How is a Jalisco harp tuned?
The normal 36 string Jalisco harp is tuned diatonically from G3 (2 and 1/2 octaves below middle “C”) to g’ (2 and 1/2 octaves above middle C). It can be tuned to any scale, to allow the harpist to play in any key, but it is commonly tuned to a G scale. Arturo Mendoza usually had his harp tuned to G. Some harpers tune to a C scale (the low string is still G, you just adjust the sharps and flats accordingly). Because of the time and difficultly involved in changing keys in performance situations, it is sometime necessary to play a song in one key, say “F”, while tuned in another key, say “A”. This is a separate issue.
