Dulcimer Tunings Ionian C Tuning

by Mickey Cochran

Folk of the Wood Acoustic Music Instruction

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There are many ways to tune your dulcimer...and, keep in mind, since the dulcimer relies on drones to carry it harmonically, these varied tunings will ensure that you can cover most keys within a variety of playing settings. Therefore, it's highly recommended that you memorize these tunings as if they were songs unto themselves.

Our second tuning is called the Ionian Key of C...the G strings are pitched higher than the C string (bass string)...you would start by first tuning the C string to correct pitch. See below for step-by-step instructions.

Notes: With the C Ionian Tuning, you can play any song written for the Ionian Key of D...since the string intervals are the same. This will allow you to adapt to new Key settings with the very same song you've memorized with the Ionian Key of D.

See the entire fingerboard layout for Ionian CGG Tuning

Tuning Your Dulcimer

You're now sitting comfortably with your dulcimer in your lap, and you are prepared to play. Unfortunately, the hardest part, and most critical, is in front of you: tuning. There are many approaches to tuning your dulcimer; my recommendation is to purchase an electronic tuner. This way you cannot go wrong. And, by using an electronic tuner, you're ensured that the instrument sounds harmonious with every strum. In fact, when the mountain dulcimer is in tune, you cannot hit a sour note. You'll sound like a pro from the start.

Standard C tuning for the Dulcimer follows:
1st String (bass) C--2nd String (middle drone) G--3rd String & 4th String (melody strings) G

1. Electronic Tuner: If you can afford it, buy and electronic tuner. This is by far the easiest way to get tuned and started. You can visually determine whether a string is out of tune by LCD readout or LED indicator...depending on the type of tuner you purchase. You'll also spare your family's ears by practicing in tune. Imagine how much more inspiring it is to learn to play when you're optimally tuned. On a dulcimer, since it's tuned to an open chord, you'll sound good from the start by utilizing an electronic tuner.

2. Pitch Pipe: These are fine, except they are designed for guitars; I haven't seen a dulcimer pitch pipe to date.

3. Guitar: If you already play guitar, you can simply match the C string of the dulcimer with the 5th string 3rd fret (C) on the guitar and the G strings (the remaining unison strings) with the 3rd string on the guitar.

4. Tune it to itself: If you do not have an electronic tuner, you may tune it by utilizing the following procedure: If you've had no background in music, this would be next to impossible, and I'd highly recommend buying an electronic tuner. If you do have a background in music, simply start by having a reference pitch. For instance, if you have a reference for the C string you're ready to start. After tuning the C string, fret the C string on the 4th fret to get a reference for your G string (2nd string). After tuning the 2nd string to the 4th fret of the C string, simply match the 3rd and 4th strings with the 2nd string so that they are all tuned in unison.

Upon tuning to any of the above methods, you may find that your dulcimer still doesn't sound right. A couple of things to consider would be:

1. You may need to repeat the procedure to ensure that you've correctly matched all pitches.

2. Old Strings: if your strings are very old and rusty, you'll find it easier to tune once you've replaced them.

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