Dulcimer

The mountain dulcimer, also known as the Appalachian dulcimer or the hog fiddle, is a stringed instrument that you can play by plucking or strumming the strings with a pick or a plectrum (or a feather quill as they did back in the day), and using a small stick or dowel, known as a noter, to hold down the strings.

The dulcimer actually originated in the Appalachian mountains of southwest Virginia in the early 1800s, and its modern form is based on the German Scheitholt. After the Civil War, makers in West Virginia and Kentucky started producing hourglass-shaped instruments with three strings.

Despite its German origins, the mountain dulcimer became closely associated with traditional Scottish and Irish music – due to the large influx of immigrants into Appalachia from these countries. In fact, it’s now becoming a popular instrument in Irish music back here in Ireland, where its sweet, melodic tone and simple, rhythmic style make it a perfect accompaniment to jigs, reels, and other traditional tunes.

The dulcimer is usually made of wood and has a long, narrow body with a fretboard that goes all the way along it.

Players use the noter to hold down 2 strings (on a 4 string dulcimer) to play the melody. Two strings, the bass and middle strings are not noted when you play in the traditional style. These serve as “drones”, which have a constant sound reminiscent of bagpipes.