Content

• Steps
• Before You Begin: Explore Your Bouzouki
• Method 1 of 2: tuning by ear
• Method 2 of 2: Tuning with a digital tuner
• You will need

Bouzuki is a stringed instrument used in Greek folk music. It can have 3 or 4 sets of double strings ("choirs"). Regardless of the version, the instrument can be tuned by ear or using a digital tuner.

Steps

Before You Begin: Explore Your Bouzouki

1. 1 Make sure you have the Greek version of the bouzouki. Before tuning an instrument, make sure it is a Greek and not an Irish version of the bouzouki. These instruments are usually tuned in different frets and in different patterns, so it is important to ensure that the correct fret is selected for the bouzouki.
   • The easiest way to determine the type of tool is by its shape. The back of the Greek bouzouki is convex, the Irish one is flat.
   • Another difference between the instruments is the scale length. In the Greek bouzouki, it is longer - up to 680 mm, in the Irish - up to 530 mm.
2. 2 Count the strings. The most traditional variety of Greek bouzouki is with three groups of strings (two strings per group) for a total of 6 strings. Another version of the instrument is with 4 choirs, 2 strings each, with a total of 8 strings.
   • Six-string bouzouki are called models with three choirs models. Eight-string bouzouki are also called instrument with four choirs.
   • Note that most Irish bouzoukas have 4 string groups, but they can also have 3 string groups.
   • Modern bouzouki with 4 choirs appeared in the 1950s, the version of the instrument with three choirs has been known since ancient times.
3. 3 Check which tuners are responsible for the strings. It shouldn't be a problem to determine which tuner a string group is attached to, but it's best to test the instrument before tuning it to ensure that the process goes as efficiently as possible.
   • Examine the bouzouki from the front. The knobs to your left are often responsible for the middle strings. The knob on the bottom right is most likely responsible for the lower strings, the remaining knob on the top right adjusts the tension of the upper strings.The location is subject to change, so you should check your strings yourself.
   • Both strings of the same chorus are attached to the same tuning peg. You will be stringing both strings at the same time and tuning to the same sound.
4. 4 Decide on the formation. Three-chorus bouzouki are usually tuned in a D-A-D pattern. A 4-chorus instrument is traditionally tuned to C-F-A-D.
   • Soloists and some performers can tune an instrument with 3 choirs in a non-standard way, but this is done only by experienced musicians and only in rare cases.
   • Many modern performers prefer the D-G-B-E tuning for the 4-chorus bouzouki, mainly due to its similarity to guitar tuning.
   • When playing Irish music in an Irish or Greek bouzouki with 4 choirs, the instrument is tuned in a G-D-A-D or A-D-A-D pattern. With this tuning, the instrument is easy to play in the key of D (D major).
   • If you have an instrument with a short scale or large hands, you should tune the 4-chorus bouzouki in the same way as the mandolin - in the G-D-A-E pattern. In this case, the tuning will be one octave lower than the original mandolin sound.

Method 1 of 2: tuning by ear

1. 1 Work one choir at a time. You will have to tune each string group separately. Start at the bottom group.
   • Hold the bouzouki just as if you were playing it. You need to start tuning with the string group at the bottom of the instrument when you hold the bouzouki in the same way as when playing it.
   • When you are done pulling up the bottom string group, go to the one directly above it. Continue upward, tuning one chorus at a time, until you reach the top strings and tune them.
2. 2 Hit the right note. Play the correct note on a tuning fork, piano, or other stringed instrument. Listen to how the note sounds.
   • The lower string group should be tuned to the correct note below C (C) in the middle octave.
     • For a bouzouki with 3 chorus, the correct note would be d (D) lower to (C) mid-octave (d 'or D₄).
     • For a bouzuki with 4 choruses, the correct note would be from (C) below to (C) the middle octave (c 'or C₄).
   • The remaining strings should be tuned in the same octave as the lower string group.
3. 3 Pull the string. Pluck the string group you are tuning and let them play (leave them open). Listen to how the note sounds.
   • Pull both strings in the group at the same time.
   • "Leaving the strings open" means not pinching any of the frets of the instrument when plucking. Once struck, the strings will sound effortlessly.
4. 4 Pull up the strings. Turn the corresponding tuning peg to tighten the string group. Check the sound after each change in the string tension until it matches the note played on the tuning fork.
   • If the sound is too low, tighten the strings by turning the peg clockwise.
   • If the note is too high, lower the string group by turning the tuning peg counterclockwise.
   • You may need to play the correct note on the tuning fork several times during tuning. Try to keep the correct sound "in your mind" as long as possible and play the correct note again if you are not sure if the instrument is pitching correctly and whether you need to continue tuning.
5. 5 Double check the result. After tuning all three (or four) string groups, sweep the open strings again to test the sound of each string.
   • For best results, double-check each string group individually. Play each note on a tuning fork, then play the note on the corresponding chorus.
   • After tuning each string, pluck all three or four choruses together and listen for the sound. Everything should sound harmonious and natural.
   • When you have double-checked the work, the tool can be considered correctly configured.

