How to play Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" on dulcimer

[Maestrp37388]

This video inspires me to pick my dulcimer back up and really learnt o play one. Good job man!

[10achus]

I hope you will find the time and the inclination to produce more dulcimer lessons. I am a beginner dulcimer player. Seeing the strumming technique and how to move your fingers on the frets is extremely helpful.

[Jazzytotherescue]

thankyou this was great. any chance you could do a tutorial, or someone could do a tutorial for california (joni mitchell) ?? i am so desperate to learn this song!

[bringdownthestars]

You have a rad voice!!

[LeleMelo78]

Pretty cool man! This is one of my favorite Joni's tunes. I play guitar and piano but you just made me want to buy a dulcimer so bad! Thanks for taking your time for doing this tutorial.

[alonzogarbanzo]

@LeleMelo78  Obrigado!

[trojan12ct]

Very nice! Sounds great!

[revolution1940]

so beauty :)

[elusiveshoes]

Thanks a lot for this video, great to get some clues on Joni's songs. However, after watching this I did some investigation of the original recording. I found that by tuning all the strings to G (one low G and two identical high G's an octave higher) it's much easier to play and falls under the fingers easily. That's with the song in the key of C major. Give it a try and see what you think.

[alonzogarbanzo]

@elusiveshoes I did try this, but for the life of me, I couldn't get the chord voicings needed for the song. Your G's are just like my A's down a whole step ( I play "in D"), but the lack of tonic note (C in your case) means there's no good way to include the major third in the chords without fretting all the way up at what on a guitar would be equivalent to the 9th fret! I'm a bit puzzled.

[elusiveshoes]

@alonzogarbanzo . Let's use the middle string for the G drone. So the moving chord shapes are played on the two outer strings. They are mostly an interval of a tenth (octave plus a third). I will try to give you the fret positions of the first few chords of the intro and you should be able to work out the rest. The notation I will use is: low string note, low string fret, high string note, high string fret. So the intro would be: C3 E5, F6 A8, A8 C10, G7 B9, A8 C10, F6 A8, E5 G7, D4 F6, etc...

[chistiluvsu]

Great instructional but... seems your dulcimer isn't tuned to D- makes it hard to play along

[alonzogarbanzo]

@chistiluvsu

If you'd like to play along, why don't you simply tune your dulcimer down to where I am on the video?

[regiberry]

 very cool...I liked this!

[regiberry]

very cool...I liked this!

[alonzogarbanzo]

hey Man. What's with the hat?



[MrAbam]

What's with the hat?

[daisyroots]

Hey....whats with the hat?

[goldhat3]

Great job my friend. Never knew how the dulcimer worked before this, and your explanation is very clear. Beautiful tune sounds just like Joni's version. Maybe Santa will bring me one of these things.

[saltcreekwash]

I'm having trouble understanding/seeing the "tab" for the 4th and 5th stroke. On your dulcimer (I have the extra fret), I think it's 7-9-0, 8-10-0 and you appear to be strumming away from you. Do I understand you correctly? I'm a novice so any and all help woul be appreciated. Thanks.

[cnairdaj]

Oh... my... I need to get me a dulcimer. Here was I thinking she'd found some crappy (yet wonderful) guitar to play this on...

[rosenbar]

Thank you!!

[slister45]

Thank you SO much for this!

[chicblossom]

How about California by Joni? Do you know how to play it? Is it harder or easier than A Case of You?

[alonzogarbanzo]

@chicblossom Sorry, but I never learned that part, though I love the song and play it on guitar. I might figure it out one o' these days, and if I do I'll post an instructional.

[lowngeact]

@alonzogarbanzo and @chicblossom Joni plays "California" in a 1-3-5 tuning, specifically E-G#-B. rhythm notwithstanding, the left hand is not too difficult. Basically you barre all the strings on one fret and move that shape around. Howard Wright did a nice transcription with both dulcimer and guitar tab, it's on the Joni Mitchell site

[alonzogarbanzo]

HEY EVERYONE who's asked: there is a NEW VIDEO posted as "Part Two" of this one, explaining some matters not addressed in the first one.

