Dulcimers are Modal instruments. Played like the white keys on the piano
the scale from C to C, no sharps or flats. A mode is a type of scale and on
the dulcimer the modal scale starts on the third fret and continues from do , ray,
Mi,.. to the octave do on the tenth fret .
Different modes can evoke different tonal emotions and some songs sound better
in certain modes or tunings.
The reference links above show some basic chord positions for four popular tunings.
the scale from C to C, no sharps or flats. A mode is a type of scale and on
the dulcimer the modal scale starts on the third fret and continues from do , ray,
Mi,.. to the octave do on the tenth fret .
Different modes can evoke different tonal emotions and some songs sound better
in certain modes or tunings.
The reference links above show some basic chord positions for four popular tunings.
Tuning DD-A-D
Tuning AA-A-D
Tuning CC-A-D
Tuning GG-A-D