If you’ve just purchased your first Turkish oud or are planning to upgrade to a professional Turkish oud, understanding how to tune it properly is essential. Correct tuning ensures your instrument sounds beautiful, resonates clearly, and aligns with the rich modal system of Turkish music.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common Turkish oud tuning system, explore other tuning variations used by oud masters, and help you choose the best system based on your playing style. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, this article will help you get your oud ready to play.

🎯 Most Common Turkish Oud Tuning (Bolahenk Düzeni)

The most widely used tuning for the Turkish-style oud is:

C♯ – F♯ – B – E – A – D
(From 1st string – the thinnest – to 6th string – the thickest)

This system, known as Bolahenk tuning, is ideal for students, classical musicians, and those who perform Turkish makams. It provides a versatile tonal range and easy finger placement.

📊 Tuning Chart (1st to 6th string):

This tuning is standard on many of the best-selling Turkish ouds available online.

🛠️ How to Tune a Turkish Oud Step-by-Step

If you’ve just unboxed your oud or replaced the strings, here’s how to tune it:

1. Start with the 6th string (D)
   Use a chromatic oud tuner or tuning app. Turn the peg gently until the pitch matches D.

2. Continue upward: A, E, B, F♯, C♯
   Always tune up to the note for better stability.

3. Match the string pairs
   Each string course has two strings. Tune both so they sound perfectly in unison.

4. Check for pitch drift
   After initial tuning, re-check strings as others may have shifted.

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📜 Other Turkish Oud Tuning Systems

Advanced players and professionals sometimes use alternative tunings for specific repertoire or modal needs:

🔹 Cinuçen Tanrıkorur Tuning

G – D – A – E – B – E
Preferred for extended range and flexibility in Turkish classical music.

🔹 Bacanos Tuning

G – D – A – E – B – F♯
Named after oud virtuoso Şerif Muhiddin Targan (Bacanos school).

🔹 Traditional (Rast) Tuning

C – G – D – A – F – C
Used for historical Ottoman and makam performances.

🎶 Want to explore ouds tuned for classical Turkish makams? Check our pre-tuned professional oud collection.

✅ Tips for Oud Tuning Stability

• Tune before every session – oud pegs can shift due to temperature and humidity.

• Stretch new strings gently after installation.

• Use peg compound to prevent slipping pegs.

• Store your oud in a hard case to avoid climate-related detuning.

🎼 Buy a Turkish Oud That's Ready to Play

At [Your Store Name], we offer handcrafted Turkish ouds, pre-strung and pre-tuned in the standard C♯–F♯–B–E–A–D tuning. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly student oud or a concert-quality professional oud, our curated collection meets every need.

🎁 All ouds come with:

• A free soft or hard case

• Extra string set

• Optional tuning chart

• Secure worldwide shipping

👉 Browse our Turkish Oud collection now: [Shop Turkish Ouds]

📌 Final Notes

Tuning your oud correctly brings out the soul of your playing. Whether you’re learning your first makam or preparing for a stage performance, keeping your oud in tune ensures your sound is clean, emotional, and authentic.

Need help choosing the right oud or tuning accessories? Contact our expert team for personalized support.