Two Appalachian dulcimers

The Appalachian dulcimer is a fretted string instrument of the zither family, typically with three or four strings, although contemporary versions of the instrument can have as many as twelve strings and six courses. The body extends the length of the fingerboard and traditionally has an hourglass, teardrop, triangular, or elliptical shape (also called the galax). As a folk instrument, wide variation exists in Appalachian dulcimers. For example, a courting dulcimer has two fretboards, which allows two players sitting across from each other to perform duets, hence the name. Jean Ritchie (The Dulcimer Book, 1974) and others have speculated that the Appalachian dulcimer is related to similar European instruments like the langeleik and scheitholt. The word dulcimer is said to have come from two very old Latin words meening 'sweet' and 'song'. Many would agree that these words fit the dulcimer perfectly. Appalachian dulcimer Source: Library of Congress File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Appalachian dulcimer Source: Library of Congress File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The neck of a guitar showing the first four frets. ... A string instrument (or stringed instrument) is a musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating strings. ... Concert zither The zither is a musical string instrument, mainly used in folk music, most commonly in German-speaking Alpine Europe. ... A course is a pair of adjacent strings tuned to unison or an octave and usually plucked together as if a single string, in musical instruments such as the lute, vihuela or mandolin. ... Jean Ritchie (born 1922) is an American folk singer. ... The Langeleik is a traditional stringed musical instrument from Norway. ...

Playing

Closeup of Aubrey Atwater playing dulcimer

A traditional way to play the instrument is to lay it flat on the lap and pluck or strum the strings with one hand, while fretting with the other. The dulcimer may also be placed in a similar position on a piece of furniture such as a table or chest of drawers, to enhance the sound. There are two predominant methods of fretting. First, the strings may be depressed with the fingertips of the fretting hand. Using this technique, all the strings may be fretted allowing the player to produce chords. Second, the melody string, the string closest to the player, may be depressed with a noter, typically a short length of dowel or bamboo (see photo at left). Using this method, only the melody string is fretted and the other strings act as drone strings (the melody string may be doubled so that the melody can be better heard over the drones). In this second style of playing, the combination of the drone strings and the buzz of the noter on the melody strings produces a unique sound. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Atwater-Donnelly is a long-time Rhode Island folk music group consisting of Aubrey Atwater, Elwood Donnelly, and occasionally other musicians and dancers. ... In music, a drone is a harmonic or monophonic effect or accompaniment where a note or chord is continuously sounded throughout much or all of a piece, sustained or repeated, and most often establishing a tonality upon which the rest of the piece is built. ...

In practice, a wide variety of playing styles have long been used. Jean Ritchie's The Dulcimer Book (1974) has an old photograph of Mrs. Leah Smith of Big Laurel, Kentucky, playing the dulcimer with a bow instead of a pick, with the tail of the dulcimer held in the player's lap, and the headstock resting on a table pointing away from her. In their book In Search of the Wild dulcimer (1974), Robert Force and Al d'Ossché describe their preferred method as "guitar style": the dulcimer hangs from a strap around the neck, and the instrument is fretted and strummed like a guitar; they also describe playing "Autoharp style" where "the dulcimer is held vertically with the headstock over the shoulder." Lynn McSpadden, in his book Four and Twenty Songs for the Mountain Dulcimer, states that some players "tilt the dulcimer up sideways on their laps and strum in a guitar style." Still other dulcimer players use a fingerstyle technique, fingering chord positions with the fretting hand and rhythmically plucking individual strings with the strumming hand, creating delicate arpeggios.

Contemporary players have also borrowed from chord theory and guitar analogues to create a variety of more complex ways to play the dulcimer. Some dulcimers are constructed with four equidistant strings to facilitate playing more complex chords, particularly for playing jazz. In another line of contemporary innovation, electric dulcimers have been used in rock music. The Appalachian dulcimer is both easy to learn to play, and capable of complexity, providing scope for a wide range of professionals and hobbyists.

