D#GCFADG Lute Tuner

D#GCFADG | E♭GCFADG Dropped 7th - Renaissance Lute - Lute tuning, chords & scales

Description - Dropped 7th - Renaissance Lute

just an european renaissance lute with dropped seventh strings.
used by many author of the XVI century, works with modern stuff as well.

Understanding the "Dropped 7th - renaissance lute" Tuning

This unique tuning, primarily designed for the Lute, offers a fascinating blend of historical authenticity and modern musical potential. As described in its original context, it's "just an european renaissance lute with dropped seventh strings. used by many author of the XVI century, works with modern stuff as well." This suggests a tuning rooted in 16th-century lute practice, yet versatile enough to inspire contemporary compositions.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this tuning, from the lowest (7th) to highest (1st), are configured as:

7th String: D♯3 (D-sharp at the 3rd octave)
6th String: G2 (G at the 2nd octave)
5th String: C3 (C at the 3rd octave)
4th String: F3 (F at the 3rd octave)
3rd String: A3 (A at the 3rd octave)
2nd String: D4 (D at the 4th octave)
1st String: G4 (G at the 4th octave)

When analyzed from the 6th string upwards (G2, C3, F3, A3, D4, G4), this closely resembles a standard Renaissance G-Lute tuning. The distinct characteristic of this tuning lies in the lowest, 7th string, which is tuned to D♯3 (enharmonically E♭3). This note creates unique harmonic possibilities, giving the tuning its "Dropped 7th" moniker, likely referring to an alteration from a more conventional 7th course note or interval within the lute's historical context.

The full set of open string notes (G, C, E♭, F, A, D) are harmonically rich. They readily suggest a strong C minor tonality (C-E♭-G) with additional color notes, or a G minor mode. The presence of F, A, and D further expands the harmonic palette, making it highly versatile for both melodic and harmonic playing.

Chords and Harmonic Possibilities

The open strings naturally facilitate several common chords and provide a foundation for rich harmonies:

C minor Triad: The notes C3, E♭3 (D♯3), and G2 are all present in the open tuning (strings 5, 7, 6 respectively), making an inverted C minor chord readily accessible.
F Major Triad: With F3, A3, and C3 (strings 4, 3, 5), an F Major chord can be easily voiced.
D minor Triad: The notes D4, F3, and A3 (strings 2, 4, 3) allow for a clear D minor voicing.
The full open voicing G2, C3, D♯3, F3, A3, D4, G4 (or G, C, E♭, F, A, D) creates a lush, somewhat melancholic, and modal sound that lends itself well to complex harmonic textures. This tuning is particularly well-suited for music in C minor or G minor keys, offering unique bass extension and voicing opportunities due to the D♯3.

How to Tune Your Lute

To achieve the "Dropped 7th - renaissance lute" tuning from a standard configuration, carefully adjust each string according to the following instructions. All movements are within safe limits for standard string gauges, but always exercise caution when tuning up.