The term “dulcimer guitar” can be quite perplexing, especially for those familiar with traditional guitars or mountain dulcimers. It’s a phrase that encompasses a range of instruments, each with its own unique characteristics. If you’ve found yourself wondering, “What exactly is a dulcimer guitar?”, you’re not alone. This guide will clarify the concept, explore different types, and help you understand what sets a dulcimer guitar apart.
Dulcimer Guitar: Clearing Up the Confusion
The primary source of confusion stems from the broad application of the term “dulcimer guitar.” It’s not a single, universally defined instrument like a standard acoustic guitar. Instead, it’s more of a category that bridges the gap between the traditional mountain dulcimer and the guitar. Often, when people say “dulcimer guitar,” they might be referring to instruments like the Seagull Merlin, Strumsticks, or pickin’ sticks. These instruments share some qualities with both dulcimers and guitars, leading to the blended name.
To understand this better, let’s break down some common questions:
- Is a dulcimer guitar the same as a Seagull Merlin? The Seagull Merlin is indeed often considered a type of dulcimer guitar. It’s designed to be easily accessible and fun to play, embodying characteristics of both instrument families.
- Is a dulcimer guitar the same as a Strumstick or a pickin’ stick? Yes, Strumsticks and pickin’ sticks also fall under the umbrella of “dulcimer guitar.” These are typically simpler, stick-like instruments, designed for ease of playing within a specific key.
Stick Dulcimers: Diatonic Simplicity
Instruments like Strumsticks and pickin’ sticks are often referred to as stick dulcimers. A key feature of these instruments is their diatonic fretting. Unlike a guitar, which is chromatically fretted (meaning it has frets for every half step in an octave), a diatonic instrument is fretted to play notes within a single musical scale. This is what people mean when they say “you can’t play wrong notes” on a dulcimer – you’re naturally within the scale.
Stick dulcimers typically have fewer strings than a guitar, often three or four, and are tuned to a drone-like open tuning, such as G-D-G (root, fifth, octave). This tuning and diatonic nature contribute to their characteristic sound and ease of play, particularly for beginners. They are excellent for playing folk melodies and creating a beautiful, resonant sound with minimal technique.
Bob McNally playing a Strumstick, a type of diatonic stick dulcimer guitar
Seagull Merlin: Bridging Guitar and Dulcimer Worlds
The Seagull Merlin is another popular instrument often called a dulcimer guitar. Made by Godin Guitars, a well-known guitar manufacturer, the Merlin is designed to be more guitar-like in some aspects while retaining the simplicity of a dulcimer. While still diatonically fretted, the Merlin often features a wider neck and string spacing compared to stick dulcimers, making it comfortable for guitarists to pick up.
A distinctive feature of the Seagull Merlin is its use of paired strings for the top two courses. This “chorusing” effect, similar to a 12-string guitar or mandolin, adds richness and depth to the sound. The Merlin is a step closer to a guitar in feel and construction than a simple stick dulcimer, making it a great option for guitarists looking to explore the dulcimer family or beginners seeking an easy entry point into fretted instruments.
The Cumberland: A Modern Take on the Dulcimer Guitar
Expanding on the concept of a “dulcimer guitar,” Inglewood Instruments has developed “The Cumberland.” This instrument aims to be the quintessential dulcimer guitar by applying traditional guitar building techniques to the dulcimer concept. The Cumberland is designed to be a high-quality, handcrafted instrument that blends the accessible nature of a dulcimer with the precision and craftsmanship expected from a fine guitar.
While details on The Cumberland are best explored through dedicated resources, it represents a modern approach to the dulcimer guitar, aiming to create an instrument that is both easy to play and capable of producing rich, complex tones.
Tuning and Playing Your Dulcimer Guitar
Regardless of whether you choose a stick dulcimer like a Strumstick or a guitar-inspired dulcimer like the Seagull Merlin, you’ll find them generally easier to tune and play than a standard guitar, especially initially. Common tunings are open and diatonic, making chord shapes simpler and melodies readily accessible.
Many resources are available online to help you learn to play dulcimer guitars, including tutorials for popular songs adapted for these instruments. The focus is often on enjoying the process of making music quickly, rather than mastering complex techniques immediately.
Conclusion: Exploring the Dulcimer Guitar Family
The “dulcimer guitar” is not a singular instrument but rather a category encompassing various instruments that blend features of both mountain dulcimers and guitars. From the simple, diatonic stick dulcimers to the more guitar-like Seagull Merlin and modern interpretations like The Cumberland, there’s a diverse range to explore. If you’re intrigued by folk instruments, seeking an easy-to-learn stringed instrument, or looking for a unique sonic texture, delving into the world of dulcimer guitars is a rewarding musical journey. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or a complete beginner, a dulcimer guitar offers a unique and enjoyable path into making music.
