Tuning Analysis: Mandocello 3rd

This unique tuning transforms your standard 6-string guitar into an instrument with the deep, resonant characteristics often associated with a Mandocello. As indicated by its name and the provided notes, it features a considerably lower pitch range compared to standard EADGBe guitar tuning, offering a rich, sonorous foundation ideal for accompaniment, classical pieces, or experimental soundscapes. The original tuning description, "5th and 3rd for paired strings," suggests an inspiration from mandocello construction; while this guitar tuning uses single strings, it aims to capture the same resonant and harmonically rich qualities.

Technical Observations

The Mandocello 3rd tuning for a Guitar is set to C2-G2-E2-E3-D3-A3, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. This represents a significant departure from standard EADGBe tuning, with every string tuned down. The lowest note, C2, extends the guitar's bass register considerably. The presence of E2 and E3 creates an open octave interval, adding depth and resonance when played.

Analyzing the open string intervals, we find a Perfect 5th (P5) between the 6th (C2) and 5th (G2) strings, providing a strong harmonic base. Following this, the interval from the 5th (G2) to the 4th (E2) string is a Major 3rd down. The 4th (E2) and 3rd (E3) strings are tuned a full Octave (P8) apart, creating a powerful, ringing quality when played open. The 3rd (E3) and 2nd (D3) strings are a Major 2nd down, and finally, the 2nd (D3) and 1st (A3) strings return to a Perfect 5th interval up.

Verbal Observations & Chords

The Mandocello 3rd tuning immediately evokes a sense of grandeur and deep resonance. The open strings themselves yield interesting harmonic possibilities:

• The lowest three strings (C2-G2-E2) form a clear and ringing C Major chord, providing an excellent harmonic anchor for open playing. This makes it very easy to strum a full C Major chord without fretting.
• With the C Major foundation, sliding up to a barre chord on the 1st fret would yield a C# Major, 2nd fret for D Major, and so on, making chord progressions familiar to open tunings highly accessible.
• The presence of E2, E3, D3, and A3 on the higher strings allows for voicings that hint at A minor (A-C-E) or D suspended (D-G-A or D-E-A) chords. For instance, playing the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings open (E-E-D-A) creates an interesting open voicing that contains elements of A minor with a suspended 4th (D).
• This tuning lends itself well to drone-based music, arpeggios, and fingerstyle, where the open strings can resonate and weave together to create rich textures. The broad range of notes available in the open position also makes it an excellent canvas for melodic improvisation in a lower register.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Mandocello 3rd

This tuning involves significant downward adjustments for all strings from standard EADGBe. Please tune carefully and consider using a heavier gauge string set, especially for strings with larger drops, to maintain proper tension and intonation. Generally, tuning down more than 4 semitones or up more than 4 semitones advises a different string gauge.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. This drop is significant and approaches the limit for standard string gauges.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2. This is a moderate drop.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 10 semitones to E2. Warning: This is a very large drop (nearly a full octave) and strongly advises the use of a heavier gauge string to avoid a floppy string and poor intonation.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3. This is a moderate drop.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 9 semitones to D3. Warning: This is a very large drop and strongly advises the use of a heavier gauge string to avoid a floppy string and poor intonation.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 7 semitones to A3. Warning: This is a large drop and advises the use of a heavier gauge string to maintain tension and intonation.

String 6 (lowest): Tuned to C2. This is the lowest C on a standard 88-key piano, offering a deep, resonant bass.

String 5: Tuned to G2. A perfect fifth above the 6th string, adding harmonic richness.

String 4: Tuned to E2. A major third above the 6th string (C2), completing an open C Major triad with the two lower strings.

String 3: Tuned to E3. An octave above the 4th string (E2), creating a powerful, ringing quality and adding upper harmonics to the E note.

String 2: Tuned to D3. A major second below the 3rd string (E3), introducing a new melodic note to the open tuning.

String 1 (highest): Tuned to A3. A perfect fifth above the 2nd string (D3), providing a bright, resonant high note that hints at an A minor or D suspended harmony.