Balsamino Cetarissima Tuning Analysis

The "Balsamino cetarissima" tuning, originating from Balsamino's Novellette (1594), is a historical tuning for the Cittern. This tuning offers a rich and resonant sonic landscape, characteristic of Renaissance-era plucked string instruments. The unique arrangement of notes creates a bright, open sound, particularly suited for intricate melodies and harmonic textures common in period music.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning, specifically for a 7-string Cittern, establishes a strong C major tonality with deep bass extensions. The top four strings (C3, E3, G3, C4) clearly outline a C major chord across different octaves, providing a very full and ringing C major when strummed open. The middle strings (G2, C3, E3) offer a beautiful C major triad, making it exceptionally easy to voice C major chords and arpeggios. The inclusion of G2 (string 5) supports the C major harmony while also suggesting a G major presence, allowing for easy transitions to G dominant or G major voicings. The lowest strings (A1, D2) add depth and complexity, potentially hinting at a Cadd9 or even an Am7 (A-C-E-G) feel, providing a rich harmonic foundation that is both vibrant and historically authentic. The arrangement makes certain open chords readily available, such as C Major (strings 4-1), G Major (strings 5, 3, 2 easily forming parts of it), and D minor (D on string 6, A on string 7, with C and E nearby).

Technical Analysis

The tuning for the 7-string Cittern is laid out as follows:

• 7th String: A1
• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: C3
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: G3
• 1st String: C4

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings:

• A1 to D2: Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• D2 to G2: Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• G2 to C3: Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• C3 to E3: Major Third (4 semitones)
• E3 to G3: Minor Third (3 semitones)
• G3 to C4: Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)

The tuning features a distinct pattern of perfect fourths in the lower register, which then shifts to a major third and a minor third in the middle, before returning to a perfect fourth on the highest strings. This combination provides both harmonic richness and melodic fluidity, allowing for both chordal accompaniment and intricate single-note lines.

How to Tune Your Cittern to Balsamino Cetarissima

To achieve the Balsamino cetarissima tuning, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 7th String: Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• 6th String: Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String: Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String: Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String: Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String: Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Please exercise caution when tuning down 4 semitones; a different gauge string might be advisable for stability and optimal tone.
• 1st String: Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Please exercise caution when tuning down 4 semitones; a different gauge string might be advisable for stability and optimal tone.

The open string notes for the Balsamino cetarissima tuning are:

7th String: A1

6th String: D2

5th String: G2

4th String: C3

3rd String: E3

2nd String: G3

1st String: C4