Verbal Analysis

The Renaissance Lute tuning in G transforms a standard 6-string classical or acoustic guitar into an instrument capable of replicating the distinct, historical sound of a lute. It's named for its lowest and highest strings being tuned to G, establishing a clear G tonic resonance across the instrument. This tuning is ideal for performing Renaissance and Baroque period music, folk melodies, or for adding a rich, historically-informed timbre to modern compositions. The overall effect is one of warmth and intricate resonance, creating a unique sonic landscape.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the open strings to G2-C3-F3-A3-D4-G4. Unlike many open tunings designed around simple major or minor chords, the Renaissance Lute tuning features a more complex intervallic structure, emphasizing resonant harmonies and specific period voicings.

Intervallic Structure:

• String 6 (G2) to String 5 (C3): Perfect 4th
• String 5 (C3) to String 4 (F3): Perfect 4th
• String 4 (F3) to String 3 (A3): Major 3rd
• String 3 (A3) to String 2 (D4): Perfect 4th
• String 2 (D4) to String 1 (G4): Perfect 4th

The prevalence of perfect fourths, broken by a major third between the 4th and 3rd strings, creates a rich and harmonically complex sound when all strings are strummed open. The open strings G-C-F-A-D-G imply a complex Gsus4 (G-C-D) with added F and A, effectively a G dominant 9th with a suspended 4th, providing a deep, resonant quality that evokes historical voicings.

Chords and Playability:

• Open G Resonance: The open G strings (6th and 1st) provide a strong root and octave, making melodies and harmonies in the key of G particularly resonant. This serves as an excellent drone foundation.
• G Major: A G major triad (G-B-D) can be easily formed. With the open G (6th/1st) and D (2nd) strings, you would need to fret for the B note on the 3rd string (A to B is 2 semitones up, so at the 2nd fret).
• C Major/F Major: The open C (5th string) and F (4th string) offer natural anchors for C major (C-E-G) and F major (F-A-C) related voicings. Experimenting with simple fingerings around these notes will yield historically accurate sounds.
• Drone Potential: The G-G octave spanning the instrument is excellent for creating drone effects, a common feature in historical music where a sustained bass note provides harmonic underpinning.
• Barre Chords: Standard barre chord shapes will produce different harmonic results due to the altered intervals. For instance, a full barre at the 5th fret across all strings would yield C-F-Bb-D-G-C, offering unique and period-appropriate voicings that differ from modern guitar sounds. Players will discover new harmonic possibilities by adapting their familiar chord shapes.

Current Tuning Notes

String 6 (lowest): G2

String 5: C3

String 4: F3

String 3: A3

String 2: D4

String 1 (highest): G4

How to Tune from Standard EADGBE

To achieve the Renaissance Lute tuning, adjust your guitar from standard EADGBE as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones to G2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 3 semitones to C3.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones to F3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 3 semitones to D4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 3 semitones to G4.

Important Tuning Considerations

All strings in this tuning are adjusted upwards from standard EADGBE. The movements are generally within a safe range (2-3 semitones) for most standard guitar string gauges. However, always exercise caution when increasing string tension. While these adjustments are typically manageable, for movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), it is often advisable to consider a different gauge string to ensure optimal playability and prevent potential stress on your instrument or string breakage. Always listen to your instrument and proceed with care.