roses; Happy Land; Holy, Holy, Holy; I Am Resolved; I Feel Like Traveling On; Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me; Kneel at the Cross; Leaning on the Everlasting Arms; Lily of the Valley; Lord, I'm Coming Home; My Faith Looks Up to Thee; Nearer My God to Thee; Nothing Between; Nothing But the Blood; Pass Me Not!; Praise Him, Praise Him; Tell It to Jesus; The Beautiful Garden of Prayer; The Old Rugged Cross; There is a Balm in Gilead; This is My Father's World; 'Tis So Sweet; Work, For the Night is Coming.

Item #UCPBK8

Hammered Dulcimer Chords by Jeanne M. Page

Description: This book was written to aid the dulcimer player in playing as a backup musician. It provides the tools necessary for musicians who are seeking to go beyond simple melody lines. The majority of chords diagrammed are those most commonly used, and those whose notes are clustered on the instrument in six repeated shapes. Diagrams are shown for the 15/14 dulcimer.

Item #966755

Arranging for Hammered Dulcimer by Jeanne Page

Description: Beginning and Intermediate players who have developed a repertoire of melodies will be walked step by step through the process of arranging their tunes. Lessons provide a detailed explanation and numerous examples of root position chords and their inversions on the 12-11 and larger sized hammered dulcimer. Simple tunes are provided for the reader to incorporate newly acquired knowledge of chord theory. Descriptions of bounces, triplets, doubling, counter melodies, arpeggios, scale runs, extended chords, etc. are included as well as opportunities to create arrangements utilizing these techniques.

Item #98121

A Collection of Original Music for Hammered Dulcimer and Other Instruments by Sam Rizzetta

Description: Historically, music composed specifically for the hammered dulcimer has been rare. Here are 56 Rizzetta original pieces, including reels, waltzes, hornpipes, jigs, rags, blues, boogie, airs, and music for meditation and healing, that explore all the depth, power, versatility, and emotion of this ancient and expressive instrument. The book includes background about the people, places, and events that inspired each composition. While some pieces require a 16/15 chromatic dulcimer, many fit a 12/11. Melody lines are in standard notation with chord symbols. Many have variations with advanced ornamentation; some have alternate arrangements for four octave chromatic dulcimers. In addition to solos, there are six ensemble arrangements, including quartets, which are useful for groups and workshop teachers. While this collection is most appropriate for intermediate and experienced players, advanced beginners will be able to play some of the tunes. The collection includes originals from the Sam Rizzetta CDs Dulcimer Boogie, Saving Trees, Trapezoid, Flowing Waters, Ocean¹s Edge, Bucks & Does, and Seven Valleys.

Item #99915

Dulcimer Jam by Bonnie Carol

Description: Dulcimer Jam takes common and obscure tunes heard in jam sessions and arranges them for hammered dulcimer, fretted (mountain) dulcimer (with tablature), and other instruments to play in a jam session setting. 88 pages.

Song list: Frere Jacques; Dear Friends, Dear Friends; Ode to Joy; O How Lovely is the Evening; Joy to the World; Scotland the Brave; Loch Lomond; Wayfaring Stranger; Amazing Grace; Dona Nobis Pacem; Simple Gifts; On the Carpenter's Porch; Farewell to Tarwathie; Mairi's Wedding; Red Haired Boy; Eight More Miles to Louisville; Golden Slippers; O My Little Darling; Greensleaves; The Wee Reel; The Parting Glass; Si Beag, Si Mor; Drink to Me Only; Dolores Waltz; The Road to Lisddonvarna; Far Away; King of the Fairies; Irish Washerwoman; Dark Island; Bonny Portmore; Westphalia Waltz; Tommy Bhetty's Waltz; Gravel Walks; Inis Oirr; Inishere; Ashokan Farewell; Miss Rowan Davies.

Item #20432

Hammered Dulcimer Arrangements for Special Occasions by Peggy Carter

Description: 67 tunes arranged for novice to advanced players, for use at a variety of special events. Most arrangements offer an uncomplicated version for less experienced players, and an embellished version for more advanced players. Includes Medieval, Renaissance, Old Time and Celtic music, and some rarely-heard tunes, as well as several Dulcimer Duo arrangements. Standard notation only.

