The "Guitar mandolina" is, as its name suggests, a highly experimental and distinctive tuning designed for the guitar, aiming to evoke a mandolin-like brightness and resonance while pushing the boundaries of traditional guitar voicings. This tuning takes every string significantly higher than standard, resulting in a bright, taut sound profile.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to A2, C3, G3, A3, D4, A4 (from low to high). This creates a rich, complex open chord. Technically, the open tuning forms an A minor 7 (add 11) chord (A-C-G-D), offering a melancholic yet open and resonant drone quality. The intervals between strings are varied: a minor third (A2-C3), a perfect fifth (C3-G3), a major second (G3-A3), a perfect fourth (A3-D4), and another perfect fifth (D4-A4). This combination of intervals will necessitate a complete re-thinking of chord shapes and scale patterns, opening up new melodic and harmonic possibilities.

The presence of multiple A notes (A2, A3, A4) and D notes (D4, as well as A being the 5th of D) makes this tuning particularly well-suited for drone-based music or folk styles where open string resonance is desired. Chords like Dsus2 or G major might be surprisingly accessible or easily voiced across several open strings with minimal fretting, given the D-A-A on the top three strings and the G on the fourth string. The strong minor third interval on the bottom two strings (A-C) provides a solid harmonic foundation for minor keys.

Important Considerations:

It is crucial to note that this tuning involves substantial upward tension increases on all strings. Specifically, the Low E, D, and High E strings are tuned up by 5 semitones, and the A and B strings are tuned up by 3 semitones. These are significant adjustments. For movements exceeding 4 semitones, it is strongly advised to consider using a lighter gauge set of strings to prevent excessive stress on the guitar neck, bridge, and tuners, and to avoid string breakage. Proceed with caution and monitor your guitar's stability when attempting this tuning.

Open String Notes:

• 6th String (Low E): A2
• 5th String (A): C3
• 4th String (D): G3
• 3rd String (G): A3
• 2nd String (B): D4
• 1st String (High E): A4

How to Tune:

Starting from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 5 semitones from E2 to A2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 3 semitones from A2 to C3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 5 semitones from D3 to G3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 3 semitones from B3 to D4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 5 semitones from E4 to A4.

Given the significant upward adjustments, especially for strings tuned up 5 semitones, it is highly recommended to tune gradually and check your guitar's intonation and neck relief. Consider using lighter gauge strings to manage the increased tension.