Verbal Analysis

This tuning, aptly named "Baroque," transforms the Lute into an instrument highly suited for the rich harmonic language and contrapuntal textures characteristic of the Baroque era. It leans heavily into a D minor sonority, providing a resonant foundation for period music. The string arrangement creates a pleasing blend of close intervals in the bass and more open, chordal voicings in the upper registers.

The design of this tuning encourages lyrical melodies over a strong harmonic base. Open string chords reveal a deep D minor, along with accessible F major and related dominant harmonies. Its unique structure makes it ideal for historical performance practices, allowing for ease in playing common Baroque progressions and melodic patterns.

Technical Analysis

The tuning for this 9-string Lute is as follows, from lowest (String 9) to highest (String 1): E1, F1, G1, A1, D2, F2, A2, D3, F3.

Interval Structure:

• String 9 to 8 (E1-F1): Minor 2nd
• String 8 to 7 (F1-G1): Major 2nd
• String 7 to 6 (G1-A1): Major 2nd
• String 6 to 5 (A1-D2): Perfect 4th
• String 5 to 4 (D2-F2): Minor 3rd
• String 4 to 3 (F2-A2): Major 3rd
• String 3 to 2 (A2-D3): Perfect 4th
• String 2 to 1 (D3-F3): Minor 3rd

This unique sequence of intervals, particularly the series of seconds in the lower register and the alternating 3rds and 4ths higher up, is characteristic of historical lute tunings. The core of the tuning centers around the notes D, F, and A, strongly outlining a D minor triad and F major triad.

Open String Chords and Harmonic Implications:

• D Minor: The most prominent open chord is a rich D minor, formed by the combination of D2, F2, A2, D3, F3 (Strings 5, 4, 3, 2, 1). This provides an excellent base for compositions in D minor.
• F Major/F6: By utilizing the F1 (String 8) as a root, along with A1 (String 6), D2 (String 5), F2 (String 4), A2 (String 3), D3 (String 2), F3 (String 1), the tuning strongly implies F major harmonies, especially an F6 chord (F-A-C-D), where the D acts as the 6th. The open strings also allow for easy access to F major shapes.
• G Minor/C Major possibilities: While not fully expressed as open chords, the presence of G1 (String 7) alongside D notes allows for easy fingering of G minor triads (G-Bb-D) or C major (C-E-G) with minimal fretwork, given the common movement of the hand in Baroque lute playing.
• Bass Pedals and Contrapuntal Lines: The lowest strings (E1, F1, G1, A1) are closely spaced, facilitating the playing of drone notes or independent bass lines, a staple in Baroque compositions.

This tuning is designed for expressive playing, offering natural resonance for Baroque repertoire and a comfortable fretboard layout for common chord voicings and melodic passages of the period.

Tuning Notes (Lowest to Highest)

• String 9: E1
• String 8: F1
• String 7: G1
• String 6: A1
• String 5: D2
• String 4: F2
• String 3: A2
• String 2: D3
• String 1: F3

How to Tune Your Lute

Please follow these instructions carefully to achieve the Baroque tuning. Note that some string movements are significant; for movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is generally advised to prevent breakage or excessive tension/looseness.

• String 9 (Lowest): Tune to E1. Tune up 3 semitones. Take care when tuning up 3 semitones.
• String 8: Tune to F1. Tune down 1 semitones.
• String 7: Tune to G1. Tune down 4 semitones. Consider a different gauge string if this causes excessive slack or tension.
• String 6: Tune to A1. Tune down 7 semitones. A different gauge string is strongly advised for this significant down-tuning.
• String 5: Tune to D2. Tune down 7 semitones. A different gauge string is strongly advised for this significant down-tuning.
• String 4: Tune to F2. Tune down 9 semitones. A different gauge string is strongly advised for this significant down-tuning.
• String 3: Tune to A2. Tune down 10 semitones. A different gauge string is strongly advised for this significant down-tuning.
• String 2: Tune to D3. Tune down 9 semitones. A different gauge string is strongly advised for this significant down-tuning.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune to F3. Tune down 11 semitones. A different gauge string is strongly advised for this significant down-tuning.