String instrument | |
---|---|
Classification | String instrument |
Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 321.321 (string instrument with a pear-shaped body and a long neck, played with plectrum) |
Developed | Greece |
Related instruments | |
Bouzouki, Baglamas, Saz |
The tzouras (Greek: τζουράς), is a Greek stringed musical instrument related to the bouzouki. Its name comes from the Turkish cura. It is made in six-string and eight-string varieties. Similar musical instruments in Turkish culture are generally referred to as Bağlama.
The six-string model has the same arrangement of strings tuned to the same pitches as the six-string (trichordo) bouzouki. There are three pairs of strings, tuned to D3D4–A3A3–D4D4 or D4D3–A3A3–D4D4. The strings are made of steel.[1][2]
Physically, the tzouras resembles the bouzouki, with a similar neck and head, but stands out due to its notably smaller body, resulting in a distinct tonal quality.