Strings and tuning

The frets of the Appalachian dulcimer are typically arranged in a diatonic scale. Traditionally, the Appalachian dulcimer was usually tuned to DAA, or notes with this 1 5 5 relationship. The key note is on the bass string and the middle string is an interval of a perfect fifth above it. The melody string is tuned so that the key note is at the third fret. This facilitates playing melodies in the Ionian mode. The melody played on the top string (or string pair) only, with the unfretted drone strings providing a simple harmony, gives the instrument its distinctive traditional sound. To play in a different key, or in a different mode, a traditional player would have to retune the instrument. For example, to play a minor mode melody the instrument might be tuned to DAC. This facilitates playing the Aeolian mode, where the scale begins at the first fret. The neck of a guitar showing the first four frets. ... In music theory, a diatonic scale (from the Greek diatonikos, to stretch out; also known as the heptatonia prima; set form 7-35) is a seven-note musical scale comprising five whole-tone and two half-tone steps, in which the half tones are maximally separated. ... The Ionian mode is a musical mode or diatonic scale. ... The Aeolian mode comprises a musical mode or diatonic scale. ...

A photo from the May 1, 1917 issue of Vogue, featuring an Appalachian dulcimer.

Modern instruments usually include an additional fret a half step below the octave position, the so-called "six and a half" fret. This enables one to play in the Ionian mode when tuned to DAD, the traditional tuning for the Mixolydian mode, where the scale starts on the open fret. This arrangement is often found to be more conducive to chordal playing, as opposed to the more traditional dronal style. Among modern players, it is fair to say that the instrument is most commonly tuned to DAD. So-called "chromatic dulcimers" are sometimes made, to permit play in any key without re-tuning. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... For other meanings, see vogue. ... The Mixolydian mode is a musical mode or diatonic scale. ...

While currently the most common tuning is DAD, it is often easier for the beginning player to tune to DAA or the so-called "Reverse Ionian" tuning, (DGD). "Reverse" tunings are ones where the key note is on the middle string and the bass string is the fifth of the scale, but in the octave below the middle string. This is sometimes suggested as an easier tuning. From (DGD) one can put a capo on the first fret to play the Dorian mode, or retune the second string to (A), to play the Mixolydian mode, then from Mixolydian capo the first fret to play the Aeolian mode. DAA tuning should not be thought of as simply a "beginner" tuning, however. Many accomplished, innovative players use this tuning. For other uses, see Capo (disambiguation). ... Due to historical confusion, Dorian mode can refer to two very different musical modes or diatonic scales. ... The Mixolydian mode is a musical mode or diatonic scale. ... The Aeolian mode comprises a musical mode or diatonic scale. ...

Those without a tuner can tune the Dulcimer to itself. Pluck the third string, the one furthest away from you, the big thick one, and tune it to something that sounds good to you. Then press the third string at the third fret and tune the second, or middle string to that note. Then press the third string at the 7th fret, an octave above the third string note, and tune the first string(s) to that note. This puts you into the Reverse Ionian tuning. To switch to Mixolydian, press the third string at the fourth fret and tune the second string to that note.

If tuning is a problem, pluck the strings being tuned and the 3rd string then listen for a warbling sound. It will be less and less as the strings come closer to being in tune with each other. When you can no longer hear the warbling, your dulcimer is in tune.

If you lack a capo, you can make one with a pencil and a rubber band, laying the pencil across the strings just below the first fret, and holding it in place by wrapping the rubber band around both ends and underneath your dulcimer.

Usage

The Appalachian dulcimer is widely used in the American old-time music tradition. The instrument first appeared in the early 1800s from the Scots-Irish in the southern Appalachian Mountains, and is thus also called a mountain dulcimer. The instrument was based on similar pre-existing European instruments, particularly the German scheitholt. Soon it acquired a distinctive American flavor. The instrument became used as a parlor instrument, as its sound volume was well-suited to small home gatherings. West Virginia fiddler Edden Hammons, accompanied by his son James on the banjo Old-time music is a form of North American folk music, with roots in the folk musics of many countries, including England, Scotland and Ireland, as well as the continent of Africa. ... // Invention of the Jacquard loom in 1801. ... Scots-Irish (also called Ulster Scots) is a Scottish ethnic group that historically resided in Ireland which ultimately traces its roots back to settlers from Scotland, and to a lesser extent, England. ... The Appalachian Mountains are a vast system of mountains in eastern North America. ...

