Dulcimer vs Autoharp – What’s the Difference?

The dulcimer and the autoharp are both unique instruments that are gaining in popularity. While they share some similarities, they have very distinct characteristics and playing techniques that set them apart. In this article, we’ll take a quick look at the dulcimer vs autoharp.

Dulcimer vs Autoharp – An Introduction

When we talk about dulcimers, two styles generally come to mind. The first style is the Appalachian or “mountain” dulcimer which is often played on the lap. This is traditionally a narrowly-shaped, fretted acoustic instrument with strings that are strummed to produce sound – either with fingers or with a pick (or “plectrum”). Sometimes a noter is used to hold down the melody strings while playing.

The second style is the hammered dulcimer, which is a multi-stringed acoustic instrument whose strings are struck with small hammers. The hammered dulcimer is typically trapezoidal in shape and played on a solid surface or table. Both styles produce the “sweet” dulcet sounds that are characteristic of dulcimers.

While there are other less played varieties of dulcimer instruments, including the dulcimer guitar, the stick dulcimer, the banjo dulcimer, and the resonator dulcimers, the most popular styles today are the mountain and hammered dulcimers.

Construction

When comparing the dulcimer vs autoharp, let’s first start off with their construction.

As mentioned above, the mountain dulcimer typically consists of an hourglass-shaped soundboard while the hammered dulcimer consists of a trapezoidal-shaped soundboard. Both are traditionally constructed of wood.

Both feature multiple strings that are usually arranged in courses or pairs. The strings can be struck with small hammers or mallets (in the case of the hammered dulcimer), or they can be plucked or strummed with the fingers or a pick (in the case of a mountain dulcimer). The soundboard’s shape and the playing technique differentiate the hammered and mountain dulcimers.

The autoharp, on the other hand, is a chordophone instrument that has a rectangular body with a soundboard. It has a set of chord bars positioned above the strings. When the player presses a chord bar, it dampens certain strings to produce a chord when the strings are strummed. The autoharp usually has buttons or keys on the chord bars that correspond to specific chords or notes.

Generally speaking, the most popular autoharps have 15 or 21 chords.  Advanced players often prefer 21 chords as it provides the most expansive musical range.  Beginners typically start off with 15 chord autoharps, although 21 chord autoharps (while slightly heavier) will do just fine.  Autoharps with 15 chords are generally easier to play, and make a great choice for starting out.

Read More >> The Best Autoharps Reviewed for 2024

Playing Technique

When in comes to the dulcimer vs autoharp, there are many notable differences in terms of playing technique.

Playing the dulcimer involves striking or plucking the strings to produce sound. In the hammered dulcimer, the player uses small hammers or mallets to strike the strings, creating a percussive and melodic effect. In other dulcimer variations, such as the mountain dulcimer, the strings are plucked or strummed with the fingers or a pick. The dulcimer allows for both melodic playing and chordal accompaniment.

Playing the autoharp involves strumming or plucking the strings with the fingers or a pick. The player uses one hand to strum the strings while the other hand presses the chord bars to select the desired chords. By pressing different chord bars, the player can quickly change chords while strumming, allowing for easy accompaniment and chord progressions. The autoharp is primarily played in an accompaniment role, providing chords to support singing or other instruments.

Musical Styles and Repertoire

In terms of musical style and repertoire, there are distinct differences when comparing the dulcimer vs autoharp.

The dulcimer is commonly associated with folk and traditional music, particularly in the Appalachian region of the United States. It has a distinctive sound that lends itself well to playing traditional tunes and creating a melodic and rhythmic foundation. However, the dulcimer has also been adapted to contemporary genres, including folk-rock and world music.

The autoharp is often used in folk and popular music genres. It is popular in traditional folk music and is frequently used as an accompaniment instrument for singing. The autoharp’s ability to produce chords with a simple strumming technique makes it accessible for beginners and versatile for various musical styles. It has been used in folk, country, bluegrass, and even rock and pop music. Dolly Parton played the autoharp in many of her songs.

Sound Production and Range

When comparing the dulcimer vs autoharp, there are also distinct differences in sound production and range.

The dulcimer produces a bright and resonant sound. The hammered dulcimer, in particular, has a rich and complex timbre due to the interaction of the struck strings and the soundboard. The dulcimer’s sound is often described as sweet and bell-like, and it can range from soft and delicate to robust and lively, depending on the playing technique and instrument size.

The autoharp has a more mellow and chordal sound. The strings of the autoharp are strummed or plucked, and the chords are created by damping specific strings with the chord bars. The autoharp’s sound is often characterized by its chordal strumming patterns and has a distinct rhythm and harmony component.

Autoharp Configurations

Generally speaking, the most popular autoharp configurations are set up to play in a certain number of keys (based on a simple 3-chord song).

For example:

• 12-chord autoharps can play songs in F, C, and G
• Standard 15-chord autoharps can play songs in Bb, F, C, G, and D
• Standard 21-chord autoharps can play songs in Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, and A

Note that the 12-chord autoharp is no longer widely manufactured.

Read More >> The Best Autoharps Reviewed for 2024

Final Thoughts: Dulcimer vs Autoharp

The dulcimer and the autoharp are both unique instruments with an interesting history, and which are enjoying a bit of a renaissance. While they share some similarities, they both have very distinct characteristics. In this article, we touched on some of the key areas that set them apart.

Hopefully this comparison of the dulcimer vs autoharp was useful – drop us a line if there are additional areas you’d like us to highlight.