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In the late 1960s the bouzouki was adopted by traditional musicians such as Johnny Moynihan and Donal Lunny who were involved in the folk revival in Ireland. It has become one of the most important instruments used to accompany Irish traditional music.

As the bouzouki came to be "acquired", its construction was modified to allow players to play standing up, and has a shorter neck and a flat back. A variety of tunings are used, the most popular being g–d'–a'–d''.

They are double strung - with varying numbers of strings.

  • instruments with 5 courses (pairs of strings) are often referred to as Citterns (a name "borrowed" from a Renaissance family of instruments);
  • instruments with 4 courses are often referred to as Irish Bouzoukis;
  • other closely related instruments include the mandola and octave mandolin;
  • some makers have created further hybrids - combining elements of the guitar and the bouzouki, for example.

More information

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Article on the use of guitar and bouzouki/cittern in Celtic music, by Cliff McGann (originally published in Celtic Heritage); includes notes on significant performers.
An enthusiast for citterns, bouzoukis, other mandolin-like instruments, and their music; maintains a database of categorised links.
Resource for learners and players. Includes information on tuning, tablature, pictures, recommended books and listening.
Describes the differences in construction and tuning in this group of instruments.
An article about the Irish Bouzouki and its history and related music.
An article on the instrument in Irish music; includes tunings, tabs, practical tips, and links.
Luthier specializing in cittern, bouzouki, and other mandolin family instruments; also make acoustic guitars. Includes information on instruments, items in stock and pricing.
Resource for learners and players. Includes information on tuning, tablature, pictures, recommended books and listening.
Luthier specializing in cittern, bouzouki, and other mandolin family instruments; also make acoustic guitars. Includes information on instruments, items in stock and pricing.
An article about the Irish Bouzouki and its history and related music.
Article on the use of guitar and bouzouki/cittern in Celtic music, by Cliff McGann (originally published in Celtic Heritage); includes notes on significant performers.
An article on the instrument in Irish music; includes tunings, tabs, practical tips, and links.
An enthusiast for citterns, bouzoukis, other mandolin-like instruments, and their music; maintains a database of categorised links.
Describes the differences in construction and tuning in this group of instruments.
Last update:
November 21, 2023 at 6:25:03 UTC
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