The Appalachian dulcimer achieved a renaissance in the 1950s urban folk music revival in the United States through the work of Jean Ritchie, a Kentucky musician who introduced the instrument to New York City audiences. In the 1960s, the American folk musician Richard Fariña (1937–1966) became the first to utilize an Appalachian dulcimer in a less traditional way, pointing out its similarity in tone to some Middle Eastern and Asian instruments. Styles performed by modern dulcimer enthusiasts run the gamut from traditional folk music through experimental forms, although most perform in more or less traditional styles. Dulcimer festivals take place regularly in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, as the Appalachian dulcimer has achieved a following in a number of countries. Virtually every culture has an instrument based on the working idea of the Appalachian dulcimer. the first thing that was invented was the automatic DILDO. Education grew explosively because of a very strong demand for high school and college education. ... Folk music can have a number of different meanings, including: Traditional music: The original meaning of the term folk music was synonymous with the term Traditional music, also often including World Music and Roots music; the term Traditional music was given its more specific meaning to distinguish it from the... Jean Ritchie (born 1922) is an American folk singer. ... Official language(s) English[1] Capital Frankfort Largest city Louisville Area  Ranked 37th  - Total 40,444 sq mi (104,749 km²)  - Width 140 miles (225 km)  - Length 379 miles (610 km)  - % water 1. ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ... The 1960s decade refers to the years from 1960 to 1969. ... Richard George Fariña ( March 8, 1937 – April 30, 1966 ) was an American writer and folksinger. ... A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ... For other uses, see Asia (disambiguation). ...

Production

Appalachian dulcimer manufacture is often conducted by small, family-run businesses located in the American South and particularly in Appalachia. John Bailey's book tells you how to make one yourself: Historic Southern United States. ... It has been suggested that Poverty in Appalachia be merged into this article or section. ... John Bailey is a Luthier who made and repaired guitars and other stringed instruments during the 1960s revival of English folk music and beyond. ...

• Bailey, John [1966]. Making an Appalachian Dulcimer, 1st, The Folk Shop Instrumental Series, The English Folk Dance and Song Society. ISBN 0854180397. 

Musicians who use the Appalachian dulcimer

• The group Little Big Town used the dulcimer on their second album, The Road to Here.
• Many British folk-rock groups of the late 1960s and early 1970s used it as well, including:

• Battlefield Band
• Pentangle
• Fairport Convention
• Steeleye Span
• Strawbs

• The dulcimer is the prominent instrument in the Rolling Stones song "Lady Jane", where it was played by the group's talented multi-instumentalist Brian Jones.
• David Massengill
• Jeff Buckley used a dulcimer in his song Dream Brother featured on his record Grace released in 1994.
• Joni Mitchell used a dulcimer on the 1971 album Blue.
• Vancouver musician Randy Raine-Reusch played the dulcimer on the Aerosmith album Pump (1989), in the track "Dulcimer Stomp;"
• Cyndi Lauper, on A Night to Remember - 1989, Sisters of Avalon - 1996, and The Body Acoustic - 2005
• Joe Perry later recorded with a dulcimer on Aerosmith's Get a Grip album (1993).
• Amanda Barrett of The Ditty Bops is also known to play the dulcimer.
• The cello-rock band Rasputina has employed the dulcimer on their albums Frustration Plantation and Oh Perilous World! and the band's lead member Melora Creager has used the dulcimer on her solo album Perplexions, released in late 2006.
• Nashville-based David Schnaufer, who recorded with The Judds, Kathy Mattea, Johnny Cash, and Mark O'Connor, was responsible for many of today's studio dulcimer recordings. Schnaufer was also a historian of the instrument and the world's first and only dulcimer professor; he served as Adjunct Associate Professor of Dulcimer at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music from 1995 to his death in 2006.
• Jerusalem-based multi-instrumentalist Bradley Fish's dulcimer loops on Sony Digital Pictures[1] are the most widespread in the world. Fish became known for using the instrument with an Eastern-influenced style and electronic effects on his 1996 collaboration "The Aquarium Conspiracy" with Sugarcubes/Björk drummer Sigtryggur Baldursson.
• Singer-songwriter Holly Brook uses dulcimer on her debut album Like Blood, Like Honey.
• Singer-songwriter Heider Muller and Bob Webb uses the dulcimer on her albums.