Note also that it has been posted HERE as a Video Response.

[jaltcoh]

There seems to be an error in the instructions. When you say to play the 7th fret on the low string with the ring finger and the 9th fret on the middle string with the index finger, don't you mean the 8th fret on the low string with the index finger and the 10th fret on the middle string with the ring finger?

[alonzogarbanzo]

@jaltcoh The numbers are only in "error" when your dulcimer has more frets than mine, which is likely the case here. Some instruments add a fret to give you the major seventh on the lead strings---a handy device, that, but I don'tb haver that fret. Your best bet, as with all those who've pointed out such discrepancies, is to take a good look at my instrument, count the frets, do the same for your own, and then shift the numbers accordingly if there's a difference.

[alonzogarbanzo]

@alonzogarbanzo @jaltcoh Also, see my fingering at 3:16. Exactly as described. However, be aware that I myself don't use that fingering myself anymore. There are simoler ways.

[kimrowlett1]

Music sounded modern for a dulcimer. Interesting!

[Ffrydendal]

Nice instructional video.

It sounds just about like Joni M - but looking at her youtube video, it seems to me that she does something different with her fingers - and so it may also be tuned differently. Is it a completely different approach?

[alonzogarbanzo]

@Ffrydendal By no means "completely" different. The only real diff that springs to mind is that turn at the beginning---the third, fourth and fifth chords played in the intro---where she (and lately, I) have played a simpler figure. We're tuned the same way and almost all the positions we play are the same. You've probably just noticed the (very) few spots where my fingering varies from hers.

[TheZackBaker]

Your voice sounds like the lead singer from Seals & Crofts

[alonzogarbanzo]

@TheZackBaker Which? Seals, or Crofts? Each sang lead at different times. Most people think I sound more like Cat Stevens, by the way!

[joolsandnige]

Many thanks for this, I've finally got it cracked - as we say here in England.

[wryguy007]

Love this instrument....I WANT one . Problem is I am Broke!

[alonzogarbanzo]

@wryguy007 Now THAT one I can't help you with.

[groundsgivingway]

Hmmm.... My dulcimer seems to have more frets than yours, which is causing me to have some trouble with this.

[BruceOliver11]

This is a wonderfully helpful video, Thanks so much, Alonzo!

[electricragtime]

I always wanted to learn this song.... now I know how to play it...all I need to do is now build a Dulcimer...(not a major problem)...Thank you Alonzo... your a legend man...

[nunofyourblissness]

GREAT JOB

[awol2602]

Comment from England: have a piece of cake from over here in Blighty you're a mighty fine teacher Uncle Bob.

[isa2222]

I loved sitening to your speaking and singing vooice sining Joni too thank you it sounds beautiful ...

[missusjillus]

thank you SO much! I'm being given a dulcimer and this is my favorite song. cheers!

[alonzogarbanzo]

Oh.

[karenrousso]

Thank you so much!

[jojocatlady]

Love it! Love Mitchell's song. Love your instruction.

[SarahWillans]

I've just been given a really beautiful dulcimer on permanent loan, made by the luthier who is training my son. I don't want to be playing 'Amazing Grace' forever, and I am so happy to have found this video. Thank you. I love this song (and everything Joni Mitchell does), and can't wait to play it.

[alonzogarbanzo]

You're most welcome. I posted a video of myself performing the whole song last year, but the version I'm proudest of is the one I just posted of me playing and my daughter singing. I have made it a "video response" to this one, as you should be able to see above.

[rocketjok]

how many strings does this have? Where can i purchase one like this?

[alonzogarbanzo]

1. Four strings.

2. I don't know what area you live in, but I believe Elderly Instruments sells them online.

[ColPatJo]

This was awesome tutorial!

