Among the stringed instruments of the lute family, the Appalachian dulcimer stands out as one of the most fascinating plucked chordophones for several reasons. Its unique shapes and the rich history surrounding this instrument—which traces its origins to the Appalachian region of the United States—make it a captivating instrument to both play and listen to. Its long body, hosting an expansive fretboard, produces a diatonic resonance.
The Appalachian dulcimer’s peculiarities begin with its name. The exact origin of the term remains unclear, as neither music literature nor historical records provide definitive answers about its early use. However, the dulcimer is part of a broader category of long-necked lutes, including instruments like the hammered dulcimer, which shares some sonic qualities but differs significantly in playing technique.
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The History of the Appalachian Dulcimer
The history of the Appalachian dulcimer is shrouded in mystery, with no definitive historical sources pinpointing its creation or early use. What is known is that the dulcimer was introduced to America in the 19th century by Irish immigrants who settled in the Appalachian hills. However, much of the historical information surrounding the dulcimer remains speculative. According to Lucy M. Long, a prominent music historian, the organological development of the dulcimer is divided into three phases: the transitional phase beginning in the 1700s, the traditional phase up to 1940, and the contemporary phase.
According to the luthiers of Volga, a renowned city in West Virginia, the Appalachian dulcimer was created almost by accident, as an attempt to replicate sound-producing devices that were difficult to construct with the materials and skills available. Soprano Loraine Wyman played a pivotal role in popularizing the dulcimer, composing symphonies and creating sheet music for it, which was performed in concert halls, dance venues, and bars.
In the years following World War II, the dulcimer became a primary instrument for producing medieval, country, and folk music. Even Brian Jones, the famous guitarist of the Rolling Stones, played the dulcimer in performances of popular hits like Lady Jane. Since the 2000s, the dulcimer’s commercial popularity has waned, though it is still played at community events and for cultural folklore.
How the Appalachian Dulcimer is Made
Structurally, the Appalachian dulcimer is classified as a plucked zither with a box-like body. Its soundbox is typically made of rustic woods like spruce or cedar to enhance tonal quality, while the sides and fingerboard are constructed from harder woods such as cherry or oak. The dulcimer has a distinctive elongated shape, with no strict length requirements, but the soundbox usually measures up to 1 meter in length and 19 centimeters in width.
The soundbox features two to four soundholes, located near the lower attachment and the tailpiece, with various shapes that influence the instrument’s tonal quality. In the U.S., where Appalachian dulcimers remain popular, they are often uniquely crafted with elaborate designs. The most common shape is the hourglass, which also aids the musician in holding the instrument during play.
The dulcimer’s headstock holds the tuning pegs, which secure the strings. Depending on the model, dulcimers have between three and six strings. In dulcimers with at least four strings, pairs of strings are often doubled to create a fuller sound.
How to Play the Appalachian Dulcimer
Playing the Appalachian dulcimer requires skill and precision. The player must position the instrument flat, typically on a table, the ground, or their lap. This position is favored by street performers and during folk performances. Strings are plucked from top to bottom with a steady arm to avoid sudden jerks that could compromise sound quality. Alternatively, the strings can be plucked with fingers, similar to guitar playing, though using a pick is discouraged for beginners.
The dulcimer is usually played on a single melody string, with the remaining strings serving as drones, though simple chords can also be played. A traditional American technique involves using a bamboo stick, which is pressed against the frets to produce a glissando effect, giving the dulcimer a glassy tone and allowing it to achieve intermediate notes that would otherwise be inaccessible due to the instrument’s design.
Tuning and Variations of the Appalachian Dulcimer
As a box-zither, the Appalachian dulcimer shares similarities with the steel guitar, featuring a flat top with a fretboard base. Its sound is primarily diatonic, though certain variations allow for chromatic notes by pressing multiple frets, adding to the instrument’s complexity. Fully chromatic versions are rare and usually handcrafted by enthusiasts.
The dulcimer is typically tuned in several ways: D-A-A, D-A-D, and D-A-C. Several derivatives have emerged, the most notable being the Banjo Dulcimer, also called the Dulcjo, which features three strings arranged diatonically.