Little Big Town is an American country music vocal group. ... The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979, also called The Seventies. ... For 30 years the Battlefield Band has been a training ground for some of the greatest Scottish musicians. ... Pentangle is a British folk-rock band. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Steeleye Span are a British folk-rock band, formed in 1969 and remaining active today. ... The Strawbs are a rock band founded in 1964 in England. ... Rolling Stones redirects here. ... Lady Jane is a song by The Rolling Stones that featured on their 1966 album Aftermath. ... For other persons named Brian Jones, see Brian Jones (disambiguation). ... David Massengill (born in 1951 in Bristol, Tennessee) is an American folk singer/songwriter. ... Jeff Buckley (November 17, 1966 – May 29, 1997), born Jeffrey Scott Buckley and raised as Scotty Moorhead,[1] was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. ... Dream Brother is a song written by Jeff Buckley, Mick Grondahl and Matt Johnson. ... Look up grace in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Joni Mitchell, CC (born Roberta Joan Anderson on November 7, 1943) is a Canadian musician, songwriter, and painter. ... Blue is the 1971 album of Canadian-born singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. ... Randy Raine-Reusch is a Canadian multi-instrumentalist and composer specializing in wind and string instruments from around the world, particularly those from East and Southeast Asia. ... This article is about the band Aerosmith. ... Pump is the tenth studio album by American hard rock band Aerosmith, released in 1989 (see 1989 in music). ... Cynthia Ann Stephanie Cyndi Lauper (born June 22, 1953) is an American Grammy Award- winning singer, MTV VMA-winning video and Emmy Award-winning film, television and theatre actress. ... A Night to Remember is the name of popular 1980s icon and singer Cyndi Laupers third album (as well as a song on the album). ... Sisters of Avalon was the title of an album released by singer and actress Cyndi Lauper in 1996. ... The Body Acoustic is Cyndie Laupers latest release with acoustic retrospectives needless of television boost, is a smashing mellow album sure to bring the youth of the 80s into reminiscance mode. ... Joe Perry may refer to: Joe Perry (American football) (born 1927) Joe Perry (musician) (born 1950) Joe Perry (snooker player) (born 1975) Joseph Perry (bishop) (born 1948) (real estate develoment) (born 1967) Category: ... Get a Grip is the eleventh studio album by American hard rock band Aerosmith, released in 1993 (see 1993 in music). ... Amanda Barrett is the alto harmony who plays mandolin, dulcimer, and washboard and was a fashion model for eleven years. ... The Ditty Bops are an American band from Los Angeles, California noted for their tight vocal harmonies and playful style. ... Rasputina is a varying collection of cellists playing alternative rock. ... Frustration Plantation, the fourth studio album recorded by cello-dominated goth rock group Rasputina, was released by Instinct Records on March 16, 2004. ... Oh Perilous World, the sixth full length album from chamber-rock trio Rasputina, was performed by the bands creator cellist/lead singer Melora Creager and drummer Jonathon TeBeest with second chair Sarah Bowman contributing additional vocals. ... Melora Creager (born March 25, 1966) is an American cellist and singer-songwriter. ... Perplexions is an album by Rasputina frontwoman Melora Creager which was released on December 4, 2006, by the Filthy Bonnet Recording Company. ... For other cities named Nashville, see Nashville (disambiguation). ... David Schnaufer (ca. ... The Judds are an American mother/daughter country music duo of Naomi Judd and her daughter, Wynonna. ... Kathy Mattea Kathy Mattea, full name Kathleen Alice Mattea (born June 21, 1959, in South Charleston, West Virginia), is a female country music and bluegrass performer who often brings celtic sounds to her music, particularly with her release of Love Travels, one of her most critically popular albums. ... For the song of the same name, recorded by Tracy Byrd and later by Jason Aldean, see Johnny Cash (song). ... Mark OConnor (born August 5, 1961 in Seattle, Washington) is widely considered to be the most prominent fiddler of his generation. ... Vanderbilt University is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational research university in Nashville, Tennessee. ... The Blair School of Music provides undergraduate conservatory-style education in music performance, theory, and history at Vanderbilt University, a major research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. ... For other uses, see Jerusalem (disambiguation). ... Bradley Fish (b. ... The Sugarcubes were an Icelandic rock-pop band formed in 1986 and disbanded in 1992. ... This article is about the musician. ... Sigtryggur Baldursson is an Icelandic musician. ... Holly Brook Holly Brook, born February 23, 1986, is a multi-instrumental singer and songwriter from Mazomanie, Wisconsin. ... Like Blood, Like Honey is the first major release from singer Holly Brook. ...

See also

• Langeleik

The Langeleik is a traditional stringed musical instrument from Norway. ...

External links

• In Search of the Wild Dulcimer - online version of the book on the author's site.