War Pigs - Heavy metal dulcimer

Heavy metal dulcimer. Cover of “War Pigs,” classic Black Sabbath, played on a 3-string electric mountain dulcimer by Sam Edelston. This song was originally released in 1970, and was at least partly about the Vietnam War. (In its earliest version, it was about Satanists and evil, but their record company made them change it.) I heard it recently, and knew that it HAD to be played on the dulcimer.

Dulcimers are natural rock instruments. In fact, I even say that dulcimers are among the world's coolest musical instruments, and they deserve to be known by the general public - the way that everybody knows guitars and ukuleles. Though usually associated with old folk songs and tunes, dulcimers are great for a shocking variety of modern music, too. I do these videos to inspire more people to play and listen to dulcimer music, in diverse, non-traditional styles.

If you like what you hear, please "Like" it, Share it, and check out more of my videos.

And definitely check out my new studio album, MAKING WAVES - dulcimer versions of mostly classic rock and pop songs, with a rock band - https://edelstondulcimer.bandcamp.com...

Also, Subscribe to me on YouTube or "Like" my FB fan page, so you'll find out about future videos and more.   / sam.edelston.music   .
Website: www.SamTheMusicMan.com

Song written by Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward.

Differences from the original: Metal devotees will immediately note that I double-clutched the D chord on each line of the verses. It just happened, and I liked the sound. Also, I debated long and hard about whether to post this song, because I don’t normally call people pigs, no matter how objectionable they may be; the world would be a less warlike place if people didn’t insult each other. Finally, someday, I’d like to record this song with a drummer.

Technical details: Black Wolf electric chromatic 3-string dulcimer built by Rod Matheson, tuned DAD, played in E major, which is the key of the original recording. The 1+ and 4+ frets are used extensively, but all of the chromatic frets are used at least incidentally. Two channels of output, with no nonsense about the effects here: Channel A goes through a bit of EQ, Cry Baby Wah, and two overdrives. Channel B has an Octave pedal followed by Overdrive and Noise Suppressor. A bit of reverb is added at the amp.