When In Doubt: The WID

Every dulcimer player needs a tool box of rhythmic and harmonic performance techniques that can be deployed to make playing sound better or to carry-on in the midst of an unfamiliar tune.  If you master only one such technique, learn the WID and apply it “when in doubt”.

The WID is a mainstay in the playing of one of the masters of the hammer dulcimer, Walt Michael (www.waltmichael.com).  Walt often teaches the WID in classes and is credited with naming the pattern.  Occasionally he has been known to refer to it as a “WAEF”.  That’s pronounced “WAVE” and stands for “when all else fails”.

The Open 5th WID
This form of the WID contains four tones played laterally across the dulcimer. The tones are always on the interval of the 5th.  A specific example should make this clear.

Look at the center range of the dulcimer and play in sequence these tones.

D [bass bridge just above middle C] right hammer
G [right treble bridge across from the D] left hammer
REPEAT the G using the right hammer
D [left treble bridge across from the G and an octave above the first D] left hammer.

The WID uses an alternating hammer pattern with the center tone repeated.  The note pattern is D G G D.

Here’s how it looks in standard notation for a WID on a G-chord: 

Now put a D-chord into the WID.  The tones would be D A A D in roughly the same place on the dulcimer. 

You’ll find WID patterns all over the instrument.  Discover them for all of the chords that show up in the standard keys of D and G.  These chords are:  A, C, D, F, Am, Bm, Em and F#m.  WIDs are easy to find.  Each WID begins on the bass bridge with either the tone that names the chord or the 5th interval above the tone that names the chord.  The pattern of the WID is either 1 – 5 – 5 – 1[octave] or 5 – 1 – 1 – 5 [octave].

The Full Chord WID
It is possible, and often highly desirable, to play a full triad in the format of a WID. 

Putting the WID to Work
The WID is useful in three ways:  1) it can be an effective filler when a tone must be held longer than the sustain of the dulcimer allows,  2) it is a useful way to play chords and deliver rhythmic energy at the same time, and 3)  a WID can be played as a string of pick-up notes.

Hear the WID in Performance. 
When time permits I’ll post some audio samples of the WID.  But perhaps the best way to hear the WID is to listen to Walt Michael’s tune Snow Blind.  This tune is a WID with a gentle pentatonic melody superimposed upon it.  It’s a really stunning piece and not difficult to master.  Visit Walt’s website for a sample clip of Snowblind:

http://www.waltmichael.com/f/Snowblind.mp3

The WID is subtle.  You’ll need to listen carefully to identify it.  But the WID gives this piece great energy and appeal. 

WID and WAEF on!