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Direct DownloadBing Futch continues a study of harmony with an intermediate-level episode that works with the melody to “Waltzing Matilda.” Download mountain tablature from the open house at Bing's Patreon site: https://www.patreon.com/posts/65259770 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadBing opens the month of July with a beginner-level episode that's a follow-up to episode 599 from last month. He demonstrates harmonic concepts like consonance, dissonance and breaks down the process of adding harmony to build chords. Tablature available at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/65253279 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadWrapping up a month of melodic study with an all-levels episode, Bing ties the source of melody together with the movement of chords in a sneak peek of next month's topic. The old Scottish tune, “Loch Lomond” serves as the exercise piece to close us out. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadContinuing a series on melody for the month of June 2022, Bing goes into non- diatonic notes in this advanced-level episode that features the song, “Stay Awake” from “Mary Poppins.” Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadThe melodic series continues with an intermediate episode on the classic tune, “Waltzing Matilda.” Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadThe month of June shifts the focus to melody. In this beginner-level episode, Bing explores where melody comes from, talks a bit about scales, and shows what it means to play in a particular key. The traditional tune, “Birmingham Jail' serves as an exercise piece. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadBing wraps a month-long look at rhythms by offering up some practice strums in 2/4, 4/4, 3/4 and 6/8 time. For all skill levels! Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadAn advanced level episode on rhythm opens up the field to include techniques such as palm muting, hammer-ons, pull-offs, chops, and switching between strums and flatpicking for variety. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadContinuing an emphasis on rhythm, this intermediate level episode recaps some basic elements of building a strum, and how to find the support rhythm for every tune. This leads into selective strumming with demonstrations of various tunes throughout. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadFor May 2022, the focus is on rhythm for all skill levels, starting with beginners. Bing goes into detail on the fundamentals for strumming. This includes where to strum and why, pick selection and grip, cadence exercises and playing actual tunes. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadHere's another episode for all skill levels to wrap a repertoire-building series with backing tracks in the month of April. We close with “The Fiddler Has Played His Last Tune For The Night.” Download tablature and backing tracks from Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/64847884 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadThis all-levels episode works with the song, “Amen.” Bing teaches a simple version and breaks it down, then adds more advanced approaches to rhythm and combining melody + chords. Download tablature and backing tracks from Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/64823948 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadThis advanced-level episode features the 1987 tune, “The Pirate O'Reilly” from Bing's album, 21. Download tablature and backing tracks from the Patreon open house at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/64812977 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadOur intermediate tune is “Mississippi Sawyer” and Bing teaches both the basic and “notey” versions. Download tablature and backing tracks from the Patreon open house at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/64779783 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadThe month of April brings 5 episodes of Dulcimerica in a repertoire-building series that selects tunes from the Mountain Dulcimer in the Band jam books. First up, a beginner-level dive into “The Boatman. Download tablature and backing tracks from Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/64530689 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadWrapping up six weeks of episodes on using a loop pedal, Bing unveils a new mountain dulcimer arrangement of the Depeche Mode song, “Just Can't Get Enough.” Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadIn an advanced-level episode, Bing demonstrates his arrangement of “Promentory” from The Last of the Mohicans using mountain dulcimer and looper pedal. Download the parts via the Patreon Open House - https://www.patreon.com/posts/62901536Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadFor this intermediate level episode on looper pedals for mountain dulcimer, Bing performs “Wellyn” by Force & d'Ossche' and demonstrates layered performance using “With Or Without You” by U2 as a perfect example of a looping song. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadBing begins a new month of tiered study with a beginner-level look at using a looper pedal for practice and performance. Using “Bile Dem Cabbage” and “You Are My Sunshine” as examples, Bing demonstrates how to use a looper and suggests techniques to create various parts that fit together. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadAs a bridge to next month's episodes, Bing uses the looper pedal to explore full-blown arrangements in the jam. Includes a demonstration of layering multiple parts. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadFor this advanced level episode, Bing brings in the looper pedal to demonstrate the layering of parts for “Black Mountain Rag” on mountain dulcimer.n dulcimer, Bing conducts an intermediate-level episode that focuses on using a capo, playing chops and countermelody, plus a neat trick for playing the I-IV-V and vi chords in three different keys. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadContinuing a study of playing in the jam with mountain dulcimer, Bing conducts an intermediate-level episode that focuses on using a capo, playing chops and countermelody, plus a neat trick for playing the I-IV-V and vi chords in three different keys. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadBing offers up a beginner-level episode on playing in the jam with mountain dulcimer. Key signatures, scales and chords are covered as well as tips on finding and learning the melody or simply playing accompaniment. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadAfter Meat Loaf's recent death last week, Bing created a mountain dulcimer arrangement of “I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)” in tribute. This episode is for all skill levels and the tablature can be downloaded free from Patreon at: http://tinyurl.com/meatloafMD Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadBing wraps a three-episode jaunt through “Aura Lee/Love Me Tender” with an advanced-level look at adding non-diatonic notes and chords via chromatic mountain dulcimer. Download the tablature and chromatic Tabledit template here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/61332245 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadBing adds another layer to “Aura Lee/Love Me Tender” for intermediate mountain dulcimer by adding harmonies and chords into the mix. DAD Tuning: Key of D. Tablature can be downloaded from Bing's Patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/61117349 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadSeason 15 kicks off with a new format and a look at the traditional folk song, “Aura Lee”, which Elvis Presley used as a basis for his hit song, “Love Me Tender.” This is a beginner-level mountain dulcimer episode and tablature can be downloaded from Bing's Patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/60829106 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadBing takes a look at some of the episodic content from 2021 during season 14. Includes material not originally broadcast. Happy New Year, all! Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadThe fourth and final installment of a series on sad Christmas songs features a new mountain dulcimer arrangement. Bing performs and teaches “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues. Download the tablature from Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/christmas-of-new-32579216 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadPart three of a four part series on sad Christmas songs features Bing's new arrangement of “Merry Christmas (Wherever You Are)” on mountain dulcimer. Download the tablature from Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/chromatic-merry-59956988 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadPart two of a series on sad Christmas songs features Bing's new arrangement of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” on mountain dulcimer. Download tablature from Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dulcimerica-574-59718046 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadIn the first of a four-part series on sad Christmas songs, Bing works with a new arrangement of the tune, “Blue Christmas” on mountain dulcimer. Download tablature from Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dulcimerica-573-59449362 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadThe final of four improvisational pieces recorded next to Wolfpit Branch in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Bing plays “Blue Ridge Breakdown” on the mountain dulcimer. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadAnother improvisational piece on mountain dulcimer by Bing Futch, from “The Improv Files” EP from October 2021, available exclusively on Patreon. Recorded next to Wolfpit Branch in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadBing performs an improvisation called “My God, It's Full of Hearts” next to Wolfpit Branch in Black Mountain, NC. This is track two of four such tunes from “The Improv Files” recorded last month. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadEach month, Bing records a 4-song EP for an ongoing Patreon project called “The Improv Files” where he improvises four pieces starting with only a key signature. October's EP was recorded by Wolfpit Branch, a creek that runs through Blue Ridge Center in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Here, he composes/performs the first piece. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadBing performs his arrangement of “Carol Anne's Theme” by Jerry Goldsmith from the motion picture Poltergeist. Download the free mountain dulcimer tablature at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/mountain-carol-31191336 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadBing takes a wander on a mountain dulcimer tuned DGD. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadFrom the 49th Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, Bing performs an improvisation-fiiled rendition of “Bricks” with Kansas band Sally and the Hurts on Stage 1. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadReturning to scenes from the 49th Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, Bing performs an 80s rock classic on Stage 1 with the help of Kansas band Sally and the Hurts. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadPart nine, and the grand finale of a multi-part look at chord progressions. To wrap things up, Bing demonstrates chord inversions and how they work for voice leading smooth chord progressions. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadWe interrupt this series on chord progressions to bring you this almost-live backstage look at the 49th Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. Features Sally and the Hurts performing a bit of “Overalls” and “Don't Stop Believing”(with Bing) and a jam of “John Stinson's No. 2” with Abby the Spoon Lady! This is also the Dulcimerica debut of Tim, Bing's new Folkcraft Instruments mountain dulcimer. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadPart eight of a nine-week study on chord progressions takes the gloves off and wrestles with chromaticism, a technique that brings chromatic elements into diatonic composition and arrangement. The episode covers secondary dominants, chromatic mediants and a wee bit on voice leading with chromatic elements. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadPart seven of a nine-week study on chord progressions begins to step outside of the diatonic box with a look at some alternate minor scales used for reharmonizing chords. Theory includes the harmonic minor scale, how to create it and build the chords, as well as the ascending and descending melodic minors. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadPart six of a nine-week study on chord progressions plunges into functional harmony with a quick recap. Then, Bing goes through all seven scale degrees and their characteristics before demonstrating the theory of how and why certain chords work best in a progression. Download resource material at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/55704638 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadPart five of a study on chord progressions focuses on the often misunderstood diminished chord and where it fits in the grand scheme of things. We'll look at how to build it, how to use it in a progression and we'll also introduce another diatonic chord that's closely related in construction and function: the dominant seventh. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadPart four of a study on chord progressions explores the emotional major/minor mix of “Hallelujah” before leading into a study of minor chord progressions with a hint of things to come. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadPart three of a study on chord progressions, Bing talks about and demonstrates intervals for emotional power. Harmony-building and an intro to voice-leading segue into a look at the ii-iii-vi minor chords and how to mix them in with the I-IV-V major chords. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadFor the second part of multi-part series, Bing recaps some of the basics behind chord progressions and chord-building, focusing on the key of D in DAD tuning while also showing some neat tricks on finding the root, 3rd and 5th of chords. Then, through a number of popular songs, he shows how the I-IV-V progression can be worked. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!
Direct DownloadBing kicks off a multi-part series of episodes on chord progressions with an introduction to the theory behind key signatures, scales and chord-building. Also, some variations on the I-IV-V progression are demonstrated on mountain dulcimer. Download the "12 Major Keys" PDF at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/54295043 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!