How to Play a Mountain Dulcimer
Playing the mountain dulcimer can be a relaxing and affordable pastime. The dulcimer, literally meaning "sweet sounds," is less complicated to learn than the banjo or guitar, but can be just as enjoyable to listen to as its four- and six-string cousins. By ensuring that the instrument is set up properly, using good technique and learning to read dulcimer notation, you can begin to play your favorite country or bluegrass songs in a matter of minutes.
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Instructions
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Place the dulcimer on a table or on the floor in front of you. Make sure that the frets are positioned to the left side of the instrument.
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Pluck one of the strings to get the feel of how the right hand attacks each string. Try to avoid plucking the string too hard as this may cause unwanted string buzzing.
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Place the left hand index finger down on the first fret of any string, and pluck that string with the right hand. Repeat this process on any fret and on any string to hear how each of the different pitches sound. You may also use a "noter" in place of the left hand fingers. A noter is a wooden dowel that pushes down the strings in the same way that a finger would.
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Place the index finger of the left hand, or the noter, down on the fret that is indicated by the first number in the music. For example, if the first number is a 3 on the third string, simply fret that note and pluck the string with the right hand. Repeat this process for all of the numbers in the piece to perform the song.
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Tips & Warnings
Try playing the dulcimer with both the noter and fingers, then decide which method you are more comfortable with. Taking lessons with an accomplished dulcimer player will greatly accelerate the learning process.
