How to Write Bass Dulcimer Parts for Solo or Multi-Part Arrangements

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HOW TO WRITE BASS DULCIMER LINES FOR SOLO OR MULTI-PART ARRANGEMENTS

Fridays – July 15 & 22, Aug 5 & 12, 2022 via the Zoom video conferencing app

Time and Length of Sessions: 2:00-3:30 Eastern Daylight Time, 1.5 hours in length, total of 6 contact hours

Cost: $155

Instructor: Elaine Conger

Still unsure of how to proceed with your bass? This class will get you going in writing your own bass dulcimer parts to correlate with pre-existing solo and multi-part arrangements or to add to your own transcriptions. We’ll start with the obligatory alternating bass technique that fits the bulk of the traditional dulcimer repertoire, but which is also prevalent in bluegrass, country, and gospel. Other genres outside of the conventional folk tunes utilized in the dulcimer community will also be explored, such as blues and rockabilly which use walking bass lines. Emphasis will be placed on techniques that would be used by a true bass player in mainstream music instead of what would just be easiest on a 3-string dulcimer. We will also take note of the “rules” in the music theory world by paying attention to musical part writing techniques, such as complementary rhythms, avoidance of parallel 4ths & 5ths, and the tasteful use of fills and runs. Participants will have the option of submitting their own tablature arrangements to receive coaching in creating a bass part which will be led in master class fashion.

Materials: Bass dulcimer with a 1+ fret, capo available. Handouts will be sent via email.

Playing Level: This class is most suitable for the upper intermediate to advanced level player who has a more than satisfactory knowledge of the dulcimer fretboard and the dulcimer’s capabilities and limitations.

Your receipt will show the Zoom link which will be the same for each of the four sessions.