Dulcimer (Hammered Mountain Dulcimer)
Strike dulcimer strings with small mallets to create warm, resonant Appalachian tones
The Dulcimer is a trapezoidal stringed instrument played with small mallets, producing warm, resonant tones characteristic of Appalachian folk music. It's easy for beginners to produce pleasant sounds while offering depth for experienced players. The instrument has a rich history in American folk traditions and is experiencing a modern revival in folk, experimental, and contemporary music contexts. It's portable, affordable, and produces satisfying tones almost immediately.
How to start
- 1Acquire a dulcimer (available from music suppliers and folk instrument makers)
- 2Learn about the Appalachian dulcimer tradition and its cultural significance
- 3Master proper mallet grip and striking technique
- 4Practice simple folk melodies and traditional tunes
- 5Explore the instrument's resonance and tone qualities
What you'll need
- DulcimerEssential~$200
- Mallets (set)Essential~$25
- Extra stringsNice to have~$20
- TunerEssential~$30
Where to learn more
Plot twists
Ways to spice this up when the basics get boring.
- Master traditional Appalachian folk songs
- Experiment with contemporary dulcimer compositions
- Combine dulcimer with other folk instruments
- Perform at folk festivals and community gatherings
Immediate, satisfying tone production keeps motivation high. Repetitive striking motion is meditative and calming.
The Appalachian dulcimer is also called a 'stick zither' and was adapted from European dulcimers by settlers who brought the tradition to the American mountains.