How to tune Tanbour:Tuning Systems, Maqams, Notes
What Is the Tanbur?
The Tanbur is one of the oldest surviving long-necked lute instruments in the world. With a history spanning more than 4,000 years, it remains an essential instrument in Kurdish, Persian, Turkish, and Central Asian musical traditions.
Today, the instrument exists in several forms, but the most recognized are the Kurdish-Persian Tanbur of Western Iran and the Turkish Tambur of Ottoman classical music. While these instruments share common ancestry, they differ significantly in construction, tuning, playing techniques, and musical repertoire.
For many musicians, the Tanbur is more than a musical instrument. In Kurdish Yarsani traditions, it is considered sacred and is used in spiritual ceremonies, devotional music, and religious gatherings.
Main Types of Tanbur
Kurdish and Persian Tanbur
The Kurdish Tanbur is primarily found in Kermanshah, Sahneh, Kerend, and Gahvareh. It typically features three strings, a pear-shaped mulberry body, movable frets, and fingerstyle playing techniques.
Turkish Tambur
The Turkish Tambur has a much longer neck, more frets, and seven or eight strings. It is designed for the complex microtonal intervals of the Ottoman makam system.
Bowed Tambur
The Yaylı Tambur is a bowed version developed in Turkey during the twentieth century. It produces a sustained and expressive tone suitable for classical Turkish music.
Parts of a Tanbur
A traditional Tanbur consists of:
Bowl (Kaseh)
The resonating body, usually carved from mulberry wood or constructed from wooden ribs.
Soundboard
The thin wooden top that amplifies the vibration of the strings.
Neck
The long wooden section where the frets are tied.
Frets (Pardeh)
Movable nylon or gut frets used to create notes and microtonal intervals.
Pegbox
Contains the friction pegs used for tuning.
Bridge
Transfers string vibrations to the soundboard.
Standard Persian Tanbur Tuning
The most common modern tuning is:
| String | Note |
|---|---|
| Top String | C4 |
| Middle String | G3 |
| Bottom String | C4 |
This tuning is commonly referred to as:
C – G – C
It is suitable for most Kurdish and Persian repertoire.
How to Tune a Tanbur Step by Step
Step 1
Tune the bottom melody string to C.
Step 2
Tune the middle string to G.
Step 3
Tune the drone string to C.
Step 4
Strum all strings together and listen for a balanced resonance.
Step 5
Make fine adjustments until the instrument sounds stable and clear.
Common Tanbur Tunings
Standard Tuning (C-G-C)
Notes:
- C4
- G3
- C4
Used for:
- Hey Dawood
- Jalali
- Baba Yadegari
- Many contemporary performances
D-A-D Tuning
Notes:
- D4
- A3
- D4
Used for:
- Sahari
- Regional Kurdish maqams
- Vocal accompaniment
Sheykh Amiri Tuning
Notes:
- D4
- A3
- G3
This tuning creates a strong fourth relationship between the melody and drone strings.
Used for:
- Sheykh Amiri repertoire
- Spiritual ceremonies
- Traditional Yarsani music
Farangi Tuning
Notes:
- D4
- C#4
- G3
Developed by Ostad Elahi, this tuning creates natural harmonic beating and a shimmering resonance.
Most Important Tanbur Maqams
Sheykh Amiri
One of the most respected maqams in the Kurdish Tanbur tradition.
Recommended tuning:
D4 – A3 – G3
Scale notes:
D – E♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D
Characteristics:
- Deeply spiritual
- Meditative
- Rich ornamentation
Hey Dawood Sangin
Recommended tuning:
C4 – G3 – C4
Scale notes:
C – D – E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C
Characteristics:
- Slow tempo
- Prayer-like atmosphere
- Strong drone resonance
Hey Dawood Tond
Recommended tuning:
C4 – G3 – C4
Scale notes:
Same note structure as Sangin
Characteristics:
- Fast tempo
- Energetic rhythmic patterns
- Commonly used as a climactic piece
Sahari
Recommended tuning:
D4 – A3 – D4
Scale notes:
D – E♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D
Characteristics:
- Traditionally performed at dawn
- Gentle melodic movement
- Reflective mood
Jalali
Recommended tuning:
C4 – G3 – C4
Scale notes:
C – D – E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C
Characteristics:
- Strong rhythmic emphasis
- Ceremonial use
- Powerful right-hand patterns
Baba Yadegari
Recommended tuning:
D4 – A3 – D4
Scale notes:
D – E♭ – F# – G – A – B♭ – C – D
Characteristics:
- Emotional melodic phrases
- Wide interval movement
- Spiritual repertoire
Qalandari
Recommended tuning:
D4 – A3 – D4
Characteristics:
- Expressive phrasing
- Moderate tempo
- Traditional ceremonial performance
Beginner Tanbur Practice Plan
Week 1
Focus on:
- Holding the instrument correctly
- Learning string names
- Basic tuning
Practice 15 minutes daily.
Week 2
Focus on:
- Open-string exercises
- Simple rhythms
- Basic finger control
Practice 20 minutes daily.
Week 3
Focus on:
- Sheykh Amiri phrases
- Drone control
- Tremolo exercises
Practice 30 minutes daily.
Week 4
Focus on:
- Complete maqams
- Ornamentation
- Traditional rhythmic patterns
Practice 30 to 45 minutes daily.
Essential Playing Techniques
Single Finger Stroke
Used for melody playing and slow passages.
Three-Finger Tremolo
Creates a flowing, sustained sound.
Five-Finger Technique
Advanced technique used in ceremonial and professional performances.
Thumb Drone Technique
Allows the drone string to be fretted while maintaining melody on the lower strings.
Tanbur Maintenance Guide
Control Humidity
Maintain a relative humidity level between 40% and 50%.
Clean Strings Regularly
Wipe strings after every practice session.
Maintain the Fingerboard
Apply a small amount of lemon oil once or twice per year.
Check Frets Frequently
Movable frets can shift over time and may require adjustment.
Care for Friction Pegs
Push pegs inward while tuning and use peg compound if slipping occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most modern Persian and Kurdish Tanburs have three strings.
How many strings does a Persian Tanbur have?
Most modern Persian and Kurdish Tanburs have three strings.
What is the best tuning for beginners?
C-G-C is the easiest and most versatile tuning for beginners.
Which maqam should I learn first?
Most teachers recommend starting with Sheykh Amiri or Hey Dawood.
Can I use a digital tuner?
Yes. A chromatic tuner works well for standard Tanbur tuning.
How often should I tune my Tanbur?
The instrument should be checked and tuned before every practice session or performance.
Conclusion
The Tanbur is a remarkable instrument that combines ancient history, spiritual significance, and sophisticated musical traditions. Whether you are interested in Kurdish sacred music, Persian classical repertoire, or Turkish makam performance, understanding Tanbur tunings, maqams, notes, and maintenance will help you develop a deeper connection with this extraordinary instrument.
By mastering the common tunings, learning traditional maqams, and maintaining your instrument properly, you can begin exploring one of the oldest and most expressive stringed instruments in the world.
