Episode 474 - "DAD December Pt. 2"

 

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In the final episode of season 12, Bing wraps up DAD December with a continued look at DAD tuning on the mountain dulcimer. Chord constellations are discussed along with chord shape trickery and a play-through of “Amazing Grace.” Resource material for this and the last episode can be downloaded here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/resources-for-32483886

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Episode 473 - "DAD December Pt. 1"

 

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In the first part of a two-part episode, Bing turns the focus to intermediate study of DAD tuning, the Mixolydian mode, major and minor scales plus some chord work. Resource material for this and the next episode can be downloaded here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/resources-for-32483886

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Episode 472 - "Two Duets"

 

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From the 2019 Suwannee Dulcimer Retreat on November 8th and 9th, Bing performs “Boy On Rock” as an unrehearsed improvisation with Marsha Harris and also jams “Ninety Pound Catfish with dulcimer legend Neal Hellman!

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Episode 471 - "That's What You Done To Me"

 

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From the 2019 Suwannee Dulcimer Retreat on November 8th, Bing performs “That's What You Done To Me” from the album “Unresolved Blues.”

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Episode 470 - "Novice November: DAA Chords"

 

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Closing out a five-episode run for novice/beginner players in DAA tuning, the conversation finally turns around to playing chords. Bing demonstrates chord shapes and theory to support them. Download resource material for this episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31178937

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Episode 469 - "Novice November: Down In The Valley"

 

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Using “Down In The Valley” as practice, the fourth episode of the novice/beginner track focuses on working in ¾ time and creating a background groove with selective strumming to preserve the melody. Download resource material for this episode here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/dulcimerica-469-31178810

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Episode 468 - "Novice November: Polly Wolly Doodle"

 

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The third of five episodes for novice/beginner players in DAA (1-5-5) tuning uses the old folk tune “Polly Wolly Doodle” as an exercise for using an inward-outward strum for eighth notes. Bing also shows how to put a “swing” into a tune. Download the resource material from: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31167608

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Episode 467 - "Novice November: Slurs, Rests & Dots"

 

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Continuing on with a month of episodes devoted to novice/beginner players and DAA tuning, Bing gets into more tablature and rhythm reading with slurs, rests and dotted notes. Download the resource materials from: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31149964

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Episode 466 - "Novice November: Reading Tab"

 

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Kicking off an entire month of novice-beginner mountain dulcimer instruction, Bing opens things up in DAA (1-5-5) tuning and goes over how to read tablature. Note durations are demonstrated and there's even a few tunes! Download the resource material from: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31144925

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Episode 465 - "Reflections On The Road"

 

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A selection of random moments, musical, natural and top-thrill, captured from Bing's 2019 summer and fall tours. Lots of familiar faces!

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Episode 464 - "Noodling In NC: Pt. 2"

 

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In part two of a two-part episode, Bing takes the previous workshop and adds a bit of simple music theory to create a path for improvisation. A review of all the available chords in the key of D is followed by a neat trick for creating color chords while working with I-IV-V chord progressions.

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Episode 463 - "Noodling In NC: Pt. 1"

 

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In part one of a two-part episode, Bing shows a simple way to build improvisational skills. By setting a basic rhythm, and using some easy patterns, you can create music on the fly while developing familiarity with the fretboard. Prepare to go deep!

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Episode 462 - "Old Billy Hell"

 

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Bing teaches the crooked Kentucky tune “Old Billy Hell.” Tablature for the tune can be downloaded from Bing's Patreon site – now featuring an ongoing Open House: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dulcimerica-462-30214569

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Episode 461 - "Groovy Accents"

 

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Here's a nifty strumming trick that will help you inject groove into your music. Bing illustrates the use of accents for changing up styles and demonstrates how to spice up tunes with some right-hand magic!

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Episode 460 - "To The Max, Dad"

 

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Bing introduces the Folkroots MaxDAD H Series Standard/Bass Hybrid 5-string dulcimer from Folkcraft Instruments and demonstrates some approaches when getting started with it.

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Episode 459 - “A Noter One”

 

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This episode focuses on noter-style playing and offers up a bit of history, some tips on selecting and using a noter along with playing the tune “Soldier's Joy.”

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Episode 458 - “Dorian”

 

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On September 4th, 2019, Bing laid out a four-part improvisation on keyboards, mountain dulcimer and Native American flute influenced by Hurricane Dorian, which had just brushed past his home in central Florida. The piece utilizes the Am Dorian mode.

