This is an adventurous and harmonically rich open tuning for the Laúd, directly inspired by Joni Mitchell's 'If' adaptation. It's designed to bring a sophisticated, jazz-inflected soundscape to your instrument, perfect for expressive chord voicings and complex melodies.

Technical Analysis:

The open tuning for the Laúd is set to G#3 D#4 F#4 B3 C#5 F#5. This unique combination of notes, when played open, forms a rich C# minor 11th chord in second inversion (C#m11/G#). The presence of the G# as the lowest note (the 5th of C#), followed by the root (C#), minor 7th (B), 9th (D#), and 11th (F#) creates a dense, modern harmony that resonates beautifully across the instrument. This structure naturally provides a framework for advanced chordal playing, allowing for effortless voicing of minor 7th, 9th, and 11th chords. Due to its harmonic density, open string strumming will produce a full, complex sound, while fingerstyle will reveal intricate melodic possibilities within the chord tones. Common chord shapes around C#, F#, and G# minor families will feel particularly resonant and accessible, carrying a sophisticated character evocative of modern folk and jazz.

How to Tune:

This tuning involves significant upward adjustments on several strings. Please proceed with caution and ensure your instrument can handle the increased tension. For strings requiring movements of 5 semitones or more, considering a different string gauge might be advisable to prevent breakage or damage to your instrument.

• String 6: Tune up 4 semitones to G#3. (Exercise caution due to increased tension.)
• String 5: Tune up 6 semitones to D#4. (Warning: Tuning up 6 semitones is a very significant increase in tension, equivalent to a tritone. We strongly advise using a lighter gauge string for this position to avoid string breakage and potential instrument damage to the Laúd.)
• String 4: Tune up 4 semitones to F#4. (Exercise caution due to increased tension.)
• String 3: Tune up 4 semitones to B3. (Exercise caution due to increased tension.)
• String 2: Tune up 2 semitones to C#5.
• String 1: Tune up 2 semitones to F#5.

The open strings for this Laúd tuning are as follows:

• String 6: G#3 (Lowest string)
• String 5: D#4
• String 4: F#4
• String 3: B3
• String 2: C#5
• String 1: F#5 (Highest string)