Why not simply start with the instrument's standard: g, d', a', e''? Pre-packaged string sets are widely available, and if you decide to eventually indulge in the dedicated repertoire (which began to appear in the mid-1700s), it's then at the fingers. Be mindful to use relatively light strings on such an instrument.
Best, Eugene -----Original Message----- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of Tristan von Neumann Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2017 8:04 AM To: lutelist Net Subject: [LUTE] German Mandolin tuning Another special instrument question: I have a German Mandolin (4x2, 33cm, those folksy ones with nacre butterfly on the soundhole) which I once bought as a cittern-like substitute. What would be a good tuning to play for someone inexperienced, for example to learn 3 chords easily and accompany passamezzo or similar stuff? To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html