Dedication ..............................................................................5
Acknowledgements and Credits ............................................................6
Introduction to Book 2 ..................................................................7
Blank TAB for three-string and four-string instruments and Chord Chart for DAD ..........9
Level II – Branching Out
Level II Introduction: practice suggestions. ............................................16
Chapter 1: Basic Chord Structure: a bit of music theory .................................18
Chapter 2: Chord Forms: forms #1 & #2; movable forms to streamline your playing .........25
Chapter 3: Angles and Leanings and Tilts: visual shortcuts . ............................33
Chapter 4: Holding Forms: add polish to your playing ....................................44
Chapter 5: Accompaniment for Songs: chords and more ideas for your right hand ...........65
Chapter 6: Other Tunings: DGD and DAC ...................................................75
Chapter 7: The Capo: what it is and how it works ........................................99
Chapter 8: Fill, Color and “Twiddle-Diddles”: those “extra” notes . .....................120
Chapter 9: Review of Forms versus Positions: and some other things you need to know .....142
Chapter 10: Duets: suggestions for two or more dulcimers and/or other instruments .......150
Chapter 11: Take a Break – Level II: some more tunes for you to play ....................170
Level III – You Take the Driver’s Seat
Level III Introduction: you take the keys! . ............................................186
Chapter 12: A Present for You: the magic trick of associated patterns ...................187
Chapter 13: Advanced Chords and More Patterns:
chord dissection, form #3, mirror images, angles again! .................................188
Chapter 14: Advanced Accompaniment for Songs and Tunes:
chord relationships, transposition, primary and secondary chords ........................204
Chapter 15: Ear Training:
hints for hearing harmonies and chord changes . .........................................227
Chapter 16: Creating Your Own Arrangements:
building melodies and harmonies around chord forms ......................................229
Chapter 17: Playing with Four Equidistant Strings:
right and left hand techniques, form #4 chords, form #2 chord variations, “fill” . ......269
Chapter 18: Advanced Techniques: double slides, mutes and harmonics .....................294
Chapter 19: Brainteasers: tongue twisters for your fingers ..............................308
Chapter 20: Take a Break – Level III: final tunes . .....................................318
Chapter 21: Honoring the Silence: finding the music between the notes . .................338
Index of Song titles ....................................................................339
About the Author ........................................................................340