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Episode 457 - “3-Day Advanced Sessions”

 

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Part 3 from Bing's 2019 3-Day Intensive in Evart, MI. From the advanced sessions, Bing teaches Beethoven's “Ode To Joy” as a three-part invention played on single strings. Download resources for this episode at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/29042429

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Episode 456 - “3-Day Intermediate Sessions”

 

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Part 2 from the 3-Day Mountain Dulcimer Intensive in Evart, MI In the intermediate sessions, Bing ran cross-picking exercises to establish a toolbox of rhythms and teaches his original tune “Goodbye Is Not Forever.” Download resources for this episode at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/29040742

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Episode 455 - “3-Day Beginner Sessions”

 

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Part 1 from the 3-Day Mountain Dulcimer Intensive taught by Bing on July 15th, 16th and 17th, 2019. During highlights from the beginner sessions, he shares how to memorize the fretboard using scales and also imparts some rhythm hacks. Download resources for this episode at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/29038998

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Episode 454 - "2019 ODPC Funfest: Pt. 3

 

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Part three from the 2019 ODPC Funfest in Evart, Michigan features a group mountain dulcimer performance as well as Bing's entire Friday night set, complete with technical difficulties and captions explaining what's going on. A good example of how to “power through” a set when the unexpected arises!

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Episode 453 - "2019 ODPC Funfest: Pt. 2"

 

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Second in a series from the 2019 ODPC Funfest in Evart, Michigan features lots of music and instruction including an extended piece from Bing's 3-Day Intensive just before the funfest. Download the resource material via Bing's Patreon Open House here: Resources for episode 453"

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Episode 452 - "2019 ODPC Funfest: Pt. 1"

 

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First in a series from Evart, Michigan includes an extended clip for beginning mountain dulcimer players, and others, on working with a metronome for a more consistent strum. You can download the worksheet for this episode during Bing's Patreon Open House here: "https://www.patreon.com/posts/dulcimerica-452-28644200"

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Episode 451 - "2019 Indiana Dulcimer Festival"

 

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An action-packed episode from the 2019 Indiana Dulcimer Festival at Folkcraft Instruments in Woodburn, Indiana with Bing Futch, Dave Haas, John and Karen Keane and 2018 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion Wendy Songe! Features Bing's new tune "Sad Blues."

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Episode 450 - "KMW 2019: Part Two"

 

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More fun from the 2019 Kentucky Music Week featuring jamming, a Mardi Gras parade and Bing Futch performing some new music in the conclusion of a two-part episode!

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Episode 449 - "KMW 2019: Part One"

 

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From the jams, to vending, to workshops and backstage collaborations and improvisations, here's the first part of a two-part look at Kentucky Music Week 2019!

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Episode 448 - "2 Bows & A Pick"

 

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2 Bows & A Pick perform "Squirrel Heads and Gravy", "Promentory" and "Red-Headed Lover."

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Episode 447 - “Backpacker Walkabout”

 

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By request! Bing takes his backpacker dulcimer off of the wall to show what it’s all about, offering up tips on playing melody as well as chords.

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Episode 446 - "Duly Noted"

 

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By request! Bing offers up a little history on playing with a noter, teaches the tune “Wildwood Flower” and demonstrates some helpful practices. Includes tips on playing on multiple strings as a lead-in to slide style playing.

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Episode 445 - "A-Chording We Will Go"

 

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Wrapping up a trilogy of music theory-focused episodes, Bing reviews the keys of G major and A major. Also covered here, scale degrees, chords and harmony, using different voicings and what the heck a diminished chord sounds like.

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Episode 444 - “Your ‘A’ Game”

 

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Continuing on with a study of different keys, Bing delves into the key of A, showing scales and how to gain an extra key (Am) by being aware of landmark frets.

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Episode 443 - “Aw, G, Mister!”

 

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Diving back into the music theory, here’s a look into playing in the key of G, both while using a capo and also with the 1+ fret. This episode covers scales, chords, “restless” vs “restful” intervals and lots of in-depth insight!

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Episode 442 - "The Dynamic Duo"

 

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Bing uses rhythm exercises, and the Leonard Cohen tune “Hallelujah”, to demonstrate dynamics of timing and volume, adding more personality and emotion to your playing.

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Episode 441 - "Colors of the Wind"

 

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Bing teaches his arrangement of “Colors Of The Wind” from the Walt Disney Picture “Pocahontas.”

