Verbal Analysis: The Waldzither (Cittern) - Open C Major

The "Waldzither" tuning, described as the Standard C Major tuning for a German Waldzither, transforms your Cittern into a resonant sound machine. With open strings tuned to C3, G3, C4, E4, and G4, this tuning immediately presents a full and vibrant C Major chord. This makes it an 'open C' tuning, allowing players to strum all open strings to achieve a rich C Major sound without fretting any notes. It's an exceptionally intuitive and inviting tuning for folk music, traditional German melodies, and any genre where a strong, open C Major foundation is desired.

Playing in this tuning feels natural for pieces in C Major and its relative keys (e.g., G Major, F Major). You'll find many common chord shapes from standard tunings will need to be re-imagined, but new, easy-to-reach voicings will emerge. The layout is perfect for droning on the lower C and G strings, providing a rich harmonic bed for melodies played on the higher strings. It promotes a full, harmonically complete sound that is both powerful and expressive.

Technical Analysis: Intervals and Structure

This 5-string Cittern tuning lays out as follows, from the lowest to the highest string:

• 5th String: C3
• 4th String: G3
• 3rd String: C4
• 2nd String: E4
• 1st String: G4

Analysing the intervals between successive strings reveals the harmonic structure:

• C3 to G3: A Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• G3 to C4: A Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• C4 to E4: A Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• E4 to G4: A Minor 3rd (3 semitones)

The arrangement of C-G-C-E-G forms a comprehensive C Major chord (C, E, G are the notes of a C Major triad). The repeated C and G notes reinforce the root and fifth, giving the tuning its powerful, open-chord characteristic.

How to Tune Your Cittern to Waldzither (Open C Major)

To achieve the Waldzither tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string. Please tune carefully and gradually:

• 5th String (Lowest): Tune this string up 3 semitones to reach C3. This is a moderate adjustment, but always tune with care.
• 4th String: Tune this string up 5 semitones to reach G3. Note: This is a significant upward adjustment (+5 semitones). For optimal tension and instrument safety, a different gauge string is advised if you plan to keep your instrument in this tuning for extended periods.
• 3rd String: Tune this string up 5 semitones to reach C4. Note: Similar to the 4th string, this is a substantial upward adjustment (+5 semitones). Consider a different gauge string to prevent excessive tension on your instrument.
• 2nd String: Tune this string up 5 semitones to reach E4. Note: This also represents a considerable upward adjustment (+5 semitones). A change in string gauge is recommended for long-term use in this tuning.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune this string up 3 semitones to reach G4. This is a moderate adjustment.

Always listen for the correct pitch and ensure your instrument is stable as you tune. For any tuning involving significant upward changes (especially those exceeding 4 semitones), monitoring string tension and considering appropriate string gauges is crucial for the longevity and playability of your instrument.

The Waldzither (Cittern) tuning notes are:

String 5: C3

String 4: G3

String 3: C4

String 2: E4

String 1: G4