How to Tune?
How to Tune a Bouzouki – Step-by-Step for Beginners
Feb 10, 2025
The bouzouki is a traditional Greek string instrument known for its bright and resonant sound, commonly used in Greek folk music. Tuning your bouzouki correctly ensures that you achieve the characteristic harmonic richness that defines this instrument. An easy way to tune your bouzouki is by using the Perfect Tuner app, which automatically detects the sound of your strings and helps you adjust them precisely.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through tuning a four-course bouzouki (the most common type today) in standard tuning (C3, F3, A3, D4). We’ll also explain the differences for the three-course bouzouki.
What You Need to Tune Your Bouzouki
Your bouzouki (three-course or four-course).
Note: This guide focuses on the four-course bouzouki, but the steps are similar for a three-course bouzouki. You’ll just follow the corresponding tuning pattern.
A smartphone or tablet with the Perfect Tuner app installed.
Standard Tuning for Four-Course Bouzouki (C3, F3, A3, D4)
The four-course bouzouki has eight strings grouped in four pairs ("courses") tuned as follows:
4th course (thickest pair) – C3 and C4 (one string tuned low, one an octave higher)
3rd course – F3 and F4 (one string tuned low, one an octave higher)
2nd course – A3 and A3 (both strings tuned to the same pitch)
1st course (thinnest pair) – D4 and D4 (both strings tuned to the same pitch)
In the premium version of Perfect Tuner, you can access additional tunings for both three-course and four-course bouzouki. Additionally, there is a 'Custom' option that allows you to create your own tuning setup.
Step 1: Understand the Parts of Your Bouzouki
Tuning Pegs: The small knobs located on the headstock of your bouzouki. These are used to tighten or loosen the strings.
o Tightening the Peg (clockwise) raises the pitch (the sound gets higher).
o Loosening the Peg (counterclockwise) lowers the pitch (the sound gets lower).
Courses: The strings are grouped in pairs, and each pair is played as one note.
Step 2: Open the Perfect Tuner App
Download and open the Perfect Tuner app on your smartphone or tablet.
The app will automatically enable your microphone to detect the sound of your bouzouki strings.
If prompted, grant the app permission to use your microphone.
The Tuner screen will automatically appear, showing the string layout and pitch meter.
Check that the app is in "Auto" mode (the toggle switch in the upper right corner is green).
Select "Bouzouki" in the instrument settings to ensure accurate note detection for your string courses.
If the app opens in a different mode, tap the Tuner icon at the bottom left of the screen to return to the main tuning interface.
Step 3: Start Tuning Your Bouzouki
1. Tune the 4th Course (C3 and C4)
Pluck both C3 and C4 strings (the thickest pair) together or one at a time.
Watch the app’s display:
o If the app shows that the note is too low (flat), turn the tuning peg clockwise to tighten the string slightly.
o If the app shows that the note is too high (sharp), turn the tuning peg counterclockwise to loosen the string.
o Always finish tuning by tightening the tuning peg (raising the pitch) rather than loosening it, as this helps the string stay in tune longer.
Adjust until the app shows that both strings in the pair are perfectly in tune.
2. Tune the 3rd Course (F3 and F4)
Pluck the F3 and F4 strings and watch the app’s display.
Follow the same steps as for the 4th course until both strings are perfectly tuned.
3. Tune the 2nd Course (A3 and A3)
Pluck the A3 pair of strings and check the app.
Adjust the tuning pegs until both A3 strings are perfectly in tune.
4. Tune the 1st Course (D4 and D4)
Finally, pluck the D4 pair of strings and adjust them until the app shows that both strings are perfectly in tune.
Step 4: Check the Overall Tuning
Once you have tuned all four courses:
Play a few open notes or chords and listen to how they sound.
If anything sounds slightly off, re-check each course using Perfect Tuner.
Additional Tuning Information for Three-Course Bouzouki
The three-course bouzouki has six strings grouped in three pairs and is tuned as follows:
3rd course (thickest pair) – D3 and D4 (one string tuned low, one an octave higher)
2nd course – A3 and A3 (both strings tuned to the same pitch)
1st course (thinnest pair) – E4 and E4 (both strings tuned to the same pitch)
Additional Tips for Accurate Tuning
Pluck lightly: Don’t strike the strings too hard when tuning, as this can cause inaccurate readings.
Tune slowly: Make small adjustments to the tuning pegs to avoid overtightening and snapping the strings.
Re-check each course: After tuning all the strings, some may have slipped slightly out of tune. Re-check each string pair once more.
Why Use Perfect Tuner for Bouzouki Tuning?
Accurate Detection: The app provides precise feedback for individual and paired strings.
Beginner-Friendly: The interface is simple and intuitive.
Multiple Bouzouki Types: The app allows you to select between different bouzouki types (three-course or four-course) for accurate tuning.
Free to Use: No additional equipment is required – just your phone and your bouzouki.
Final Words
Tuning your bouzouki with Perfect Tuner ensures that your instrument will sound rich and harmonious. Once you get comfortable with the tuning process, you can also practice tuning by ear to develop your musical ear further.
Enjoy your perfectly tuned bouzouki, and happy playing!