There, the word dulcimer, which was familiar from the King James Version of the Bible, was used to refer to a three or four stringed fretted instrument, generally played on the lap by strumming.

dulcimer, stringed musical instrument, a version of the psaltery in which the strings are beaten with small hammers rather than plucked.

Dulcimers are often regarded as one of the easiest stringed instruments to learn. Here we discuss the basics on how to play a dulcimer.

May 11, 2018 · What is a Dulcimer? A dulcimer is a stringed folk instrument which basically comes in two different varieties: the hammered dulcimer and the Appalachian dulcimer.

Jul 20, 2025 · In this guide, you will learn what a mountain dulcimer is, where it came from, how to play it, and how to choose the right one for you. We will cover its parts, its unique tuning, and the common …

People use the word “dulcimer” to refer both to the hammered dulcimer and to the mountain dulcimer. Hammered dulcimer is the type we make, and it is played by striking the strings with a pair of special …

Dulcimer comes from the Greek meaning "sweet song". Not to be confused with the much earlier hammered dulcimer (which is a Persian instrument called a Santur and is the forefather of the piano).

Although the plucked dulcimer (also called Appalachian or mountain dulcimer) shares the same name, the two instruments differ considerably in form, sound, evolution, and manner of playing.

Through a long line of stringed instruments before it and a variety of different creators, cultures, and countries, there’s a rich history of dulcimer in folk music, and the dulcimer guitar has claimed its …

This site provides you with free online lessons to get you started playing the dulcimer. The mountain dulcimer is a unique American folk instrument and is very easy to play.