This unique tuning, which we've named EADADA Medieval Guitar Tuning, draws its inspiration from the historic Citole, a medieval precursor to the modern guitar. Adapted for a six-string guitar, it offers a distinct sound palette that evokes the rich harmonic textures of historical music, while also providing versatile opportunities for contemporary folk, drone, and experimental genres.

Verbal Analysis: The Sound and Feel

The EADADA tuning creates an incredibly resonant, open, and drone-like sound. With a strong emphasis on A and D notes across the higher strings, it naturally lends itself to sustained sonic tapestries and melodic lines that sing with clarity. The lowest E string provides a firm, anchoring bass, giving the tuning a robust foundation despite its ancient origins. Players will find a natural 'ring' to the open strings, making it ideal for fingerstyle, strumming, or slide playing where sustain and harmonic richness are desired. The inherent intervals foster a mood that is both ancient and deeply moving, making it perfect for recreating historical soundscapes or inspiring new compositions with a medieval flair.

Technical Analysis: Structure and Chordal Possibilities

• Open String Notes: The open strings are tuned to E2, A2, D3, A3, D4, A4.
• Intervals: Examining the intervals between strings reveals a structure rich in perfect fourths and fifths:
  • E2 to A2: Perfect Fourth (P4)
  • A2 to D3: Perfect Fourth (P4)
  • D3 to A3: Perfect Fifth (P5)
  • A3 to D4: Perfect Fourth (P4)
  • D4 to A4: Perfect Fifth (P5)
  This prevalence of P4s and P5s contributes significantly to the tuning's powerful, resonant, and often modal sound, making it particularly suitable for sustained harmonies and open, ringing chords.
• Open String Chord: The open strings collectively form a rich A suspended 2nd and 4th chord (A, D, E) with an E in the bass (E-A-D-A-D-A). This complex voicing offers a full, almost orchestral, sound when strummed open, providing a strong harmonic foundation without fretting any notes.
• Chordal Reach: Due to the repeated A and D notes, power chords on A and D are exceptionally easy to form, often with a single finger barring across multiple strings. The tuning also invites exploration of unique voicings for major and minor chords, moving beyond standard chord shapes and encouraging discovery. Its drone-friendly nature makes it excellent for modal playing and creating sustained soundscapes, where individual notes can ring out against a continuous harmonic backdrop.

How to Tune Your Guitar to EADADA Medieval Guitar Tuning

To achieve the EADADA tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these precise string movements. Please exercise caution, especially when increasing string tension significantly. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is highly recommended to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones. Target Note: A3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 3 semitones. Target Note: D4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 5 semitones. Target Note: A4. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones significantly increases string tension. It is strongly advised to consider using a lighter gauge string for your high E string to tune up to A, ensuring safety, optimal playability, and preventing potential string breakage or neck damage.