Contents: Abbots Bromley Horn Dance; After The Ball ;Amazing Grace; Blow The Wind; Southerly; Boghill Frolick; Brian Boru's March; Carolan's Dream; Chinese Rocking Song; Cliffs of Moher; Cold Frosty Morning; Congress Reel; Dark Island; Drinking Song; Fairie's Reel; Fig For A Kiss (A); Flower Of Them All (The); Four Russian Tunes; Foxhunters Jig; Galacian Waltz; Give Me Your Hand; Glise de Sherbrooke; Greek Tune Medley; Green Grow The Rushes-O; Greensleeves (What child Is This); Harvest Home; Hobart's Transformation; Holy Manna; Horevoun Oi Nisiotes; How Can I Keep From Singing; Isle Of Crete Dance; Jammin' Up A Storm; Jessica Waltz; John Stinson #2; Johnny's Gone To France; Julie Ann Johnson; June Apple; Korobuska; Liberty; Lladaw; Maggie; Maid Behind The Bar; My Shepherd; Nightingale; O'Carolan's Draught; Ode To Joy; Old Folks At Home; Over The Sea To Skye (Skye Boat Song); Planxty George Brabazon; President Garfield's Hornpipe; River Shannon Moon; Road to Lisdoonvarna; Rodney Glory; Saint Denis; Shenandoah; Si Bheag, Si Mhor; Slumber My Darling; St. George; Star Of The County Down; Teig Marie's Daughter; Trippin' Up The Escalator; Troika; Unclouded Day; Water Come 'a Me Eye; Welsh Jig; When They Ring Those GoldenBells; Wild Mountain; Thyme; Willow Tree; Yellow Bird

Item #21306

Hammered Fiddle Tunes by Rick Thum

Description: A wonderful collection of traditional American fiddle tunes. Standard notation only. For the intermediate to advanced player.

Song list: Home Sweet Home; The Meeting House; Missouri; Soldier's Joy; Ragtime Annie; Blackberry Blossom; Golden Slippers, Old Joe Clark, Circle be Unbroken, Country Dance, Petite Valse, Flop-Eared Mule, Liberty, Seneca Square Dance, Whiskey Before Breakfast

Item #97206

La Musica by Bonnie Carol

Description:  Author Bonnie Carol learned first hand about soulful Latin American music as she grew up along the Texas-Mexico border. In this book, she takes familiar and obscure Latin American tunes and pieces influenced by Latin music and arranges them for hammered dulcimer, and in some cases fretted (mountain) dulcimer (with tablature) as well. She draws from a repertoire including Argentinean tangos, Andean panpipe music, Mexican mariachi music, Central American marimba music, and music of the Chicano culture of the Southwest. 80 pages.

Song list: Dulce Cancion; Himno de la Alegria; Somos el Barco; De Colores; Flor de Canela; Rio, Rio; El Vendedor; Alma, Corazon; El Condor Pasa; Ojos Azules; Cuzco; Cielito Lindo; Las Mananitas; Celtic Caribe; La Mora Limpia; El Zanatillo; Sabor a Mi; Adios Muchachos; La Cumparsita; Djangotango; Tango to the Finnish; Jesusita en Chihuahua; Juarez; Viva Seguin; Dicha Eterna; El Chupon.

Item #20433

Let's Jam Vol. 2 by Kendra Ward and Bob Bence

Description: Let's Jam is the ultimate jam session resource! Kendra Ward and Bob Bence have compiled 70 classic jam session favorites into one easy-to-carry volume! Each tune is presented in two distinctly different, user-friendly formats. First, a basic chord/rhythm chart appears on the left side of each page. Use this to play the chord progression, play arpeggios, improvise a harmony part or play a counter melody. Next, a simple unembellished melody line for the same tune appears on the right side of the page. This basic melody quickly gets right to the essence of the tune, virtually begging each player to add their own individual harmonies and embellishments. The blank canvas version of each melody makes Let's Jam a terrific sourcebook for players looking for a starting point to create their own arrangements too!

