6 Best Instructional Dvds For Dulcimer Beginners

The mountain dulcimer is a folk instrument that rewards the same patience and steady hand required to master intricate cable work or fine lace knitting. Choosing the right instructional DVD is as crucial as selecting the correct needle material for a slippery mohair blend; the wrong tool will only create frustration, while the right one will unlock a lifetime of musical satisfaction. Much like a well-written knitting pattern, a high-quality instructional disc provides the rhythm and technical foundation necessary to progress from simple repetitive motifs to complex, expressive compositions. These six recommendations represent the gold standard for transforming a novice player into a confident musician.

Stephen Seifert’s You Can Play Dulcimer: Best All-Around

This instructional set functions much like a set of interchangeable circular needles: it is versatile, reliable, and capable of handling almost any project a beginner might encounter. The curriculum focuses on building a solid technical foundation without unnecessary fluff.

Seifert excels at breaking down complex hand movements into manageable, rhythmic steps. Think of it like learning to maintain even tension in stranded colorwork; once the basic mechanics are internalized, the speed and accuracy follow naturally.

The bottom line: Choose this if you want a clear, logical progression that mimics a structured knitting workshop. It provides the most balanced approach for those who want to play both traditional melodies and contemporary arrangements.

David Schnaufer’s Learn to Play Dulcimer: Best for Folk

If the goal is to master the soul of the instrument, this DVD serves as the perfect guide. Much like using a rustic, woolen yarn to give a sweater character and warmth, Schnaufer emphasizes the earthy, traditional roots of the mountain dulcimer.

The instruction leans heavily into the nuances of traditional Appalachian style. It encourages the player to embrace the instrument’s natural voice rather than forcing it into rigid, modern constraints.

The bottom line: Invest here if you prefer a traditional aesthetic. It is the equivalent of learning to knit classic Gansey sweaters; it respects history while teaching the fundamental skills necessary to create something timeless.

Lois Hornbostel’s Getting Started: Most Comprehensive

For those who treat learning an instrument like tackling a complex, multi-part heirloom quilt, Hornbostel provides the depth required. This DVD covers technical aspects that other instructors often brush over.

The material spans everything from basic tuning to sophisticated playing techniques. It is an exhaustive resource, similar to a comprehensive encyclopedia of stitch patterns that stays on the shelf for decades of reference.

The bottom line: Opt for this DVD if you are a methodical learner who values depth over brevity. It is the most thorough resource, ensuring no technical stone is left unturned.

Madeline MacNeil’s You Can Play!: Best Gentle Start

Some knitters prefer starting with an easy-to-manage worsted weight wool rather than slippery silk, and this DVD offers that same level of accessibility. MacNeil removes the intimidation factor often associated with picking up a new instrument.

The pace is deliberate and soothing, ensuring that every concept is understood before moving to the next. It avoids the “sink or swim” approach that discourages many beginners.

The bottom line: Select this if you need a low-pressure environment. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy the process of learning without feeling rushed through the fundamentals.

Dulcimer Basics with Mike Seeger: For History Lovers

This DVD offers a perspective on the dulcimer that goes beyond simple mechanics. It frames the instrument within its cultural context, much like learning the history of a specific fiber breed before knitting with it.

Seeger demonstrates the instrument’s place in American folk music with authority and ease. It is less of a rigid lesson and more of a guided exploration of a craft.

The bottom line: Choose this if you care about the “why” as much as the “how.” It provides a deeper appreciation for the instrument’s soul, which can significantly influence the way you approach your own practice.

David O’Dell’s Get Started: Best Modern Method

Modern pedagogy often favors direct, no-nonsense instructions that align with current learning styles. O’Dell’s method is clean, efficient, and avoids the archaic structures found in older instructional videos.

This approach is highly effective for those who want to see results quickly. It mirrors the modern knitter’s desire for efficient patterns that produce polished, professional-looking garments with minimal waste of time.

The bottom line: Pick this if you want a streamlined, contemporary approach. It is the best choice for those who value efficiency and clear, modern pedagogical techniques.

How to Choose Your First Mountain Dulcimer

The quality of the wood and the precision of the construction will dictate your success. Just as a blunt needle tip will split a delicate yarn, a poorly crafted dulcimer will make playing physically difficult and acoustically dull.

Look for a dulcimer with a comfortable scale length and decent action. A high action—the distance between the strings and the fretboard—will cause unnecessary strain on your hands, much like knitting with needles that are too heavy for your project.

• Check the build: Ensure there are no cracks or warped joints in the wood.
• Verify the frets: Run your hand along the neck to ensure the frets are smooth and do not snag.
• Test the tone: Even as a beginner, listen for a clear, resonant sound across all strings.

Essential Accessories for Dulcimer Beginners

You cannot knit without quality notions, and the same holds for playing the dulcimer. A good tuner is non-negotiable; like a tape measure for gauging, it ensures accuracy from the very first note.

You will also need a variety of picks or “noters” to experiment with. Much like different needle materials—bamboo, metal, or carbon fiber—different pick materials will produce different sounds and feel different in your grip.

• Electronic Tuner: Essential for maintaining consistent pitch.
• Spare String Sets: Strings break, just as yarn snags or runs out.
• Soft-sided Case: Protects your investment during transport or storage.

Understanding and Reading Dulcimer Tablature

Tablature is the shorthand of the string world, much like a knitting chart serves as a visual guide for a complex cable pattern. It tells you exactly where to place your fingers, bypassing the need for traditional music theory in the early stages.

Learn to read the lines, the fret numbers, and the rhythmic indicators. Once you understand the grid, you can translate any song into a series of repeatable physical actions, just as you decode a stitch pattern into a physical garment.

• Understand the grid: The lines represent the strings, and the numbers indicate the fret.
• Observe rhythms: Pay attention to the spacing, which indicates the timing of the notes.
• Start simple: Begin with slow, single-line melodies before attempting chords.

Mountain vs. Hammered: Which Dulcimer is for You?

The mountain dulcimer and the hammered dulcimer are as different as knitting a sweater and weaving a tapestry. The mountain dulcimer is played on the lap with a fretboard, while the hammered dulcimer is a large, trapezoidal instrument played with mallets.

The mountain dulcimer is ideal for melodic, folk-based playing. The hammered dulcimer is better suited for rhythmic, percussive arrangements that require a wider range of notes and chords simultaneously.

• Mountain Dulcimer: More intimate, easier to transport, great for solo folk music.
• Hammered Dulcimer: Larger, complex, better for playing with ensembles or in orchestral settings.
• Physicality: Consider your space and your comfort with standing or sitting for long sessions.

Mastering the dulcimer is a journey that requires the same dedication as any fine craft, but with the right guidance, the musical rewards are immediate. By selecting the DVD that best matches your learning style and goals, you set yourself up for a lifetime of rhythmic, melodic discovery. Treat your instrument with the same care you would a hand-dyed skein of wool, and it will remain a source of inspiration for years to come.