How to tune ALL FIVE strings of a 5-string dulcimer

2 ANSWERS

1. amomipais82
   

   Hi,
   Well, as far as I know, a five-string dulcimer is played with a doubled first string, a single middle and a doubled bass string, sometimes tuned an octave apart. The slots in the tuning nut and bridge of your dulcimer should tell you if you're set up for this. Thus, you can use the regular tunings of DAA, DAD, whatever.There are probably people out there playing five-string equidistant style, but I don't know about it.  Now, if you want to try four-string equidistant playing, check out Janita Baker's recordings and books – I LOVE her stuff!
   
   The best fingerpicking agility exercises? Fingerpicking! That's the best. I broke a couple of bones in my left wrist one time and, after surgery, bolts, all that stuff, got sent to rehab. The exercises, designed to give me flexibility, were silly, too easy and pointless. Instead, I played – a LOT! It hurt like blazes, but slowly, my fingers picked up their old flexibility, until I became even more agile than I was before the motorcycle accident. Fast fingerpicking is a big part of my dulcimer style, and that comes from playing. Note that I don't say “practicing.” That conjures up images for me of old Mrs. Grundy the piano teacher whacking some poor kid with a ruler. I never “practice,” but I PLAY, all the time.  Just keep at it – it will happen.
   
   Thanks

   Report (0) (0)  |   12 years, 9 month(s) ago  

2. jane
   

   hello
   
   Well, you want to consider tuning down a step...this will put you in the Key of C:
   
   C G G from the low string to the middle to the melody strings...these are the same intervals as your DAA tuning...only one whole step down. This will give you a solid open C tuning starting point...it should be quite a bit easier to play in both the C and G Keys...only, keep in mind, you might encounter more buzzing in rattle since the strings are detuned an entire step.
   hope it helps

   Report (0) (0)  |   12 years, 9 month(s) ago