How to Play a Single-Bridge Hammer Dulcimer

A single-bridge hammered dulcimer

The hammered dulcimer is a popular folk instrument. Most hammered dulcimers are large wooden trapezoidal boxes with wires that stretch over one, two or more bridges. Single-bridge hammered dulcimers have a limited range of notes, but they can be used to help beginners learn the instrument and to play a number of simple melodies and to accompany singing.

Things You'll Need

• Dulcimer
• Hammers (also called "spoons")
• Note chart

Instructions

1. Place your dulcimer on a table or stand at about waist height. Keep your arms and shoulders loose. Bend your arms at the elbow and position your hands above the center of the hammered dulcimer.

2. 

   Hold the hammers lightly between your thumbs and index and second fingers. Gently strike the strings with the hammers, letting them bounce up after each stroke. Hit the strings about 1 to 2 inches from the bridge for the clearest sound.

3. 

   Referring to your note chart, practice playing the scales up and down. Practice alternating the hammers and playing with the hammers on either side of the bridge. When scales become easy, add arpeggios and scales in different rhythmic patterns. Practice playing chords.

4. Play with other musicians. Practice accompanying someone singing a tune by playing first the melody and then the chords of the song.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice daily and consistently. Take lessons from a professional. Play with other musicians.

Resources

• Selecting a hammered dulcimer
• Single bridged dulcimers for sale
• Everything Dulcimer