This Open G tuning is specifically designed for a Laúd, a 12-string instrument often found in Spanish folk music. It transforms the Laúd into a resonant platform for the key of G Major, making it exceptionally intuitive for playing open chords and utilizing drone notes. The tuning allows for a rich, full sound when strummed open, simplifying chord shapes and enhancing melodic possibilities within the G Major scale.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to G2, D2, G2, B2, D3, G3 (from lowest to highest course). This arrangement perfectly outlines a G Major triad (G-B-D) across the instrument's entire range, with multiple octaves and repetitions of the root and fifth. Specifically, we have the root (G2), fifth (D2), root (G2), major third (B2), fifth (D3), and root (G3). The presence of two G2 notes and two D notes (D2 and D3) provides exceptional harmonic depth and sustain, characteristic of a well-balanced open tuning.

Open Chords and Playing Possibilities

• G Major (Open): Strumming all strings open produces a full, resonant G Major chord, making it the natural home key for this tuning.
• C Major: A C Major chord can be readily formed, often by barring at the 5th fret. The open tuning structure also allows for interesting voicings of C, potentially using open strings as drones.
• D Major: A D Major chord is easily accessible, for instance, by barring at the 7th fret, or through specific fingerings that take advantage of the G-D-G-B-D-G structure.
• Minor Chords: While primarily a major tuning, minor chords like G minor can be achieved by lowering the B string to Bb. Shapes for other minor chords like Am or Em are also within reach with relatively simple fingerings.
• Drone Playing: The multiple G and D notes across the strings make this tuning excellent for drone-based music, providing a constant harmonic foundation for melodic exploration on higher courses.
• Slide / Bottleneck: Although a Laúd isn't typically associated with slide playing, the open major chord structure lends itself perfectly to this technique, allowing for full chords with a single pass of a slide.

How to Tune

Achieving this tuning requires careful adjustment of your Laúd's strings. Please proceed gently, especially when tuning down significantly, to avoid unnecessary stress on the strings or instrument. The string movements are relative to an unspecified standard tuning.

• String 6 (Lowest Course) to G2: Tune up 3 semitones.
• String 5 to D2: Tune down 7 semitones. Caution: Significant tension change. A different gauge string is advised for long-term use.
• String 4 to G2: Tune down 7 semitones. Caution: Significant tension change. A different gauge string is advised for long-term use.
• String 3 to B2: Tune down 8 semitones. Caution: Significant tension change. A different gauge string is advised for long-term use.
• String 2 to D3: Tune down 9 semitones. Caution: Significant tension change. A different gauge string is advised for long-term use.
• String 1 (Highest Course) to G3: Tune down 9 semitones. Caution: Significant tension change. A different gauge string is advised for long-term use.

Please note that tuning movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down) are substantial. For optimal playability, intonation, and to prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings, considering a string set with appropriate gauges for this specific tuning is highly recommended, especially for the courses requiring large downward adjustments.

String 6 (Lowest Course): G2

String 5: D2

String 4: G2

String 3: B2

String 2: D3

String 1 (Highest Course): G3