Which Dulcimer Tuning to Use?
The tuning you use with your dulcimer can change a lot about how you play it and what you can play on it. The tonality changes and the feel is different, different songs suggest themselves, and you have to learn a whole new set of scales and chords!
In this article, we are not going to talk about hammered dulcimers. They are huge and complicated, and probably not what you are looking for. Here, you’ll find out about some of the most popular dulcimer tunings for 3, 4, and 5 string mountain dulcimers.
Common Dulcimer Tunings
Most people use DAA, DAD, or DGD tunings on their dulcimers. These tunings work for 3, 4, and 5 string instruments. If you don’t understand, don’t worry, it will soon become clear.
Major Dulcimer Tunings
Below are some of the major dulcimer tunings.
- DAA (D Ionian): One of the most commonly used tunings, DAA has the bass string(s) tuned to D, the middle string tuned to A, and the melody string(s) tuned to A as well.
- DAD (D Mixolydian): DAD has the bass string(s) tuned to D, the middle string tuned to A, and the melody string(s) tuned to D.
- DGD (Reverse D Ionian): DGD has the bass string(s) tuned to D, the middle string tuned to G, and the melody string(s) tuned to D. It allows the user to play easily in the key of G and is a variation of DAA tuning.
Minor Dulcimer Tunings
Below are some of the minor dulcimer tunings.
- DAC (Aeolian): DAC has the bass string(s) tuned to D, the middle string tuned to A, and the melody string(s) tuned to C. It allows the player to use the minor scale starting on the first fret.
- DAG (Dorian): DAG has the bass string(s) tuned to D, the middle string tuned to A, and the melody string(s) tuned to G. The minor scale begins on the 4th fret.
Dulcimer Tuning
Pluck a string and turn one of the tuning pegs to see if it is the one that you want to tune.
If you are tuning from a piano, the note you should use for the bass string (D) is the D below middle C. From a guitar, the bass string should sound like the 4th string of a guitar in standard tuning. A pitch pipe will give you the right tone but not which D to choose.
Be careful not to over-tension the strings, as they can potentially snap.
When you are tuning your dulcimer to itself (without an outside reference tone), you can find the right note for the next string down by counting along the frets. Unlike a guitar, dulcimers are diatonic, so it is like counting along the white notes of a keyboard.
For DAA:
- The third fret of the bass string will give you A
- Then tune the melody string to that same note
For DAD:
- Find the A on the bass string, tune the middle string to that
- Then tune the melody string to the bass string
For DAC:
- DAD follows the same pattern until you get to the melody string, when you count three along the middle string (A -> B -> C)
- And tune from there.
Thankfully, tuners are relatively inexpensive and small enough to carry around with you in your gig bag. Be sure to check out our review of some of the highest rated tuners available online. Don’t leave home with one!