It was super clear and I'm excited to start learn how to play my dulc'!!

Thanks man, keep up the hard work.

[dmband364142]

Thank you so much for posting this! I recently got a dulcimer and have been searching for this everywhere. The video was so well done that I'm sure I'll be playing it with no problem in a few weeks! Thanks again.

[maelgwni]

beautiful. really inspiring, i really want to get a dulcimer after this! thank you and keep up the amazing playing!

[alonzogarbanzo]

Thanks much, and have a blast with your dulc'.

[longboardssurf]

NIce strings...you can see other way to play electric guitar im my videos..similar tuning!!!

[sign543]

Actually, YouTube defaults to the very middle of our vid for the thumbnail, so I'm seeing your dulcimer as the thumbnail. I can't wait to get a mountain dulcimer. Your video is very helpful. I love that song!

[alonzogarbanzo]

I discovered that very fact upon posting the video! Guess the hat isn't all that useful.

[alonzogarbanzo]

P.S.: I recall once finding somewhere on YT the information that thumbnails are pulled from 3 specific time points in a video---but I've never found that info again! Does someone out there know what those time points are, if indeed YT is still doing that?

[orpan]

Wow that was sooo cool and beautiful. I love Joni Mitchell and I'd really want to be able to play the dulcimer. Only that it doesn't seem to be available anywhere in Hong Kong. Is that easy to find in the US?

[alonzogarbanzo]

Yep, but dulcimers are available online. I suggest you look up Elderly Instruments. There used to be kits available for those with some simple wood working skills as well. Good luck!

[sign543]

Wow, that was beautiful!

[ZeroPointLibra]

This is the song that made me want to learn dulcimer lol. Thanks so much for posting this, I never dreamed dulcimer was so easy to play or this song so easy to play. This is so cool of you to figure out these songs and then instruct them :)

[lulustars]

thank you for this video! you don't by chance know how to play California, do you?

[tmhugg]

Thank you so much for these clear insructions. I have a dulcimer ordered and can't wait to try this song when I get it. Please work up some other Joni songs on dulcimer for us.

[reeldulcimer]

Wow. Thanks for sharing such a great song! You are a terrific teacher!

[cleanheadcole]

Thanks for posting this great instructional vid. Inspired to buy a Dulcimer now!

[thisisalaine]

Thanks for this video, its fab! I learned to play this song form this vid and it inspired me to buy my Dulcimer. Have a look and let me know what you think. Thanks again.

[alonzogarbanzo]

Thank YOU.

[tylerama36]

This is fabulous---thanks! Do you happen to have a similar video for "California" or "All I Want" or "Carey"?

[alonzogarbanzo]

Well, I've never figured those ones out; truth to tell, I only play dulcimer on very rare occasions. If and when I do work out one of those, I'll be happy to post a vid!

[ukmusician]

Superb video, sir. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent.

[alonzogarbanzo]

I'd post the URL, but YT won't let me, so if you 1. Click on my name in blue above and go to my channel page, then 2. Go to "My Videos" and type in "A Case Of You" in the My Videos Search field, you will see my humble attempt to do this beautiful song justice.

[alonzogarbanzo]

Oh. Don't forget to add  &fmt=18

to the video's URL so it will play in stereo and better-quality video.

[Hectoranderic]

This is fascinating to watch - thanks. And it sounds so pretty too! :) x

[pookiecatblue]

Hey, that was great! Making me want to get a dulcimer!

[alonzogarbanzo]

Well, nothing is stopping you, I hope! Thanks, also!

[krc5210]

Thanks. This is great! I have a question. I followed all the stuff up top 2-0-3, 5-0-6, 0-9-7 but when you slid up to the switch what happened there? :>)

[alonzogarbanzo]

Hmmm. I'll need to get my dulc' out and see. I'll get back to you when I can do that.

