Qanun Tuning Guide: Arabic vs. Turkish Systems, Techniques, and Microtonal Theory

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Introduction

Qanun tuning is one of the most important aspects of mastering this iconic Middle Eastern string instrument. Whether you play an Arabic qanun or a Turkish kanun, understanding tuning systems, lever mechanisms, string acoustics, and maintenance procedures is essential for achieving accurate intonation and authentic musical expression.

This guide explains the history of qanun tuning, the differences between Arabic and Turkish systems, how microtonal levers work, and the step-by-step process used by professional performers.

What Is a Qanun?

The qanun is a trapezoidal zither widely used throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and parts of Central Asia. The instrument’s name derives from the Greek word “kanon,” meaning rule or law, a reference to the mathematical relationships between string lengths and musical intervals.

Over centuries, the qanun evolved from an educational tool used to study musical theory into one of the most important instruments in classical Arabic and Turkish music.

The History of Qanun Tuning

Early forms of the qanun can be traced back to ancient Greek monochords and theoretical instruments used to demonstrate pitch relationships.

During the Islamic Golden Age, scholars such as Al-Farabi used multi-stringed zithers to explain modal systems and musical intervals. By the fourteenth century, detailed descriptions of qanun construction appeared in Persian musical treatises, helping establish the instrument as a performance instrument rather than simply a theoretical model.

As the qanun spread throughout the Middle East and beyond, regional tuning traditions emerged, eventually leading to the distinct Arabic and Turkish systems used today.

How the Qanun Produces Sound

The qanun’s sound is generated through a combination of vibrating strings, a resonant wooden soundboard, and skin-covered resonance chambers.

Most modern qanuns feature triple-course strings, meaning three strings are tuned to the same pitch.

This design produces several important acoustic effects:

Natural Chorus Effect

Small variations between the three strings create subtle interference patterns, producing the characteristic shimmering sound associated with the qanun.

Increased Volume

Three strings vibrating together generate more acoustic energy than a single string, allowing the instrument to project clearly in ensemble settings.

Extended Sustain

The interaction between the strings, bridge, and soundboard creates a longer decay time and richer resonance.

Arabic Qanun vs. Turkish Kanun

Although they share common ancestry, Arabic and Turkish instruments differ significantly.

Instrument Size

Arabic qanuns are generally larger and heavier, while Turkish kanuns are more compact and often lighter.

String Materials

Arabic models frequently use wound bass strings combined with nylon strings.

Turkish instruments typically use synthetic strings throughout the entire range.

Sound Character

Arabic qanuns tend to produce a warmer and deeper bass response.

Turkish kanuns often sound brighter, clearer, and more transparent across the entire register.

Pitch Range

Arabic qanuns commonly span from G2 to D6.

Turkish kanuns are typically tuned approximately one whole tone higher, often covering A2 to E6.

Understanding Qanun Levers

Modern qanuns use small mechanical levers that allow performers to change pitches instantly during performance.

In Arabic instruments, these levers are commonly known as urab.

In Turkish instruments, they are called mandals or mandallar.

These mechanisms function as movable bridges that slightly alter string length, creating microtonal pitch adjustments required for maqam and makam performance.

Arabic Qanun Tuning System

Arabic music traditionally employs a 24-tone theoretical framework based on quarter tones.

Most Arabic qanuns feature four to five levers per string course, allowing performers to access common maqam intervals efficiently.

Although quarter-tone notation is often used as a theoretical reference, actual performance practice frequently varies depending on regional traditions and stylistic preferences.

Arabic Qanun Maqam Tuning Map (Rast, Bayati, Hijaz)

1. Maqam Rast (Rast on D)

Scale: D – E half-flat – F – G – A – B half-flat – C – D

Degree	Note	Mandal Position
1	D	Natural
2	E half-flat	-50 cents
3	F	Natural
4	G	Natural
5	A	Natural
6	B half-flat	-50 cents
7	C	Natural
8	D	Natural

2. Maqam Bayati (on D)

Scale: D – E half-flat – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D

Degree	Note	Mandal Position
1	D	Natural
2	E half-flat	-50 cents
3	F	Natural
4	G	Natural
5	A	Natural
6	B♭	-100 cents
7	C	Natural
8	D	Natural

3. Maqam Hijaz (on D)

Scale: D – E♭ – F♯ – G – A – B♭ – C – D

Degree	Note	Mandal Position
1	D	Natural
2	E♭	-100 cents
3	F♯	+200 cents
4	G	Natural
5	A	Natural
6	B♭	-100 cents
7	C	Natural
8	D	Natural

Turkish Kanun Tuning System

Turkish classical music uses a much finer microtonal system.

