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Thread: Bouzouki Fingering

  1. #1
    Slow Learner Mandochemist's Avatar
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    Default Bouzouki Fingering

    Hello Cafe! Is it still outdoor seating only?

    I just picked up a zouk (26" scale) after playing mandolin for years. The instructional book I am using had no mention of finger positions so, having small hands, I am using my fourth finger for the fifth fret. Watching youtube videos it seems most players don't do this. Is it uncommon to use the pinky like this? Am I starting down a road to frustration and heartache?

  2. #2
    Registered User zoukboy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bouzouki Fingering

    It's completely dependent on scale length. At 26" you will have a hard time using mandolin/violin fingering. Are you in bouzouki tuning? Irish GDAD Greek CFAD

  3. #3
    Slow Learner Mandochemist's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bouzouki Fingering

    GDAD with octave pairs. I'm not trying to use mandolin fingering but just wondering what works best in the long run. I don't want to start with bad habits. By the way it's your book I'm using!

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  5. #4
    Registered User Pete Braccio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bouzouki Fingering

    Try:
    Index - Fret 1&2
    Middle - 3
    Ring - 4
    Pinky - 5&6

    In reality you're gonna have to think a lot about shifting your hand position up (and down).

    Pete
    Pete Braccio

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  6. #5
    Registered User zoukboy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bouzouki Fingering

    Quote Originally Posted by Pete Braccio View Post
    Try:
    Index - Fret 1&2
    Middle - 3
    Ring - 4
    Pinky - 5&6

    In reality you're gonna have to think a lot about shifting your hand position up (and down).

    Pete
    Agree with this, and when you need to shift up you can finger similarly as you can reach.

  7. #6
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    Default Re: Bouzouki Fingering

    That's the fingerings I use on my short scale bouzouki. It's tuned GDAE in case that makes a difference.

    Pinky on the 6th fret is a stretch, and 7th means moving my hand.

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