Song list: .Click to see contents

Item #UCPBK5

Let's Jam Vol. 3 Gospel Edition by Kendra Ward and Bob Bence

Description: Let's Jam is the ultimate jam session resource! Kendra Ward and Bob Bence have compiled 70 classic jam session favorites into one easy-to-carry volume! Each tune is presented in two distinctly different, user-friendly formats. First, a basic chord/rhythm chart appears on the left side of each page. Use this to play the chord progression, play arpeggios, improvise a harmony part or play a counter melody. Next, a simple unembellished melody line for the same tune appears on the right side of the page. This basic melody quickly gets right to the essence of the tune, virtually begging each player to add their own individual harmonies and embellishments. The blank canvas version of each melody makes Let's Jam a terrific sourcebook for players looking for a starting point to create their own arrangements too!

Song list: Click to see contents

Item #UCPBK6

Maggie's Big Book of Celtic Tunesby Maggie Sansone

Description: This music book is a collection of 124 tunes arranged for the Hammered Dulcimer and other "C" melody instruments (recorder, pennywhistle, fiddle, mandolin, guitar). Chords are included. The Music is transcribed from the playing of Maggie Sansone, America's premier hammered dulcimer player and teacher specializing in Celtic music, from six of her most popular recordings: Traditions, Mist & Stone, Dance Upon the Shore, A Traveler's Dream, Mystic Dance and Merrily Greet the Time. The music is in standard notation. All tunes and arrangements can be played easily on 12/11 as well as the larger extended range hammered dulcimer models. The music and arrangements cover a wide range of levels from experienced-beginner to advanced as many of the tunes are presented as a simple melody line with chords and others are transcribed with fuller arrangements and optional variations. This stunning collection of music will thrill both students of the hammered dulcimer and Celtic music lovers, as well as offer invaluable insight into Maggie Sansone's playing and arranging style.

Item #20433

The Hammered Dulcimer Treasury of Tunes by Sally Hawley

Description: Old time traditional and Celtic tunes. Over 250 tunes in standard notation only.

Item #99528

Scottish Songbook for Hammered Dulcimer by Jeanne Page

Description: A collection of standard tunes from Scotland. It is accessible to all levels of players, including both a beginning "melody-only" version and an intermediate arranged version for each song. In addition, each tune has guitar chords notated and lyrics where applicable. Standard notation only.

Song list: Annie Laurie; Arran Boat Song; Auld Lang Syne; The Blue Bells of Scotland; Bonnie Dundee; Comin' Thro' the Rye; Farewell to Tarwathie; Flow Gently, Sweet Afton; The Four Marys; The Great Silkie; Jock O'Hazeldean; John Anderson My Jo; Johnny Cope ; Lassie with the Yellow Coatie; Loch Lomong; MacPherson's Farewell; Maids When You're Young; Mairi's Wedding; Mist Covered Mountains of Home; My Heart's in the Highlands; O Whistle and I'll Come To Ye Me Lad Scotland the Brave; Scots Wha Hae; The Shearin's No For You; Skye Boat Song; Tiree Love Song; Weel May the Keel Row; Wild Mountain Thyme; Will Ye No Come Back Again?; Ye Jacobites By Name
Additional Lyrics Flow Gently, Sweet Afton; Jock O'Hazeldean; Maids When You're Young

Item #99712

Sounds of the Seasons I by Maggie Sansone

Description: 15 Christmas tunes arranged for 12/11. Includes medieval folk carols, English, French and Flemish carols, new variations of traditional favorites, and popular American carols for hammered dulcimer. Standard notation and a number tablature system. Chord symbols. 32 pp. Late beginner to advanced.

Song list: Angels We Have Heard on High, Baloo, Lammy, Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, Christmas Eve Reel, Deck the Hall, Ding Dong, Merrily on High, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Gower Wassail, Il Est Ne' le Divin Enfant, Joy to the World Medley, Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming, Masters in This Hall, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Wexford Carol, and What Child is This.

