Flat key
Despite its tuning options, Bunting only records one name for the f string, 'téad an
leithghléis' (the string of the semi-tuning). This term perhaps has most meaning if
understood as being related to the role of the upper F strings in providing the necessary
chromatic change of pitch to rather than from an F# for 'leithghléas' tuning, as F natural is
more basic to the latin gamut.
Conversely, the Cardiff manuscript Havod 3 has two names for this string: the
'ffrwythlleddfdant' (fruit flat string) or 'breiniol ddyrchafaeldant' (breiniol raised string). The
'ffrwythlleddfdant' seems to indicate a pitch of f for a scale of all naturals - what Bunting
identifies as the 'flat' key, perhaps in line with the Welsh understanding of the word which
relates the word 'lleddf' (flat) to F natural. The 'breiniol ddyrchafaeldant' seems to indicate
an f# for a scale of G major, since A Welsh and English Dictionary, 1803, by W O Pughe and
several 18th & 19th century Welsh publications on music theory (eg, The Cambrian Vocal
and Musical Preceptor, Owen Williams, 1817-18) describe the breiniol gywair as a key
beginning on g.