\n This unique tuning, known as Dulcimer D (Bukey Style), transforms your guitar into a resonant soundscape reminiscent of a traditional dulcimer. Designed specifically for ssbukey.com.au instruments, it's an Open D tuning with a distinct arrangement of octaves and fifths, creating a bright, full, and drone-like character ideal for melodic playing and open chord voicings.\n

Playing Style & Chord Possibilities

\n The open strings collectively form a strong D major chord (D-D-D-A-D-D), making it immediately harmonious and resonant. This setup is particularly well-suited for fingerstyle playing, slide guitar, or creating rich, sustained drones. Basic major chords are easily accessible by simply barring across a single fret (e.g., barring all strings at the 2nd fret yields an E major chord, the 3rd fret a G major, etc.). The repeating D notes across multiple octaves provide a powerful foundation, while the central A string (the fifth) offers melodic grounding. This tuning encourages exploration of simple melodic lines over a rich harmonic bed, especially within the D major scale.\n

Technical Breakdown

\n The tuning consists of the following notes from low to high: D2, D3, D3, A3, D4, D4.\n

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• String 6 (Low E) is tuned down to D2.
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• String 5 (A) is tuned up to D3 (a perfect 4th above its standard A, or 5 semitones).
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• String 4 (D) remains at D3.
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• String 3 (G) is tuned up to A3 (a major 2nd above its standard G, or 2 semitones).
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• String 2 (B) is tuned up to D4 (a minor 3rd above its standard B, or 3 semitones).
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• String 1 (High E) is tuned down to D4.
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\n This arrangement creates a D-D-D-A-D-D intervallic structure. The abundance of D notes provides a strong fundamental and octave richness, while the A on the 3rd string acts as the perfect fifth, solidifying the D major tonality. The unison D notes on strings 5 & 4, and 2 & 1 further enhance the drone capabilities and resonance.\n

How to Tune

\n To achieve the Dulcimer D (Bukey Style) tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:\n

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• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
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• String 5 (A): Tune up 5 semitones to D3. CAUTION: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant increase in tension. A different string gauge (lighter) is strongly advised for this string to prevent breakage and potential neck damage.
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• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
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• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
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• String 2 (B): Tune up 3 semitones to D4.
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• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.
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\n Always tune slowly and check your guitar's neck relief after any significant tuning change.\n

String 6 (Low E): D2

String 5 (A): D3

String 4 (D): D3

String 3 (G): A3

String 2 (B): D4

String 1 (High E): D4