Try These 90s Rock Songs on Dulcimer Guitar
Grab your favorite flannel shirt and imagine yourself on a rainy Seattle day while you learn these 90s rock songs on your dulcimer guitar.
Losing My Religion - R.E.M.
This now-classic song by R.E.M was first released in 1991. Micheal Stipe said the song was actually about his romantic expression. The phrase "losing my religion" is a phrase from the southern region that means "losing one's temper or civility".
Even though it’s more of a downer, it's still always a crowd-pleaser and a great one to learn. This tune requires a different way of using the chords and doesn't fall into the usual pattern (hint: 2m and 3m show up). In this three-minute video, you’ll learn the chord structure for the entire song.
Buddy Holly - Weezer
Weezer released the nostalgia-full song "Buddy Holly" in 1994 catapulting them into the mainstream following their breakthrough single known most commonly as “The Sweater Song.” The award-winning music video for Buddy Holly features the Happy Days gang alongside the band.
This song is pretty far away on the musical spectrum from the previous "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M., but it’s always enjoyable to medley (or mash up) highly varied songs, and since stick dulcimer guitars are generally in one of two keys (D or G), it means everything is easier to jam together into a musical sandwich. And that’s how we got this Weezer + R.E.M. Medley on McNally Strumstick Dulcimer Guitar.
Creep - Radiohead
Next on the list is the 1992 ever-covered rock hit “Creep” by the English band Radiohead. This melodramatic alt-rock song is an easy one because it only uses 4 chords in the same progression (or order of the chords) for the entire song.
Start with the “Creep” lesson video then open up the “Creep” cover video and play along! You’ll find out really fast that you don’t have to be a loser, a weirdo, or even an advanced dulcimer player to jam to this song.
1979 - Smashing Pumpkins
The Chicago-based, Smashing Pumpkins are yet another iconic 1990s grunge rock band. Led by frontman Billy Corgan, the Smashing Pumpkins released “1979” in 1996 on the melancholy album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
This cover is recorded in the key of "E" (not the usual key of “D”), but you can easily download a free Transposition Guide so you can switch keys and play it yourself! Also, this video features Sean Knisely’s first time playing a stick dulcimer! Let that be a testament to the ease of the instrument (and his high talent, of course.)
With or Without You - U2
Do you remember when U2 gave everyone a free album on iTunes and everyone seemed to kind of hate it? Well despite that, the Irish band led by Bono and the Edge has had quite the career including this single from the massively successful album Joshua Tree. “With or Without You” is accompanied by other singles from that record like “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “Where the Streets Have No Name.”
Also, a little cheat: this song was actually released in 1987 but we’re going to allow a late 80s tune live in the world of 90s rock. So check out this dulcimer guitar cover of “With or Without You.”
If you’re all grunged out now, you should go back in time even more with our two collections of classic rock songs.