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| Traditional fifth-interval tuning scheme |
This is by far the most common tuning scheme used for the hammered dulcimer. It is called “fifth-interval” because the treble bridge is positioned such that the note on the left side of the bridge is a perfect fifth interval above the note on the right. Similarly, each note on the right side of the treble bridge is a fifth interval higher than the adjacent note below it on the bass bridge.
The instrument is tuned in major scale sequences. The scales available on dulcimers with the traditional fifth-interval tuning are D, G, C, F, A, and sometimes E. B minor, E minor, A minor, D minor, and F# minor scales and the other modes associated with the major scales are also available. Playing in other keys is usually possible, although inconvenient, by re-tuning one or two courses of strings up or down a half-step.
This fifth-interval style of tuning works very well with traditional fiddle tunes, old-time, bluegrass, and dance music. People also enjoy playing original and improvisational music and arrangements of hymns, popular and classical music.