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| 5th-interval tuning scheme |
Fifth-Interval Tuning
Most dulcimers include a range of at least 2½ octaves, from G3 to D6 where Middle C is C4. Some instruments have a bass range extending down to D3. Few instruments go higher than D6.
The major scales most commonly available on dulcimers with the traditional fifth-interval tuning are D, G, C, F, A, and sometimes E. The minor scales and other modes associated with these major scales are also available. Playing in other keys is usually possible by retuning one or two courses of strings.
An instrument that can play all the sharp and flat notes within its range is called chromatic. When only the notes of one certain major scale are available, the instrument is called diatonic. The standard hammered dulcimer lies somewhere between these two classifications, as it offers a number of major scales but does not have all possible sharps and flats. The fact that there are multiple diatonic scales available means that each scale also has some chromatic notes. For instance, the diatonic scale for the key of G has an F#, but you can also play an F natural, since that note shows up in the diatonic scale for the key of C.
Chromatic Tuning Schemes
There are fully chromatic hammered dulcimers, which use all kinds of tuning schemes to achieve the availability of all sharps and flats. The tuning scheme we use on our Chromatic Series instruments (D300, D500, D550, D600 & D650) is a variation on the traditional fifth-interval tuning. The chromatic notes either replace duplicated notes or are added by means of new bridges. Players accustomed to the traditional fifth-interval scheme usually have little difficulty adapting to this chromatic tuning.
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| Piano dulcimer scale |
Another approach to a chromatic dulcimer is the Piano Dulcimer tuning invented by long-time dulcimer designer and builder Sam Rizzetta and licensed to Dusty Strings. This tuning mimics the layout of a piano keyboard, can be easily played in any key, and is often immediately logical to anyone familiar with the piano.
We build two models of Piano Dulcimer, the PD30 with 2.5 octaves and laminated soundboard and back, and the PD40 with 3.5 chromatic octaves and solid Honduras mahogany soundboard and back.