Tuning Overview: BEAD Mandola Tuning

This distinctive tuning for the Irish Bouzouki, creatively dubbed the "BEAD Mandola Tuning," was developed to simplify playing chords and scales, particularly on instruments equipped with nylon strings. As described by its creator, it masterfully strikes a balance, offering a playing experience that feels like a blend between traditional guitar and lute techniques.

Technical Analysis

The tuning establishes a sequence of perfect fourths across all strings, from the lowest B2, through E3, A3, and finally D4. This is a remarkably consistent and symmetrical intervallic structure, precisely mirroring the lowest four strings of a standard-tuned guitar, but transposed upwards. It's essentially an octave above a B-E-A-D configuration found on a 5-string bass (without the G string). The consistent perfect fourth intervals (B to E, E to A, A to D) make fretboard navigation highly intuitive, as patterns for scales and arpeggios repeat predictably across the strings.

Verbal & Chords Analysis

The quartal nature of this tuning lends itself beautifully to modern and open voicings. Guitarists accustomed to standard tuning will find many familiar lower-string chord shapes (such as power chords or E-minor/A-minor/D-minor shapes when transposed) easily adaptable. The open strings themselves – B, E, A, D – form a Bsus4 chord. This open, suspended quality is versatile, allowing for both melancholic and uplifting sounds, and can be readily resolved into major or minor harmonies with minimal fretting. For example, by fretting the 2nd fret on the D string (yielding F#), you complete a B minor 7th chord (B-E-A-D-F#), showcasing the rich harmonic potential of this tuning. It's ideal for exploration, drone-based playing, and creating intricate melodic lines that feel natural and flowing.

How to Tune Your Irish Bouzouki

To achieve the BEAD Mandola Tuning, you will need to make significant adjustments to your string tension. All four strings are tuned up by a substantial seven semitones (a perfect fifth) from their likely standard positions.

• String 4 (Lowest): Tune up 7 semitones to B2.
• String 3: Tune up 7 semitones to E3.
• String 2: Tune up 7 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune up 7 semitones to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: Tuning up by 7 semitones for each string represents a very substantial increase in string tension. For optimal playability, accurate intonation, and to prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings (such as snapping or bridge lifting), it is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge set of strings specifically designed to withstand higher tunings. If you are unsure, consulting with a professional luthier is highly recommended. Using standard string gauges for an Irish Bouzouki in this tuning is generally not safe or effective.

String 4 (Lowest): B2
String 3: E3
String 2: A3
String 1 (Highest): D4