BOUZOUKI Meaning and
Definition
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The bouzouki is a stringed musical instrument commonly associated with Greek music. It is a member of the lute family and is played with a plectrum. The word "bouzouki" is derived from the Turkish word "bozuk," meaning "broken" or "altered," highlighting the instrument's history of modification and transformation.
The bouzouki typically has a flat, pear-shaped body made of a resonating wood such as spruce or cedar. It features a long neck with a fretted fingerboard and a double-coursed set of steel strings. Traditionally, the bouzouki had three pairs of strings tuned in unison, but it has evolved into various forms with different tunings. The most common tuning used today is D-A-D, although other tunings such as C-F-A and G-D-A are also utilized.
The instrument is played by striking the strings with a plectrum, creating a bright, metallic sound. Its unique sound and melodic capabilities enable it to serve both as a rhythm and lead instrument in Greek folk music, especially within traditional genres such as rebetiko and laika.
Over the years, the bouzouki has become an iconic symbol of Greek culture and has gained popularity outside of Greece, particularly in countries with large Greek diasporas. It has been incorporated into various musical genres globally and has undergone modifications to suit different musical styles, further extending its versatility and influence.
Etymology of BOUZOUKI
The word "bouzouki" has its origins in the Greek language. It is believed to be derived from the Turkish word "bozuk" or "bozuq", which means "broken" or "modified". The term "bouzouki" was initially used to describe a specific type of Turkish stringed instrument. However, it gained popularity in Greece and eventually became associated with the Greek instrument we know today. The instrument itself is a member of the long-necked lute family found in various Mediterranean and Balkan countries.
