With a literal meaning of “sweet song”, the dulcimer certainly lives up to its name. There are however many different types of dulcimers, depending on the country of design.

Most dulcimers are of the “hammered” variety, with the instrument set up on a stand and played with mallets, as seen in this video. Then there are fretted dulcimers, such as the mountain dulcimer, that are played by setting the instrument on the lap, and plucking or strumming the strings by hand.

After viewing this medieval jig, Click Here to check out the Tibetan hammered dulcimer, the santoor.