This instruction manual and song collection is a well-crafted collection of basic dulcimer technique and traditional songs that might have been popular in Cripple Creek, Colorado in the 19th Century-- plus a few modern day tunes by its current inhabitants. The techniques and songs have been transcribed from the performances of Bud and Donna Ford who have been collecting songs for their favorite instrument for some time. Bud and Donna explain the basics of playing the dulcimer, including instructions on strumming, tunings, and picking. Solos are offered in all of the various modes (Ionian, Dorian, Locrian, etc.) in standard notation only with lyrics and chord symbols. The end result is an attractive yet pragmatic book that offers a solid grounding in the art of dulcimer playing. The recording features verbal instruction and performances of most of the tunes in the book on solo dulcimer, making learning easy and fun. The recording used tunings which are lower than those in the book, but this will not affect players reading the tablature.
