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Who played the dulcimer on The Rolling Stones’ 1966 song ‘Lady Jane’?
Brian Jones played the dulcimer on The Rolling Stones’ 1966 song “Lady Jane”, giving it its distinctive, almost psychedelic baroque-pop sound. His use of the instrument reflected his willingness to expand the band’s sound beyond its early blues and R&B roots.
Jones also played dulcimer on “I Am Waiting”, another track on the album *Aftermath*. He was inspired by American folk singer Richard Fariña, who often used the instrument; although Jones described it as an old English instrument, the dulcimer has roots in Appalachia. His experimentation was part of his wider musical contribution to the Stones before he was dismissed in 1968 and died later that year.
In short
- Brian Jones played dulcimer on “Lady Jane”.
- He also used it on “I Am Waiting”.
- Richard Fariña’s music helped inspire Jones.
Explained simply
The Rolling Stones began in the early 1960s as a band strongly influenced by American blues and rhythm and blues. By 1966, they were trying a wider range of sounds and instruments on their album Aftermath.
Brian Jones was a founding member who played several instruments in the band. On “Lady Jane” and “I Am Waiting”, he used a dulcimer, a stringed instrument associated with folk music; American singer Richard Fariña was one influence on his playing.