Verbal Analysis

This Lute tuning offers a rich and distinctive sound, departing from a standard Renaissance Lute setup to create a more introspective and modal character. The specific alterations to the 3rd and 2nd strings introduce a unique harmonic color, often hinting at minor or Dorian modes. The re-entrant nature, where the 3rd string is tuned higher than the 2nd, is a classic Lute characteristic that adds complexity and allows for interesting voice leading and arpeggiation patterns. It is a tuning well-suited for melancholic melodies, complex harmonies, and pieces that benefit from a deep, resonant sound with a touch of brightness from the re-entrant course.

Technical Analysis

The tuning for this Lute is E2-A2-D3-F4#-A3-E4 (from thickest to thinnest string). This setup is derived from a common Renaissance Lute tuning (E2-A2-D3-G4-B3-E4) with two specific alterations:

• The 3rd string is dropped by 1 semitone from G4 to F4#.
• The 2nd string is dropped by 2 semitones from B3 to A3.

Let's examine the intervals between adjacent open strings:

• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (D3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (F4#): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• String 3 (F4#) to String 2 (A3): Descending Minor 6th (9 semitones down, or a Major 3rd up from A3 to F4#), highlighting the re-entrant characteristic where String 3 is higher in pitch than String 2.
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)

The open strings present the notes E, A, D, F#. This combination suggests an E Dorian or E Minor 7(add9) harmony, rich with suspended and extended voicings. The presence of D (the b7 of E) and F# (the 9th or M2 of E) gives it a strong modal flavor.

Open Chords and Accessible Shapes

While not forming a simple major or minor triad directly on open strings, the tuning offers unique harmonic possibilities:

• The combination of String 4 (D3), String 3 (F4#), and String 2 (A3) readily forms an open D Major triad.
• The lower strings (E2-A2-D3) provide a solid foundation for common minor chords like Am, Em, and Dm with appropriate fretting.
• The overall open string sound, E-A-D-F#-A-E, can be used as a resonant drone, facilitating modal improvisation, particularly in E minor or D major contexts.
• Chords built on the lower strings will feel full, while the re-entrant 3rd string adds bright, ringing qualities to higher voicings.

Open String Notes

• String 6: E2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: F4#
• String 2: A3
• String 1: E4

How to Tune

To achieve the Lute F-Sharp A-Re-entrant Tuning, follow these string adjustments:

• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (F4#): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2 (A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note on String Tension: The maximum change in pitch for any string is 2 semitones down. These adjustments are generally safe for standard string gauges. However, for future tunings involving changes exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), consider using a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.