Book Item #95021

Shall We Gather - Hymns Arranged for Hammered Dulcimer by Madeline MacNeil

Description:  This collection of music conveys Madeline's love of hymns. Many of these arrangements provide a harmony part that may be performed on another instrument such as the flute, guitar, bowed psaltery, or mountain dulcimer. The majority of these tunes can be played on a 12/11-course hammered dulcimer Written in standard notation only with complete lyrics and suggested chord changes. 56 pages.

Song list: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God; All Beautiful the March of Days; Amazing Grace; Be Thou My Vision; Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing; Evening Hymns; For the Beauty of the Earth; He Leadeth Me; Here I Am, Lord; How Great Thou Art; In the Garden; Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee; O Sacred Heart, Now Wounded; Praise the Lord, God's Glories Show; Shall We Gather at the River?; Sweet Hour of Prayer; We Gather Together; What a Friend We Have in Jesus; What Wondrous Love is This; and When Peace, Like a River.

Item #97204

Tis the Season by Jeanne Page

Description: ‘Tis the Season is a hammered dulcimer collection of tunes for holidays and other celebrations throughout the year. You may celebrate the New Year with “Auld Lang Syne,” and Valentine’s Day with “My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose.” Play “St. Patrick’s Day” in March, and for Easter you might choose the hymn “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.” Show your patriotism on the Fourth of July with these versions of “America the Beautiful,” or “The Star Spangled Banner.” Complete the calendar year with the Thanksgiving anthem, “We Gather Together,” and Christmas favorite “Deck the Halls.” This collection will carry you through the entire year with options for all of your favorite holidays and celebrations. ‘Tis the Season is accessible to all levels of players, including both a beginning "melody-only" version and an intermediate arranged version for each song. In addition, each tune has guitar chords notated above the music staff. Standard notation only.

Song list:  Auld Lang Syne; Aura Lee; My Love is Like A Red, Red Rose; Irish Washerwoman; St. Patrick's Day; All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name; Christ the Lord is Risen Today; America (my Country 'Tis of Thee); America the Beautiful; Battle Hymn of the Republic; The Star Spangled Banner; We Gather Together; Angels We Have Heard on High, Away in a Manger; Deck the Halls; The First Noel; The Friendly Beasts; Gloustershire Wassail; God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen; Hark, the Herald Angels Sing; I Saw Three Ships; It Came Upon a Midnight Clear; Joy to the World; O Come All Ye Faithful; Silent Night; We Three Kings; We Wish You a Merry Christmas; What Child is This?

Item #20806

With This Ring by Jeanne Page A Hammered Dulcimer Collection for Weddings and Special Occasions

Description:  With This Ring is a hammered dulcimer collection of tunes for weddings and special occasions. Common wedding processionals such as “Pachelbel’s Canon” and Wagner’s “Bridal March” are included as well as common recessionals such as Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary” and Mendelsson’s “Wedding March.” Other favorite melodies such as Vivaldi’s “Spring” from the Four Seasons and Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” are included in this tasteful collection that supplies a repertoire suitable for preludes or any elegant occasion. With This Ring is accessible to all levels of players, offering both a beginning "melody-only" version and an intermediate arrangement for each song. In addition, each tune has guitar chords notated above the music staff. Standard notation only.

Song list:  All in a Garden Green; Be Thou My Vision; Bridal March; Carolan's Concerto; Carolan's Draught; Carolan's Receipt; Eamonn an Chnoic; Fur Elise; Gathering Peascods; George Brabazon; Grimstock; Holy, Holy, Holy; Hymn to Joy; Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring; King William's March; Lady Athenry; Lady Owen's Delight; Lauda di Maria Madellena; Lord Inchiquin; Nearer, My God; Once I Loved a Mayden Faire; Pachelbel's Canon; Planxty Burke; Si Bhean Locha Lein; Spagnoletta; Spring, The First Movement; The Grenadier and the Lady; Trumpet Voluntary; Wedding March; Wilson's Wilde; Y Dydd.

Item # 20805