(headline image: Greek bouzouki – CC BY 2.5, Link)
The bouzouki is a musical instrument deeply rooted in Greek tradition, renowned for its distinctive sound and historical significance. It belongs to the long-necked lute family and features a round body with a flat top, a lengthy neck, and a fretted fingerboard. Equipped with steel strings, the bouzouki is played using a plectrum, producing a sharp, metallic sound akin to a mandolin but with a lower pitch. Notably, the bouzouki is the precursor to the Irish bouzouki, which has gained popularity in Celtic, English, and North American folk music.
Although the bouzouki has connections with Turkish and Balkan instruments, including mandolins and citterns, its lineage can be traced back to Ancient Greece, particularly to the pandura, a long-necked plucked instrument.
The bouzouki features a round wooden body with metal strings arranged in three or four double courses over a fretted fingerboard. Musicians pluck the strings over the soundhole with a plectrum in the right hand while pressing the strings on the fingerboard with the left hand. Traditionally, the bouzouki was employed for dancing and entertainment at social gatherings, highlighting its role in cultural festivities.
Over time, the bouzouki has undergone various modifications and adaptations. The traditional Greek bouzouki typically has three pairs of metallic strings tuned in unison. However, alternative tunings are also utilized. In the 1960s, a fourth string was introduced, expanding the instrument’s versatility.
In Irish traditional music, the bouzouki has carved out a significant niche since its introduction in the mid-1960s by Johnny Moynihan of the folk group Sweeney’s Men, who retuned it. Alec Finn further popularized the Greek three-course bouzouki within Irish music. The Irish bouzouki, typically used in Irish traditional and Celtic music, is predominantly used as an accompaniment instrument, complementing melodies played on instruments like the flute, fiddle or concertina.
Curiously, some bouzoukis available for sale online and in retail are not made in Greece or Ireland. You can find Greek-style bouzoukis made in Turkey and Irish-style bouzoukis made in Romania or China.
Greek bouzouki players
Notable Greek bouzouki players of the past include Manolis Chiotis (1921 – 1970), Anestis Delias (1912 – 1944), Giorgos Mitsakis (1921 – 1993), Giannis Papaioannou (1913 – 1972), Spyros Peristeris (1900 – 1966), Panagiotis Toundas (1886 – 1942) Vassilis Tsitsanis (1915 – 1984), Giannis Poulopoulos (1941 – 2020)
While there are many talented Greek bouzouki instrumentalists, here are some notable names in the field: Giannis Tatasopoulos, Andreas Stefanakis, Dimitris Kordatzis, Vangelis Liolios, Pantelis Konstantinidis, Giorgos Altis, Thanasis Vassilas, Nikos Katsikis, Costas Papadopoulos, Spyros Liosis, Christos Konstantinou, Spyros Ioannidis, Manolis Karandinis, Vangelis Trigas, Thodoris Kampouridis, Angelo Avramakis, Bebi Stergiou, Panagiotis Stergiou, Kostas Papadopoulos, Argyro Keramida and Christos Psarros.
The other great players are Greek-American Nikos Tatasopoulos and Georgia Kompou (Cyprus)
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other talented Greek bouzouki players out there.
Irish Bouzouki Players
Many talented individuals play the Irish bouzouki. Here are some standout Irish names in the genre: Johnny Moynihan, Andy Irvine, Dónal Lunny, Daoirí Farrell, Manus Lunny, Fintan McManus, Tom McDonagh, Mick Broderick, Eoin O’Neill, Eamon Doorley, Paddy Kerr, Frank Tate, and the late Alec Finn.
Noteworthy non-Irish musicians who play Irish-style bouzouki include Benji Kirkpatrick (UK), Elias Garcia (Spain), Rubén Bada (Spain), James Fagan (Australia), Jamie McMenemy (UK), Aaron Jones (UK), and Beth Patterson (USA).
Bear in mind that this is not a comprehensive list, as there are numerous other talented Irish-style bouzouki players not mentioned here.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.