Standardly tuned diatonically with a normal 12/11 having the lowest octave in D, the next in G, and the top octave in C. The bridge rail splits the string courses in 5ths so the right side of the first octave is D,E,F#,G and the left side being A(across from D),B,C#,D(across from G). Bridge caps at the D/A and the G/D are a different look, generally black if the other caps are white. The G of that last G/D course that has the darkened bridge cap begins the next octave in G and the C that is the 4th in G begins the C octave. Normally you will find they have one course below the D thuned to C#(right) and one course above the final octave in C tuned to G(right).

There are other string configurations such as 15/14, 16/15, 18/17, 20/19. The larger course dulcimers are often built with additional bridges to add in chromatic notes that are missing as some notes are obviously duplicated.

That's the "nutshell." Other instruments which are similar, as the Dulcimer is known or has been known in every culture for almost 200 years, include the Santir and the Cymbalom. The Cymbalom may be the highest evolution, generally having 5 to 6 octaves tuned diatonically with many extra chromatic notes included and a damping system similar to a piano.

Virtually every type of music has been played on this family of instruments which are the true forerunners of the piano (you're playing a piano with two fingers).

The true beauty of the Hammered Dulcimer is IN the tuning which is very ingenious. A 16/15 unit with a few chromatic bridges will cover virtually anything you want to play and its a lot easier and more versatile, even for embellishments, than any straight chromatic tuning.

Khandu....PM me if you want more.......I've built almost 200 of them.

Spaw