dobro: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist)Specialist/Technical (Music)
Quick answer
What does “dobro” mean?
A type of resonator guitar, typically with a single metal resonator cone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of resonator guitar, typically with a single metal resonator cone.
A brand name that has become generic for any resonator guitar, particularly those with a metal body and distinct metallic, ringing tone used in blues, bluegrass, and American roots music.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in UK musical circles but is less culturally embedded than in the US, where the instrument originates. Usage is largely identical in technical meaning.
Connotations
Strongly connotes American folk, blues, bluegrass, and country music. In the UK, it may carry an exotic or specifically Americana association.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the instrument's central role in American musical genres.
Grammar
How to Use “dobro” in a Sentence
[Subject] + play + the dobro[Subject] + feature + a dobro + [in a song]The dobro + adds + [a texture] + [to something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dobro” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The folk musician brought out a dobro for the final, haunting tune.
- Its distinctive sound comes from the dobro's resonator cone.
American English
- He's a master of the dobro, especially on those classic bluegrass tunes.
- You can really hear the dobro cutting through the mix on that track.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in music retail (e.g., 'We stock several dobros.')
Academic
In ethnomusicology or music history papers discussing American folk instruments.
Everyday
Very rare outside conversations about music.
Technical
Common in lutherie, music gear reviews, and musician tutorials.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dobro”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dobro”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dobro”
- Capitalising it incorrectly in non-trademark contexts (Dobro vs. dobro).
- Using it to refer to any guitar played with a slide.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'o' in the first syllable (e.g., /dɔː/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Dobro is a specific brand and type of resonator guitar, typically with a single cone and often a wooden body. 'Resonator guitar' is the general term.
Bluegrass, blues, country, folk, and Americana music.
It is often played horizontally on the lap, using a metal slide (or bar) on the strings with the left hand and fingerpicks on the right hand.
It uses one or more metal resonator cones to amplify the sound acoustically, rather than relying solely on the vibration of a wooden soundboard.
A type of resonator guitar, typically with a single metal resonator cone.
Dobro is usually specialist/technical (music) in register.
Dobro: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒbrəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdoʊbroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word; instrument-associated phrases like "get that dobro mojo working."”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "DO the BROthers' guitar" – from the Dopyera brothers who invented it.
Conceptual Metaphor
The dobro is often metaphorically described as having a "crying," "singing," or "metallic voice."
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary origin of the word 'dobro'?