dulcimer g tuning

DAC, for instance, means the bass string is tuned to D, the middle string is tuned to A, and the melody string is tuned to C. "Strings" in this context may actually refer to courses of 2 strings that are played together (e.g., the melody string is doubled on most dulcimers). A four-string dulcimer has one bass string, one middle string, and two melody strings. The Dorian Mode scale begins on the fourth fret and runs through the eleventh fret. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Match the string to the note you hum. Note that this step and the bass tuning step are essentially the same for each method described in this article. The Mixolydian Mode scale begins on open melody string (also called the "zero fret") and runs through the seventh fret. I picked it up and started making music right away. If using a guitar, pluck the open fourth string to hear the correct note. You can play additional notes both below and above this scale on your dulcimer. 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. Now it … 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. Note that the Aeolian Mode is also called the "natural minor" mode. Dulcimers are usually tuned in a pattern( Gddd, Daaa, Aeee) etc., but not necessarily in a standard key. A dulcimer is a fretted, plucked musical instrument. Usually, though, you can tune your dulcimer at home without any professional help. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. This method of tuning is not as exact, but it will usually produce passable results. Electronic tuners are cheap and easily available. Then tune the melody string to that same note. This step and the step prior to it are the essentially same no matter which tuning method you use. If you do not have an instrument to tune the bass string to, hum a note with your voice that feels as natural and comfortable as possible. So, if the strings were tuned to EBE, it would still be a mixolydian tuning but in a different key. Most people use DAA, DAD, or DGD tunings on their dulcimers. Notice the half steps between the F# and G and again between the B and C. Keep in mind, it is the relationship between the notes of the open strings that define the mode, not the actual note. I bought this Merlin G-tuning Dulcimer as a gift. A three-string dulcimer has one bass string, one middle string, and one melody string. This step and the one immediately before it are the same for each different tuning method described here, so mastering these two steps is a crucial effort. These tunings work for 3, 4, and 5 string instruments. This sound is the A note, and it is also the same sound produced when you pluck the bass string after pressing the bass string down to the left of the fourth fret. I found that by improvising I was able to get quite a lot of music out of this dandy. If the string tunes well to A, it might not like D. So if you wanted to play in the key of G, for example, instead of making the tuning GDG, you might choose to make the bass the D, and the middle string the G for the DGD tuning. This browser cannot play the embedded audio file. It is true. Always tune up to a note, it helps you keep in tune for longer. It has been used for a variety of tunes, including. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. On newer dulcimers, there is an "extra" fret after the third fret. Merlin Mountain Dulcimer Rules! Similarly, the melody string is usually referred to as the "first" string even though you work on it last. Most traditional American songs are considered "natural major" songs. How is a fret also a string? Pluck a string and turn one of the tuning pegs to see if it is the one that you want to tune. Hum a note that feels as natural and comfortable as possible and tune the string to that sound. They are huge and complicated, and probably not what you are looking for. The article says, "Tune the third fret or bass string." 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 47,005 times. Electronic tuners are cheap and easily available. A five-string dulcimer has two bass strings, one middle string, and two melody strings. The Ionian Mode scale begins on the third fret and runs through the tenth fret. These tunings work for 3, 4, and 5 string instruments. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. DAA quick … If you've never tuned a dulcimer before, you might think that only a professional can do it. It has a tendency to "weep" and "wail," and it works well with many traditional Scottish and Irish songs. For the more experienced, who need only to hear the notes, select the “quick-tune” option. Because these open strings are vital to the sound of the instrument, it is extremely important for a dulcimer to be in tune. Sometimes the gauge of a dulcimer's strings limits which notes can be used on a particular string. With a gorgeous mahogany top and rock maple neck and body, the G Mountain Merlin is a … That actually means that you can press the other string on the third fret and tune the string you want to tune to the same tone. How do I tune in the most common key? DAA tune. The results may not be quite as precise, though. The lower knob on the right is usually the bass, and the upper knob on the right is usually your melody. They are pretty easy to retune and some dulcimer … 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.