Newcomers
Starting Out
Old Growth Mountain Dulcimers
Come learn the basics of playing the mountain dulcimer. Meet other fans of the instrument and learn where to find music and paths to growth.
Location: Tumwater Branch Timberland Library: 7023 New Market St SW, Tumwater, WA 98501
What you need to bring: a mountain dulcimer, a pick (guitar pick), and a music stand if you have one. If you can, tune to D-a-dd. If that is a mystery, come anyway. We’ll get you started.
NOTE: The number stickers are informational. Please don’t put stickers on your instrument. It can ruin the finish and can slow your playing. It can also give you a crick in the neck! Once you see how the fret numbers/spaces operate, then you are on your way.
Don’t have an instrument? Call Ellen at 360-866-2468 or contact us. We may be able to set you up with an instrument to try for the evening. But this has to be requested ahead of time so we know what to bring!
Tips for Mountain Dulcimer Players
Here’s where we’ll put in your good advice.
- Tip #1: Many people use a piece of rubberized shelf liner on their knees to keep the dulcimer from sliding around.
- Tip #2: Don’t store the shelf liner piece next to the instrument. Chemicals in the liner can affect the finish on the instrument’s wood.