How to Play the Dulcimer

The dulcimer is probably the simplest instrument to learn to play. Even children can learn a tune in a matter of minutes, but because of its unique qualities, it does require some study to understand it and learn to play it well.

Most instruments, like a guitar or piano, are chromatic, meaning they have all the notes on them in half steps. It’s up to you to play the right one for the key the tune is in.

The dulcimer is a little different. It is a modal instrument, rather like a harmonica, that only plays in one key and generally has to be retuned to play in another.

A modal scale is referred to by a name such as Lydian, Ionian, or Dorian that lets the player know which notes are in that scale. For instance, one of the basic tunings used for dulcimer is D-a-d (mixolydian in D) with the bass string first, middle string next and melody string last. Other common tunings are Daa (ionian in D) and Dac (aeolian in D).

 To tune the dulcimer, you need a reference, either another instrument that is in tune or a pitch pipe, tuning fork or electronic tuner.

• Tune the bass string to the D below middle C on the piano, or open 4^th string on the guitar. Tighten the string to raise the pitch, and loosen it to lower it. Sometimes humming the pitch  helps.

• Press the bass string just to the left of the fourth fret. Pluck this note, A, and tune the middle string to it.
  
  
• Press the middle string just left of the third fret, D, and tune the first or melody string to it. If you have two melody strings, tune them both to this D.

If you’re using a tuning fork set to A, tune the middle string to A and fret it on the third fret. Tune the melody strings as above and tune the bass string to this note an octave lower.

Your scale in mixolydian will start with the open strings. Strum the strings open and then finger each fret on the melody string up to the 7^th fret. When you get to the 6^th fret, you will have either 3 small frets or 1 small and 1 large fret. The newer dulcimers have what is called a 6 ½ fret added between the old style 6^th and 7^th fret. This gives the ability to play a half tone and makes the instrument much easier to play. Skip the 6^th fret, play the 6 ½ fret and the 7^th fret. You have just played a major scale, the old do-re-mi. Now do it again and play the 6^th fret and skip the 6 ½ fret. Notice the difference.

There are many styles of playing the dulcimer. There is no right or wrong way. If you just browse though selections on YouTube, you will see folks holding the instrument on their laps, on a table, standing up with a strap and strumming up or down or plucking with the fingers.

I learned to play from books by Jean Ritchie who was one of the leading champions of the dulcimer. I put the dulcimer on my lap (what’s left of it) and I also use a strap to keep it from sliding off. The melody strings are closest to me. Occasionally I will fingerpick a tune, but generally I strum toward my body with my right hand and finger the frets with my left hand. I don’t use a noter but many do. It gives it sort of a bottleneck guitar sound.

Traditionally, according to Ritchie, the dulcimer was strummed with a turkey quill. I don’t have a lot of turkeys hanging around so I like to use a large, medium soft guitar pick. When I don’t have one, I cut one out of a plastic lid. Finding the right stiffness is the challenge. I tend to play hard and will break a pick that isn’t right for me.

Here’s a simple tune you can play.  Each slash is a strum separated by a line and the numbers are the fret you put your finger on. The dashes mean continue to hold the fret down while strumming. The 3* sounds really good if you place your finger across all the strings - a barre chord.

If you learned a slightly different version of this tune, by all means, play it the way you know it.

Banks of the Ohio

  / / /  | / / / / | / / / / |  / / / / | / / / / | / / / / | / / / /  | / / / / |

  001  2----     2002   1-----    1112   3*----   3*444   2  --- - 

  |/ / / / | / / / / | / / / / | / / / / | / / / / | / / / / | / / / / | / / / / | / / / / || 
    2224  4-----   4224   3*---   3*4---   2----    2321  0----- 0

You can also try to figure out the notes yourself by humming or singing songs you know. Here’s some that work in mixolydian tuning.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Go Tell Aunt Rhody
Noel
Old Joe Clark

Some tunes won’t work in mixolydian. To tune to Ionian in D, simply tune the melody strings to match the middle string so you will have DAA for notes.  Now your scale will start on the third fret. Play a scale skipping the 6 ½ fret.

Tunes for Ionian

Amazing Grace
May the Circle be Unbroken
Good King Wenceslas

There's some great sites on the internet about playing the dulcimer. One has a great selection of tunes and tablature called Everything Dulcimer. Once you get the hang of tablature, this site will keep you busy for a long time.

Hummels

Scheitholts

Zithers

Epinettes

I recorded a short piece with a lousy microphone for all those who insisted they wanted to hear me. I'm no Stephen Seifert.

Drifting Too Far From the Shore