The Buknall tuning for the Cittern is a rich and resonant open G Major tuning, notably recommended by Fylde as a standard for their instruments. This configuration creates a full, harmonically complete G major chord when all strings are strummed open, making it exceptionally well-suited for drone-based music, folk, and traditional styles where a strong, clear tonal center is desired. Its open, inviting nature simplifies playing in the key of G and its relative minor, E minor, as many chord shapes become intuitive and easily accessible across the fretboard.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to G1-D2-G2-D3-G3 from the lowest to the highest string. This arrangement immediately establishes a powerful G Major sound. When played open, the unique notes present are G and D, forming a robust G5 (power chord). However, the repetition of Gs and Ds across different octaves provides a deep, resonant quality that strongly implies a full G Major chord, especially on an instrument like the cittern where courses often enhance resonance. The interval structure features perfect fifths (G-D, D-G) and octaves (G-G, D-D) which makes for very harmonious open string playing.

This tuning is highly conducive to playing in the key of G. Open chord voicings for G major are naturally available. Moving to the 5th fret across the D and G strings will readily yield C major shapes, and the open D strings make D major and D7 chords very accessible. The consistent interval pattern across the strings also makes movable chord shapes relatively straightforward to learn, providing a versatile platform for melody and accompaniment.

How to Tune to Buknall

Achieving the Buknall tuning requires significant adjustments from a presumed standard tuning. Please proceed with extreme caution and use a reliable tuner. It is crucial to be aware that movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down) are considered substantial, and for such drastic changes, a different string gauge is generally recommended to prevent string breakage and ensure proper intonation. Tuning strings down by 9 or 12 semitones, as in this tuning, will result in considerable slack and may require heavier gauge strings to maintain tension and tone.

• String 5 (Lowest): To reach G1, you will need to tune down 9 semitones from an implied starting note of E2. This is a very significant drop.
• String 4: To reach D2, you will need to tune down 12 semitones (an entire octave) from an implied starting note of D3. This is an extremely large adjustment.
• String 3: To reach G2, you will need to tune down 12 semitones (an entire octave) from an implied starting note of G3. Another major adjustment that creates significant slack.
• String 2: To reach D3, you will need to tune down 9 semitones from an implied starting note of G#3 (or Ab3). Take extreme care with this large drop.
• String 1 (Highest): To reach G3, you will need to tune down 9 semitones from an implied starting note of C4. Observe caution due to the significant slack.

Given the depth of these tunings, especially the octave drops, players should consider using a custom string set with heavier gauges for the lower strings and potentially slightly lighter gauges for the higher strings to achieve optimal tension, tone, and playability in this Buknall tuning.