This is the 'gunt' tuning for a Lute, as described by its creator: "gunt hvljkv hjkv gunut omg gunt". This particular tuning presents a highly unconventional and experimental approach to the Lute's setup, deviating significantly from standard tunings.

Verbal Analysis

At first glance, this 7-string tuning features a starting note of C2 on the lowest string, progressing through a series of unique intervals. The open strings are C, F, A#, D, G, B, E. When played together, these notes (C, D, E, F, G, A#, B) create a complex and somewhat dissonant sound, as they contain both a B natural and an A# (enharmonically Bb) within the same octave range. This suggests it's not intended for simple open chord strumming in conventional Western harmony, but rather for specific melodic phrases, arpeggios, or experimental soundscapes.

The most striking feature is the dramatic and unusual pitch progression between strings 6, 5, and 4. The jump from F2 to A#3 (an octave and an augmented 4th) is extremely wide, followed immediately by a descent from A#3 to D3 (a major 6th down). These unique shifts would require very precise plucking and fretting techniques and might be used to achieve unique sonorities or to facilitate specific melodic patterns that span a wide range with minimal hand movement.

While not lending itself to common open chords, the tuning does contain a clear G Major triad (G3, B3, D3) across strings 4, 3, and 2, which could be exploited. The overall feel is one of exploration, inviting the player to discover new voicings and melodic possibilities that are not readily available in more traditional tunings.

Technical Analysis

The tuning spans a total range from C2 (lowest string) to E4 (highest string). Here's a breakdown of the intervals between adjacent strings, from lowest (7th) to highest (1st):

• String 7 (C2) to String 6 (F2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 6 (F2) to String 5 (A#3): Octave + Augmented 4th (18 semitones). This is an exceptionally large interval and would require careful consideration of string gauge and tension.
• String 5 (A#3) to String 4 (D3): Descending Major 6th (7 semitones down). This is a highly unusual pitch descent between adjacent strings, indicating a non-linear string arrangement by pitch.
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (B3): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

The combination of wide ascending intervals and a sharp descending interval makes this a technically demanding and highly specialized tuning, potentially requiring a custom set of strings to achieve optimal playability and intonation across such varied tensions. This is certainly not a standard tuning and encourages a highly experimental approach to playing the Lute.

Current Tuning Notes:

String 7: C2
String 6: F2
String 5: A#3
String 4: D3
String 3: G3
String 2: B3
String 1: E4

How to Tune:

Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the 'gunt' tuning. Please note that when tuning up 3 or 4 semitones, users should take care. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a different string gauge is generally advised to avoid breakage or poor intonation. The current movements are small, but always exercise caution.

• String 7 (C2): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 6 (F2): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 5 (A#3): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).