The "mountain dulcimer," also called the "Appalachian dulcimer," is a long, fretted string instrument developed in the Southern Appalachian mountains. Played on the lap and strummed or picked, it’s a hallmark of traditional Appalachian folk music.
synonyms: Appalachian dulcimer, lap dulcimer, mountain zither, folk dulcimer
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You can hear 'mountain dulcimer' in all kinds of places down here.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You can hear 'mountain dulcimer' in all kinds of places down here.
Pronunciation
[MOUN-tin DULL-sih-mer] /ˈmaʊntən ˈdʌlsəmɚ/
Meaning & Usage
- A fretted lap-played string instrument native to Appalachia (noun)
Talking about instruments
Mae:
What’s that Papaw’s playing?
Earl:
That’s a mountain dulcimer - makes the sweetest sound.
★ The mountain dulcimer evolved in the 19th-century Appalachian region from European zithers. It became the signature home instrument of mountain families - easy to build, gentle-sounding, and perfect for hymns and ballads. ★
Origin and Etymology
Developed in the Appalachian Mountains (Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina) in the early 1800s. Documented by folk music researchers and the Smithsonian as one of the few string instruments native to the region. Its name comes from Latin "dulcis" (sweet) + Greek "melos" (song).
Usage Notes
Still widely played at folk festivals, churches, and on porches across Appalachia. Outside the region it’s recognized as a symbol of Appalachian folk music and culture. Distinct from the hammered dulcimer, which is older and played with mallets.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "mount’n dulcimer" in quick mountain speech. "Dulcimer" often sounds like "dull-smer."
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
You can hear 'mountain dulcimer' in all kinds of places down here.