Tuning using Hertz or a tablet app

My first weeks with the dulcimer were very challenging. The book I had said something like "go to a piano" (like there's one of those in every home these days!) and then "find middle C" - (Gulp! There's 88 keys!).

Of course I turned a tuning peg much too far going the wrong way and broke a string. I hadn't even Biled a single Cabbage and I was already having to make a trip to the music store.

My solution to tuning challenges was to use my hubby's guitar tuning app on his iPad. There notes are measured in Hertz and it is much easier for me to figure out if I need to go up or down with the string tension.

Here, then, is what I think the different tunings are, in Hertz. Please feel free to make corrections.

More information on notes to Hertz can be found on Wikipedia under "scientific pitch notation"

Enjoy!

Middle C = 261.6 Hertz

First Letter = Bass string. Second letter = Middle String

Double letters = double melody strings

Mixolydian tuning

D = 146.83

A = 220.00

dd= 293.66

Ionian tuning

D = 146.83

A = 220.00

AA = 220.00

C = 261.60

G = 196.00

GG = 196.00

Aeolian tuning

D = 146.83

A = 220.00

CC = 261.63

Dorian tuning

D = 146.83

A = 220.00

GG = 196.00

Lydian tuning

C = 130.81

G = 392.00

dd = 293.66