Method 2 of 2: Tuning with a digital tuner

1. 1 Install the tuner. Most electronic tuners are already set to 440 Hz, but if yours is not already tuned to that frequency, tune it before using it to tune the bouzouki.
   • The display will show "440 Hz" or "A = 440."
   • Tuning methods are different for each tuner, so check your model manual to find out how to set the correct frequency. Usually you need to press the "Mode" or "Frequency" button on the device.
   • Set the frequency to 440 Hz. If frequency settings are specified by instrument, select "bouzouki" or "guitar"
2. 2 Work with one set of strings at a time. Each string group must be tuned separately from the others. Start at the bottom and work your way up in order.
   • Hold the bouzouki just as you would when playing the instrument.
   • Once you've tuned the bottom chorus, move on to tune what's just above the tuned one. Work your way up until you reach the top group of strings and tune them.
3. 3 Set a tuner for each string group. If you do not have a bouzouki tuning in your tuner, you may need to manually set the correct pitch on the tuner for each string group.
   • The exact method for setting the pitch may differ from tuner to tuner. To find out how this is done on your digital tuner, refer to the instructions provided by the device manufacturer. Usually the note can be changed by clicking on the button labeled "Pitch" or similar.
   • The lower group of strings should be tuned to a note below C (C) of the middle octave, this is the sound that your tuner should initially be tuned to.
     • For a bouzouki with 3 chorus, the correct note would be d (D) lower to (C) mid-octave (d 'or D₄).
     • For a standard 4-chorus bouzouki, the correct note would be from (C) below to (C) the middle octave (c 'or C₄).
   • The remaining string groups should be tuned in the same octave as the lower chorus.
4. 4 Pull the strings of one group. Pluck both strings of the current chorus at the same time. Listen to the sound and look at the tuner screen to see the tuning.
   • The strings must be open when checking the tuning. In other words, do not clamp the strings on any of the frets of the instrument. The strings should vibrate without interference after plucking.
5. 5 Look at the display of the device. After striking the strings, take a look at the display and indicator lights on the digital tuner. The instrument should tell you when the instrument is deviating from the specified note and when it is not.
   • If the chorus does not sound right, the red indicator will usually light up.
   • The tuner screen should display the note you just played. Depending on the type of your digital tuner, the unit may also indicate whether the note you hit is higher or lower than the desired one.
   • When a string group is in tune, a green or blue indicator will usually light up.
6. 6 Pull the strings as needed. Adjust the tone of the current string group by turning the corresponding tuning peg. Check the sound of the choir after each adjustment.
   • Tighten the strings when the sound is too low by turning the tuning peg clockwise.
   • Lower the strings when the sound is too high by turning the tuning peg counterclockwise.
   • Pull the chorus sound after each pullup and look at the digital tuner screen to see the result. Continue tuning based on the tuner reading.
7. 7 Recheck all string groups. After tuning all three or four strings of the instrument, test each string again.
   • You will have to test each string group one by one. Set the desired pitch on the tuner, pluck the open strings and see if the blue (green) indicator on the tuner comes on.
   • After tuning all the strings, sweep over them and check the tuning "by ear". The notes should sound natural together.
   • This step completes the instrument setup process.

You will need

• Tuning fork OR digital tuner.