[mountainmmama]

i wish i could follow you but you don't say what fret you are at every time. also my dulcimer has two more middle frets than yours does.

do you know where i could find sheet music for this song for the dulcimer?

[alonzogarbanzo]

Well, that's partially why I'm not being that fret-specific; some builders include intermediate, non-traditional pentatonic frets, which confuses the numbering nomenclature.

As for sheet music, I'm afraid I know nothing. Unfortunately, I can't read music and play simultaneously.

[mountainmmama]

this is an amazing video! thank you

[bohicasis]

Dear Alonzo...would you kindly list the tunings for this. I have gone over and over this one a dozen times and either it is late at night and I should be in bed, or my Cindy is not true to tone. My base is in middle the A above that and drone to high D. Did I follow you correctly??? For your kindness and instruction I will light a candle and perform a goat dance in your honor. Meager I realize, but all I have to offer and done with the utmost respect. Please Advise.

[alonzogarbanzo]

Ok. Heavy (1st) string: low G.

Middle (2nd) string: G an octave above that.

Pair (3rd): C above the previous G.

And if you accompany her I believe you might need to raise all those a half-step (A flat-A flat-D flat), and so on. But it's always that same relationship: bass note, octave above that in the middle , and a fourth above the middle string for the paired strings. Good luck!

[TheAngelOfMusic1]

APPROVED BY THE ANGEL OF MUSIC

[dulcimerer]

loved this thanks

[Redzircon]

By the way, which timber gives the warmest, richest(tones) or is the wood less important than the strings? (I am thinking of buying a dulcimner.) I have seen several wood types used to make Dulcimers, but they are all on the web across an ocean!  thanks from Melbourne Australia

[alonzogarbanzo]

thanks for nice comments, and I regret to say I know just about zero concerning nice dulcimer woods.

[Redzircon]

Not only did you reveal that one of my favourites songs is played on a dulcimer (I always thought it was a guitar) but your instruction are skills are terrific. Many thanks.

[gtamler]

this is so good

[alonzogarbanzo]

I DON'T have an octave mandolin, but, um, if you happen to have an extra one just sitting around...

[alonzogarbanzo]

I don't know about easier, but it's especially apt for the dulcimer---it's not quite as cool on guitar, in my opinion.

[pookiecatblue]

Great! Thanks so much!

[sara2sancto]

Thank you for this. I'm not ready for the dulcimer yet though and I wonder if the guy with the tartan/plaid shirt who demonstrated this on guitar is out there, because I was learning from his video and I can't find it any more. Have you taken it off?

[alonzogarbanzo]

Am I my brother's keeper? No, I don't know about plaid guy, sorry!

[elektrovolt]

beautiful ! I would like to hear a full recording of the song played by you if it is possible :)

[alonzogarbanzo]

Hey, that's a thought. OK, I shall, sometime soon. Stay tuned!

[baberaham]

hHAHAHAHA THis is amazing

[wbdubay]

Wonderful!

[mountainrunner68]

Thanks so much... I play the dulcimer and love Joni's music.  You're very kind to share this!

[philxbx]

For yonks I've been trying to play this in DAD and could never quite get it right!!! Thank you so much!!

[annespeak]

THANK YOU! This is a beautiful song and so many people have told me how "easy" it is to play but you have really laid it out. Thank you again.

[matthewlukesandoval]

seriously. thank you thank you thank you.

[cougerpounce]

This is an awsome instructional video.

[Shaffelnook]

Please please please don't remove this lesson. I have just bought a dulcimer and can't wait to learn this tune as its one of my favourites. Looking forward to any further dulcimer lessons you might add.

[Shaffelnook]

Further to my message above, how do I return to the key JM uses, please?

[alonzogarbanzo]

Just a matter of tuning the dulcimer to her key; playing positions remain the same. I suggest you check out the video of her performing the song live, right here on YouTube; she does a preliminary strum or two before she starts (which enabled me to figure out the part!)