Greek baglamas tuner
The Greek baglamas, or baglamadaki, has six strings in three courses. This preset uses D4+D5 on the low course, A4+A4 in the middle, and D5+D5 on the high course.
Open-string notes and frequencies
Greek baglamas: DAD · octave bass D. Equal-tempered frequencies at A4 = 440 Hz; the live targets follow the selected A reference.
| String / course | Sounding note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Course 3 | D4 + D5 | 293.66 + 587.33 |
| Course 2 | A4 | 440.00 |
| Course 1 | D5 | 587.33 |
A Journey Through Music — Baglamadaki instrument and stringing
How to use it
- Confirm three double courses and the Greek DAD stringing on your instrument.
- Identify the wound lower D partner and its lighter octave partner.
- Tap the low-course button, then mute one partner while picking the other.
- Check both A4 strings and both upper D5 strings individually.
- Play the completed courses together and listen for a clean octave and settled unison pairs.
Help and explanations
The documented baglamadaki specimen in A Journey Through Music uses this stringing; the Mastro string-set chart gives the same octave targets. The Turkish bağlama or saz is a different instrument. Search results mix these names, but this page covers the small Greek instrument.
The lowest course contains a high D too
The bass member is D4, about 293.66 Hz at A440. Its partner is D5, about 587.33 Hz. The upper course also contains D5, so the same high pitch occurs on three physical strings. An automatic detector can recognise the note without knowing which course you picked. Select the course button when you need to keep that physical target clear.
The middle A4 pair should agree in both note and octave. It sits at 440 Hz with the default reference. Tune its two members separately before checking their combined sound; sounding the whole pair immediately can mask a small difference or make the display jump.
A small bouzouki relative at its own pitch
This DAD arrangement is an octave above the usual Greek trichordo bouzouki register. It is not the GDAD or GDAE setup of an Irish bouzouki. Chord shapes associated with the Greek three-course family are useful, but the sounding register and the paired low-D string still need attention.
A four-course Turkish saz chart does not apply here, nor does a generic six-single-string guitar chart. Check the string package and follow each partner to its peg before turning it. If the fitted bass course has two equal-gauge unison strings, verify that alternate stringing with the maker rather than forcing an octave.
After tuning, fret a chord with balanced pressure across both members of each course. If only fretted notes disagree, examine fingering and setup. Retuning correct open strings cannot cure every intonation problem on the neck.
Tips
- The wound low D is D4; do not force it up to the lighter partner’s D5.
- Use course selection to distinguish repeated D5 targets.
- Recheck the low D after the six physical strings have settled.
Frequently asked questions
What are Greek baglamas tuning notes?
D4+D5, A4+A4 and D5+D5, ordered from the low course to the high course.
How many strings and courses are represented?
Six physical strings in three double courses.
Is baglamas the same as Turkish bağlama?
No. This preset describes the Greek baglamadaki; the Turkish saz has another layout and tuning tradition.
Why does D5 appear in two courses?
It is the octave partner in the low D course and the unison pitch of both high-course strings.
Can I use an Irish bouzouki preset?
Use this Greek DAD chart instead. The Irish instrument’s GDAD or GDAE arrangement differs.