Tuning Analysis: Cittern Open D (Dsus4)

This tuning, officially named "Cittern open D", offers a rich, resonant sound perfectly suited for "Playing Melody and Chords for Traditional Irish Music." While the name suggests an Open D tuning, a technical analysis reveals it to be an Open Dsus4 tuning, making it ideal for creating atmospheric drones and engaging melodic lines. The open strings resonate with the notes A-D-A-D-G, which fundamentally outline a Dsus4 chord (D-G-A) with octave doublings and a low A bass note.

Technical Breakdown:

• Instrument: Cittern
• Open Notes: A1 - D2 - A2 - D3 - G3
• Chord Voicing: The open strings form a clear Dsus4 chord (D-G-A) across multiple octaves, providing a full and harmonically rich foundation. The repeated A and D notes create a strong, ringing sustain ideal for folk music.
• Intervals:
  • String 5 (A1) to String 4 (D2): Perfect 4th
  • String 4 (D2) to String 3 (A2): Perfect 5th
  • String 3 (A2) to String 2 (D3): Perfect 4th
  • String 2 (D3) to String 1 (G3): Perfect 4th
• Playability: The consistent intervals of Perfect 4ths and a Perfect 5th between strings make for logical fretboard navigation. This tuning naturally facilitates drone playing, common in Celtic music, and allows for easy melodic runs over the open Dsus4 harmony. Many common chords in the keys of D, G, and A will be readily accessible, often requiring fewer fingers due to the open string resonance.

How to Tune Your Cittern to Open D (Dsus4):

To achieve this specific "Cittern open D" tuning (A1 - D2 - A2 - D3 - G3), you will need to adjust your strings as follows from their implied standard positions. Please note that significant tuning down may require a lighter gauge string for optimal performance and to prevent string floppiness.

• String 5 (Lowest): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. Consider a lighter gauge string.
• String 4: Tune down 7 semitones to D2. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. Consider a lighter gauge string.
• String 3: Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider a lighter gauge string.
• String 2: Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider a lighter gauge string.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune down 4 semitones to G3.

Always use a reliable tuner and tune carefully to avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument.

String 5 (Lowest): A1

String 4: D2

String 3: A2

String 2: D3

String 1 (Highest): G3