The Easiest Musical Instrument You've Never Heard Of (Probably)

Guitars? Everybody knows guitars. Ukuleles? Sure. Even cigar box guitars have made a name for themselves.

But mention a dulcimer guitar and there's a pretty good chance you'll get a blank stare.

Which is funny, because these little instruments have been around in one form or another for a LONG time. And I happen to think they're some of the easiest instruments you could ever pick up.

So why haven't more people heard of them?

What Exactly Is a Dulcimer Guitar?

Think of it as a traditional mountain dulcimer and a guitar coming together.

You get the simple tuning and fret pattern of a dulcimer, but in a familiar guitar-style shape.

Unlike a standard guitar, a dulcimer guitar has fewer notes to worry about, making it much easier to start playing songs without getting tangled up in complicated chord shapes.

In fact, you can play "Amazing Grace" with just one finger and two frets.

Yep. Really.

A Little History (And a Bit of a Mystery)

The dulcimer guitar has its roots in the Appalachian mountain dulcimer, which dates back to the 1800s.

The instrument gained popularity during the folk revival of the 1960s, and eventually guitar-style versions started appearing.

Today, you'll find them under all sorts of names, including Strumsticks, Pickin' Sticks, and Seagull Merlins.

Meanwhile, the guitar became a household name, and the poor old dulcimer guitar never quite got the same attention.

Which is a shame, because there's a LOT to love about these instruments.

See What All the Fuss Is About

I made a video explaining what makes dulcimer guitars so different, a little of their history, and why I think more people should be playing them.

And yes, I'll show you that one-finger version of "Amazing Grace" too.

WATCH: The Easiest Instrument You've Never Heard Of

Already a dulcimer guitar fan? Send this one to that friend who's still wondering what on earth you're playing. 

And if you're curious about trying one yourself, head over to Inglewood Instruments to explore our instruments and free learning resources.

Happy strumming!