The "Modified Lute" tuning offers a rich, open, and resonant sound, perfectly suited for classical, folk, or even contemporary ambient styles on your Lute. This unique tuning's open string configuration forms a beautiful E6/9 chord, giving it an inherently pleasing and harmonically full quality.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the strings to E2, G#3, C#4, F#4, B3, E4, from the 6th (lowest) to the 1st (highest) string. This arrangement results in an open E6/9 chord (E, G#, B, C#, F#, E), providing a rich, consonant foundation. The prominent 6th (C#) and 9th (F#) add a sophisticated texture, making E major and related modes (Lydian, Ionian) particularly resonant.

• The interval between the 6th string (E2) and 5th string (G#3) is an octave plus a Major Third (16 semitones), creating a significant harmonic leap. While the provided description mentions a "minor third between the bottom two strings," the actual notes establish an octave-displaced Major Third.
• Subsequent intervals from String 5 (G#3) to String 4 (C#4) and String 4 (C#4) to String 3 (F#4) are both Perfect Fourths (5 semitones).
• A key characteristic is the re-entrant interval between String 3 (F#4) and String 2 (B3). The 2nd string (B3) is tuned lower than the 3rd string (F#4) by a Perfect Fifth (7 semitones down from F#4 to B3, or 7 semitones up from B3 to F#4). This re-entrant design, common in lutes, allows for unique voicings and melodic capabilities.
• Finally, String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4) is a Perfect Fourth (5 semitones).

Given the open E6/9, simple barre chords or two-finger shapes can easily form other major or minor triads, especially those related to E. The re-entrant string (B3) invites players to explore distinctive counter-melodies and drones within chord shapes, offering a fresh approach to the instrument.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Modified Lute" tuning, follow these string movements. Note that the instructions imply tuning from a common lute reference, where applicable:

• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change is required (0 semitones).
• String 5 (G#3): Tune down 1 semitone to reach G#3 (from an implied A3).
• String 4 (C#4): Tune down 1 semitone to reach C#4 (from an implied D4).
• String 3 (F#4): Tune down 1 semitone to reach F#4 (from an implied G4).
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change is required (0 semitones).
• String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change is required (0 semitones).

Please note that all string movements are within 1 semitone, either down or no change. Therefore, no special care regarding string gauge is needed for this tuning, as it does not involve significant tension increases or decreases.