Open Strings Chart for Standard Tuning

The additional bass strings of the altgitarr-strings 7 to 11-are tuned in steps,

diatonically descending from the 7th string (notated D, sounding pitch F) down to the
11th string(notated G, sounding B♭) As reaching the lower strings with the left hand
is laborious at best and will impede the flow of the music, it's vital that these all are
but occasionally played as open strings. Consequently, even though the
aforementioned is the typical tuning it is often altered to fit the relevant key. The
following example of the commonly used notated D major tuning (sounding pitch F
major) highlights this.The 3rd string is tuned to notated F♯(frequently done on lutes)
and the 8th string is sharpened to a notated C♯. In the notated key of E major the 7th
and 11th could also be altered.

The use of alternative tuning patterns mirrors tunings procedures of Renaissance

and Baroque lutes. Normally bass strings are only played as open strings, but if
adding an accidental to the bass line is needed it can be done by removing the left
hand from its usual position freeting the desired note. Note that this is only possible
in certain circumstances and as long as the upper parts contain only (or almost only)
open strings.