The Spanish Laud Standard Tuning

This tuning represents the Standard tuning for the Spanish Laúd, a traditional 12-string instrument, typically double-coursed, with a rich history in Spanish folk and classical music. While often mistaken for a type of guitar, the Laúd possesses a unique sound and characteristic re-entrant tunings, which are evident here.

Technical Analysis: A Re-entrant Harmony

The specific notes for this tuning are (from lowest string, String 6, to highest, String 1): G♯3, C♯4, F♯4, B3, E4, A4. A critical aspect of this tuning is its re-entrant nature, specifically on the 3rd string. While strings 6, 5, and 4 ascend in pitch (G♯3 to C♯4, then C♯4 to F♯4 – both Perfect 4ths), the 3rd string (B3) is tuned lower than the 4th string (F♯4). This creates a distinct tonal character, where an expected linear ascent of pitch is broken, leading to unique harmonic and melodic possibilities. The subsequent strings (E4 and A4) then resume an ascending pattern in Perfect 4ths.

The intervals between the open strings (from 6th to 1st) are:

• String 6 (G♯3) to String 5 (C♯4): Perfect 4th
• String 5 (C♯4) to String 4 (F♯4): Perfect 4th
• String 4 (F♯4) to String 3 (B3): Descending Perfect 5th (This is the re-entrant point)
• String 3 (B3) to String 2 (E4): Perfect 4th
• String 2 (E4) to String 1 (A4): Perfect 4th

Verbal Analysis & Chords: The Sound of A Major 7th

When strummed open, this tuning produces a rich, resonant chord. The notes present are G♯, C♯, F♯, B, E, A. Arranged, these notes form an A Major 7th chord with an added 9th and 13th (A, B, C♯, E, F♯, G♯). This makes the Laúd in this tuning inherently bright and harmonically complex, naturally lending itself to pieces in the key of A Major or related modes. Players will find that arpeggiating the open strings creates a shimmering, full-bodied sound.

The re-entrant third string (B3) offers unique melodic and harmonic possibilities. It allows for unexpected bass notes or melodic accents that would be impossible in a strictly linearly tuned instrument. This design encourages a blend of chordal accompaniment and single-note melody, which is characteristic of the Laúd's role in traditional Spanish music. Common chord shapes in A Major and E Major will be readily accessible, and the open tuning provides a strong harmonic foundation, requiring minimal fretting for full, vibrant chords.

How to Tune Your Laúd to Spanish Laud Standard

To achieve the Spanish Laud Standard tuning (G♯3, C♯4, F♯4, B3, E4, A4), adjust your Laúd strings according to the following instructions. Please exercise caution when tuning up significantly, as it increases string tension.

• String 6 (Lowest Pitch): Tune up 4 semitones to reach G♯3. (Note: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; consider using a different string gauge if tuning from a much lower standard, or proceed with care.)
• String 5: Tune up 4 semitones to reach C♯4. (Note: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; consider using a different string gauge if tuning from a much lower standard, or proceed with care.)
• String 4: Tune up 4 semitones to reach F♯4. (Note: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; consider using a different string gauge if tuning from a much lower standard, or proceed with care.)
• String 3: Tune up 4 semitones to reach B3. (Note: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; consider using a different string gauge if tuning from a much lower standard, or proceed with care.)
• String 2: Tune up 5 semitones to reach E4. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a substantial change; it is strongly advised to use a different string gauge if your current strings are not designed for this higher tension. Proceed with extreme care to avoid string breakage or damage to the instrument.)
• String 1 (Highest Pitch): Tune up 5 semitones to reach A4. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a substantial change; it is strongly advised to use a different string gauge if your current strings are not designed for this higher tension. Proceed with extreme care to avoid string breakage or damage to the instrument.)

Current Tuning Notes

Once tuned, your Laúd will be set to the following pitches:

• String 6: G♯3
• String 5: C♯4
• String 4: F♯4
• String 3: B3
• String 2: E4
• String 1: A4