Mountain Dulcimer

The mountain dulcimer, also known as the Appalachian dulcimer, is a stringed folk instrument that emanates from the Appalachian region of the United States. It produces a sweet, melodic twang reminiscent of the undulating hills and rustic landscapes of its origins. Typically featuring three or four strings, the instrument is played by strumming or plucking while it rests on the player's lap, often employing a drone note amid simple, haunting melodies that evoke a sense of American heritage. Artists like Jean Ritchie, who is credited with popularizing the dulcimer outside of Appalachia, and Mimi and Richard Fariña, weave traditional storytelling with the dulcimer's distinctive sound, while Doc Watson and Jerry Rockwell have contributed to the instrument's legacy through their virtuosic performances, blending pristine technique with the dulcimer's earnest, heartwarming character.