All books using the keywords: Aaron O'Rourke

So you just bought a new dulcimer, and it has a 1 1/2 fret. What now? How do you "get used" to it? And what, other than fumble over it, can you do with it? This book takes you, in a methodical and purposeful way, through the process. It is like having Aaron O'Rourke (arguably one of the best dulcimer players on the planet) sitting at your side, helping you make the transition. How to get used to the fret, how to do some new (or newly accessible) chords, how to use the fret as a melodic enhancement. This book has it all, and you really ought to know the stuff he's teaching here. To supplement this already outstanding book, we've put audio tracks (recorded by the author) online as a ...

Have you ever heard two of the "great" dulcimer players, performing on stage together? Ever notice that one of them generally plays a melody, while the other one plays "backup" parts? They'll trade off, back and forth, melody and backup. It sounds a LOT better than having both of them playing melody all the time. With this book, you'll learn (from legendary performer Aaron O'Rourke) how to play "backup". Chops, riffs, bass lines, following the lead player. He makes it sound easy. You'll be able to use the same techniques when playing with a regular jam, too - nobody should be playing the melody 100 percent of the time, and with this book, you'll have the skills to play a GREAT ...

Want to play your dulcimer faster? Cleaner? How about better? Then you're in luck. With a title like "Faster, Cleaner, Better!" you can't go wrong. Aaron O'Rourke lays out practice drills and exercises to increase speed and fluidity without strain. Includes in-depth analysis of fingering choices, ergonomics, and tips for navigating the fretboard easily. 51 pages. Free downloadable audio tracks are available from Folkcraft.com. The audio tracks demonstrate the songs and techniques. This book is published by Folkcraft Instruments, under the Fingers Of Steel imprint.

"Irish Session Tunes, Volume 1" is a collection of 36 jigs, reels, and polkas commonly played in Irish sessions arranged for the mountain dulcimer. Aaron O'Rourke includes a brief introduction to playing in an Irish session and explanation of Irish ornamentation. This amazing book includes free downloadable audio files, from the publisher's website, that you can use to teach your ear how the tunes and exercises should sound. This book is published by Folkcraft® Instruments, under the Fingers Of Steel® imprint. 46 pages.

"Flatpicking." Not that hard, right? You play your dulcimer with a flat pick. Got it. Done. Moving on... Not so fast, there! When we talk about flatpicking, we're discussing a whole range of skills and techniques, from using (of course!) a pick, but also where to pick, how to pick, when to choose one string over another, how to hold the pick, how to hold the instrument, and so much more. This is the perfect book for someone that already plays the mountain dulcimer, either as a fingerpicker (don't get me started again) or as a strummer. Once you get your head around the techniques that Aaron lays out for us here, you'll be able to create your own, unique style of play, mixing flatp ...

Aaron's done it again! With this collection, he's put together some of the more obscure tunes, mostly American old-time, that really deserve to have more broad exposure. From "Duck River" to "Wounded Hoosier" (see below for the complete song list) you're sure to find something you really like to play.

When a renowned dulcimer player puts out instructional materials (small books, with audio samples, for example) the dulcimer community takes notice. Nothing new here, except that the renowned player in this case is Aaron O'Rourke. He's created five books, each using a "core" old-time tune as the vehicle for teaching some fundamental (and some advanced) dulcimer techniques. Learn to play better, and have more fun, while studying with one of the best teachers and performers to be found anywhere! This amazing book includes free downloadable audio files that you can use to teach your ear how the tunes and exercises should sound. Audio files are available from the publisher's website - ...

When a renowned dulcimer player puts out instructional materials (small books, with audio samples, for example) the dulcimer community takes notice. Nothing new here, except that the renowned player in this case is Aaron O'Rourke. He's created five books, each using a "core" old-time tune as the vehicle for teaching some fundamental (and some advanced) dulcimer techniques. Learn to play better, and have more fun, while studying with one of the best teachers and performers to be found anywhere! This amazing book includes free downloadable audio files that you can use to teach your ear how the tunes and exercises should sound. Audio files are available from the publisher's website - ...

When a renowned dulcimer player puts out instructional materials (small books, with audio samples, for example) the dulcimer community takes notice. Nothing new here, except that the renowned player in this case is Aaron O'Rourke. He's created five books, each using a "core" old-time tune as the vehicle for teaching some fundamental (and some advanced) dulcimer techniques. Learn to play better, and have more fun, while studying with one of the best teachers and performers to be found anywhere! This amazing book includes free downloadable audio files that you can use to teach your ear how the tunes and exercises should sound. Audio files are found at the publisher's website, Folkcra ...