The widely adopted Arel-Ezgi-Uzdilek theory divides the octave into 53 equal parts known as commas or komas.

To accommodate these intervals, Turkish kanuns may include between 5 and 15 mandals per string course.

This allows performers to execute highly detailed makam modulations and subtle intonational variations.

Turkish Kanun Makam Tuning Map

1. Makam Rast (D Rast)

Scale: D – E (9 komas) – F♯ (4 komas flat equivalent structure varies) – G – A – B – C♯ – D

Degree	Note	Koma Position (approx)	Mandal Setting
1	D	0	Natural
2	E	+9 komas	Slightly lowered (not pure equal E)
3	F♯ (slightly flat in practice)	+14–15 komas	Adjusted via mandal
4	G	+17 komas	Natural
5	A	+22 komas	Natural
6	B	+31 komas	Slight micro adjustment possible
7	C♯ (komalı sharp)	+40 komas	Mandal fine-tuned
8	D	53 komas	Octave

2. Makam Hicaz (D Hicaz)

Scale: D – E♭ – F♯ – G – A – B♭ – C – D

Degree	Note	Koma Position	Mandal Setting
1	D	0	Natural
2	E♭	~4–5 komas above D	Strong flat mandal
3	F♯	~14–15 komas	Sharp mandal
4	G	17 komas	Natural
5	A	22 komas	Natural
6	B♭	~27–28 komas	Flat mandal
7	C	~31 komas	Natural-ish
8	D	53 komas	Octave

3. Makam Nihavend (D Nihavend)

Equivalent structure: Minor scale with Turkish intonation

Scale: D – E♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D

Degree	Note	Koma Position	Mandal Setting
1	D	0	Natural
2	E♭	~4–5 komas	Flat mandal
3	F	~8–9 komas	Natural
4	G	17 komas	Natural
5	A	22 komas	Natural
6	B♭	~27–28 komas	Flat mandal
7	C	~31 komas	Natural
8	D	53 komas	Octave

Advanced Microtonal Theory

Modern researchers have proposed even more detailed tuning systems.

One notable example is the 79-tone tuning model developed by musicologist Ozan Yarman. This system seeks to recreate historical Turkish intonation with greater precision than conventional equal-tempered approaches.

Specialized kanuns built for this system include additional fine-tuning mechanisms and expanded lever layouts.

Step-by-Step Qanun Tuning Process

Step 1: Set All Levers to Natural Position

Before tuning, place all mandals or urab in their designated natural position.

This creates the correct reference framework for the instrument.

Step 2: Tune the Reference Note

Most Turkish performers begin with the D4 (Neva) course.

Use an electronic tuner to establish an accurate reference pitch.

Step 3: Tune the Triple Course

Tune the first string using the tuner.

Then tune the remaining two strings by ear until all audible beating disappears.

Step 4: Tune Octaves

Tune all octave equivalents throughout the instrument.

Many performers use slight octave stretching to compensate for string stiffness.

Step 5: Tune Fifths and Remaining Notes

After establishing octaves, tune fifths and related intervals across the entire range.

This process creates a more natural resonance than strict equal temperament.

Course	Note
1	G2
2	A2
3	B2
4	C3
5	D3
6	E3
7	F3
8	G3
9	A3
10	B3
11	C4
12	D4
13	E4
14	F4
15	G4
16	A4
17	B4
18	C5
19	D5
20	E5
21	F5
22	G5
23	A5
24	B5
25	C6
26	D6

How to Keep a Qanun in Tune

Maintaining tuning stability requires consistent care.

Control Humidity

Keep the instrument between 40% and 60% relative humidity whenever possible.

Tune Regularly

Frequent tuning helps stabilize string tension and improves overall pitch retention.

Use Proper Peg Compound

If tuning pegs slip, apply a professional peg compound designed for friction pegs.

Avoid Damaging Materials

Never use rosin, abrasive soaps, or aggressive lubricants on tuning pegs.

These materials can permanently damage the pegbox.

Common Qanun Tuning Problems

Peg Slippage

Often caused by low humidity or worn peg surfaces.

String Stretching

New strings require time to settle and may drift significantly during the first weeks.

Lever Misalignment

Incorrect mandal positions can create tuning inconsistencies across the instrument.

Environmental Changes

Rapid temperature and humidity fluctuations are among the most common causes of tuning instability.

Conclusion

Qanun tuning combines acoustics, craftsmanship, physics, and centuries of musical tradition. While Arabic and Turkish systems differ in their approach to microtonality, both rely on precise tuning, carefully designed lever mechanisms, and a deep understanding of modal music. By mastering tuning procedures and maintaining the instrument properly, performers can unlock the full expressive potential of one of the world’s most sophisticated string instruments.