Originally a Greek bouzouki, the Irish bouzouki is a musical instrument that has been adapted into a more familiar form. This type of bouzouki is a type of tetrachordo, which means that it has four strings. This type of bouzouki was introduced to Irish traditional music in the mid-1960s.
GDAD
The most popular Irish tuning system is the GDAD (Ground Doubled and Augmented D). Although it is similar to DADGAD and slightly more like the Greek trichordo bouzouki tune, It’s used by Irish musicians in preference to the guitar-like GDAE tuning, because it’s more convenient and easier to play.
The GDAD can be accompanied with a modal harmonic approach. The GDAD Bouzouki chords can be played easily, especially in D.
However, the best bouzouki chords are not always in the key of D. Fortunately, the Irish Bouzouki GDAD Chord Bible features 2,520 chords to choose from, including 576 moveable chord configurations. You will also find sections about slash chords and harmonic intervals as well as a layout for your fingerboard.
ADAD
The ADAD Irish Bouzouki, a mandolin-like instrument that can be used to play modal harmonic accompaniments in traditional Irish music, is probably the most well-known and popular Celtic tuning method. The Irish bouzouki, unlike the Greek Tetrachordo which has a four-course instrument and a round back, features double string pairings.
The ADAD Irish Bouzouki is best used for simple chords A and D.
G2-D3-A3-D4
The original Greek Bouzouki consisted of a six-string instrument and three courses. Later, it was modified in Greece to improve its strength and resist thicker steel strings. The bouzouki became an instrument for Irish traditional music in the 1960s. Peter Abnett, an English builder built it for the first time. His hybrid design had a 3-piece partially staved back. He also experimented with carved arch tops. The bouzouki is a medium to long scale instrument with four courses. The lower-pitched string are tuned in octaves, adding depth and character to the sound. The upper-pitched strings are tuned in unison. The bouzouki is an instrument in the mandolin family. The bouzouki is made from the same material as the mandolin. This allows for the best tone for professional musicians. The instrument is designed to be easy to play.
Greek bouzouki
Originally, the Greek bouzouki was a three course, six string instrument. After the 1918-1922 war, immigrants from Asia Minor brought their bouzouki to Greece. A three-course / six-string bouzouki became the most popular style. This style is still popular for Greek music.
An adaptation of the Greek Bouzouki, the Irish bouzouki was created. A flattened back and shorter neck, the Irish bouzouki is smaller than that of the Greek. Many intricate mother-of pearl designs are used to carve the Irish bouzouki’s body.
In the mid-1960s, Johnny Moynihan and Alec Finn brought the Greek tetrachordo bouzouki to Ireland. The tetrachordo Bouzouki has four strings tuned in fifths like a guitar. This makes it easier to learn rhythms. This style of bouzouki was popular among Irish folk music groups such as Planxty.
Sessioneer bouzouki
Originally an exotic instrument, the Irish sessioneer bouzouki has established a secure place in the Irish musical scene. The bouzouki is used to accompany other instruments and, in particular, basslines. The hybrid instrument features a teardrop-shaped structure, a 25.5-inch scale and a tail saddle that resembles a violin. The ebony bridge and nut make a rich sound.
Johnny Moynihan brought the original Greek bouzouki to Ireland. Unlike the Greek bouzouki, which was wired, the Irish bouzouki is made of wood. It has either a slightly arched or flat back. It has three pairs of strings. It is usually tuned to GDAD or GDAE.
Abnet bouzouki
The Irish bouzouki was adapted from the Greek bouzouki and is used for folk music. The bouzouki is an instrument that uses six strings in three pairs. Each string is tuned to one octa. The bouzouki is often used for chordal accompaniment, but the instrument is also used in melodic work.
The Irish bouzouki first appeared in 1960, during Ireland’s folk revival. The bouzouki was originally designed with a rounded back and straight sides. The bouzouki’s original design had a rounded back and straight sides. Designers replaced this with a flat-back, which was then widened to 24 inches. The body was also changed to a three piece back with flat edges.