The "Laud Re-entrant G6" tuning transforms your guitar into an instrument reminiscent of a historical Laûd, perfectly suited for the specified 12-string, 6-course, short-scale setup. This tuning is profoundly re-entrant, meaning the string pitches do not strictly ascend from the lowest to the highest string, creating a unique sonic landscape.

Technical Analysis

The open strings from thickest (6th) to thinnest (1st) are tuned as follows:

• String 6: G#3
• String 5: C#4
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings reveals the tuning's distinctive character:

• String 6 (G#3) to String 5 (C#4): A Perfect Fourth (5 semitones), establishing a strong, resonant base.
• String 5 (C#4) to String 4 (D3): A significant re-entrance, with the 4th string dropping 11 semitones in pitch relative to the 5th string (or more precisely, D3 is an octave and one semitone lower than C#4). This creates a wide melodic jump and defines the tuning's re-entrant nature, characteristic of many historical instruments like the Laûd.
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Another Perfect Fourth (5 semitones), returning to a more expected ascending interval.
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (B3): A Major Third (4 semitones), providing harmonic richness.
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4): A Perfect Fourth (5 semitones), completing the upper register.

Verbal Analysis & Harmonic Potential

This tuning offers a unique blend of drone-like qualities and open harmonies. The prominent re-entrance between the 5th and 4th strings creates a distinct sonic texture, allowing for unexpected melodic contours and arpeggios that span wide ranges.

A particularly pleasing discovery in this tuning is the open G6 chord. By strumming the 4th (D3), 3rd (G3), 2nd (B3), and 1st (E4) strings, you get a full G6 chord (D-G-B-E), giving a warm, open, and slightly jazzy or folk-like resonance. This core G6 harmony provides a strong foundation for improvisation and composition.

The G#3 and C#4 on the thickest strings (6th and 5th) provide a strong Perfect Fourth interval that can act as a deep drone or a base for C# minor tonalities, contrasting intriguingly with the G6 harmony on the upper strings. This allows for rich harmonic explorations, perhaps venturing into modes with a bright, open sound or more melancholic textures when emphasizing the lower C# notes. Players might find themselves gravitating towards styles that embrace open string drones, folk melodies, or early music interpretations given its "Laûd" influence. Due to the significant re-entrancy and mixed intervals, standard guitar chord shapes will need considerable adaptation, encouraging creative fingerings and a fresh approach to the fretboard.

How to Tune to Laud Re-entrant G6

To achieve the "Laud Re-entrant G6" tuning, follow these precise adjustments. The target note for each string is provided, along with the semitone movement required:

• String 6 (Lowest/Thickest String): Tune to G#3. This requires you to Tune up 4 semitones. (Caution: Tuning up 3-4 semitones or more on a string may require a different gauge string to ensure proper tension and avoid breakage.)
• String 5: Tune to C#4. This requires you to Tune up 4 semitones. (Caution: Tuning up 3-4 semitones or more on a string may require a different gauge string to ensure proper tension and avoid breakage.)
• String 4: Tune to D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3: Tune to G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2: Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (Highest/Thinnest String): Tune to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Always double-check your tuning with a reliable tuner to ensure accuracy. Pay extra attention to strings being tuned up significantly, as this increases string tension and could lead to breakage if the string gauge is not appropriate.