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Episode 440 - “Hard Times/Lean On Me”

 

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From a campground in Williamsburg, Virginia, Bing demonstrates his mash-up of Stephen Foster’ “Hard Times” and Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me.” Download the tablature at Bing’s Patreon Open House for free! https://www.patreon.com/posts/mountain-hard-on-26362155

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Episode 439 - "A Workshop: 'Ashokan Farewell'"

 

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A beginner’s guide to playing “Ashokan Farewell” on the mountain dulcimer, including tips on how to keep the strings sustaining as long as possible for maximum effect.

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Episode 438 - "Be The Bass"

 

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Learn how to put a little swing in your thing with walking, moving basslines to support your chords. Bing shares the secret to introducing motion and arrangement into your groove.

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Episode 437 - "Capo Depot"

 

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This episode takes as close look at the capo as a tool for opening up the many worlds of the mountain dulcimer. Includes tips on how to switch keys and an overview of the seven modern modes.

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Episode 436 - "Connecting The Dots"

 

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With a nod to Jerry Rockwell, Bing looks at the connective nature of chords using chord constellations. Also, how to memorize the notes on your fretboard.

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Episode 435 - "1+/8+ = Awesome"

 

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A deep look at the history of half-steps on the mountain dulcimer, leading up to a demonstration of what can be done with the 1+ and 8+ frets. New chords, scales and extended colors are part of the fun!

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Episode 434 - “Singing & Strumming”

 

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Bing offers up some tips on singing while playing the mountain dulcimer. These include awareness of posture, song memorization, “feeling” the rhythm, training muscle-memory and lots of practice points.

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Episode 433 - “FGCDR Concert Moments”

 

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Another look at the 7th Annual Florida Gulf Coast Dulcimer Retreat through the Saturday evening concert. The Manatee Orchestra begins with “Tequila” and then, a series of showtunes and some Bruce Springsteen from Guy & Sharrie George, Richard Ash and Bing Futch. For more information visit: http://www.GulfCoastDulcimer.com and http://www.CastawayMusicCruise.com

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Episode 432 - "Of Rivers & Oceans"

 

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This special episode features moments from two events; The 7th Annual Florida Gulf Coast Dulcimer Retreat and the 2nd Annual Castaway Music Cruise. For more information visit: http://www.GulfCoastDulcimer.com and http://www.CastawayMusicCruise.com

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Episode 431 - "On The Road Again (Chord Study)"

 

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Bing uses the Willie Nelson tune “On The Road Again” to demonstrate accidentals, chords and notes that aren’t part of the current key signature. Also, a look at root-five chords and dominant seventh chords and their usefulness.

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Episode 430 - "Chord Progressions 101"

 

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Demystifying chord progressions is on the menu for this episode! Starting with a recap of scale degrees and chord-building, Bing demonstrates how to read chord progressions using Roman numerals, builds short as well as long progressions and explains the concepts of re-voicing and chord leading.

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Episode 429 - "Roots and Shapes"

 

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Music theory studies continue with a look at ways to memorize the DAD fretboard and name the three chord shapes using note placement and an understanding of major and minor chord characteristics.

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Episode 428 - "Majoring In Minors"

 

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Continuing on from the last episode, Bing gets into the ii, iii, vi and vii° chords with a look at how to build them, where to find them and how to use them. Bonus info on the suspended 2 and 4 chord alteration.

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Episode 427 - "I, IV and V For Victory"

 

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Bing demonstrates the theory behind the I, IV and V chords and shows how to use the major scale to discover what note are inside each chord.

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Episode 426 - "Theory Roots Pt. 2"

 

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Continuing from the last episode, Bing recaps the building blocks of music and then shows how to build major and minor chords on the mountain dulcimer.

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Episode 425 - "Theory Roots Pt. 1"

 

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More fundamental mountain dulcimer instruction this time around with a look at the very basics of music theory. Bing discusses and demonstrates the difference between notes and pitches, introduces intervals and explores the chromatic and diatonic scales. Lots of info in this episode!

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Episode 424 - "CGG Exploration"

 

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Continuing a look into CGG tuning, Bing demonstrates qualities of the C major scale including which notes are considered “safe” and how to listen for “restful” vs. “restless harmonies.

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Episode 423 - "CGG Tuning"

 

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Bing kicks off the 12th season of “Dulcimerica” with a look at CGG (155) tuning. A look at scales, chord shapes and a quick way to play the I, IV and V chords in the key of C.

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