Bouzouki Backing/Tuning ?

Subject: Bouzouki Backing/Tuning ?
From: GUEST,RobinA
Date: 11 Sep 01 - 06:19 AM

I bought a Bouzouki a few years ago but never quite got to grips with it. My first instrument is guitar generally tuned DADGAD. One of the problems I have found is what tuning to use GDAE or GDAD. Can any one advise and are there any tutorial info about ?

Thanks Robin

Subject: RE: Bouzouki Backing/Tuning ?
From: John P
Date: 11 Sep 01 - 08:41 AM

Most players just try several different tunings for a while until they settle on one that makes sense to them. My wife and I taught a workshop on bouzoukis several years ago. We had nine instruments in the room and seven different tunings.

Have you considered:
GDGC, which is the same intervals as the bottom four strings in DADGAD?
AEAE -- this is the tuning I use. The bouzouki sounds good with ringing open strings. The two high courses are the same as standard mandolin tuning. Having an E string right under those means you don't have to reach so far for the major seventh just below the tonic -- the note that would be on the 6th fret in a standard mandolin tuning, but which might be a bit of a reach on a bouzouki.
ADAD, the other open tuning.
ADAE -- open D chord below, standard mandolin tuning above.

There are some web sites:
Han Speek's Page
Mark Fitzsimons' Cittern FAQ
Anthony de Waal's Page
The Cittern Email List

Good Luck,
John Peekstok