Oud tuner – Turkish (DEABEA)
D-E-A-B-E-A · Alternative
Press “Start tuner” – the browser will ask for microphone access. Sound is analysed on this device and never uploaded.
This free online tuner listens through your microphone and shows how close each string of your Oud is to Turkish (DEABEA) tuning (D-E-A-B-E-A). Play a string, watch the needle, and turn the peg until the meter glows green. If you prefer tuning by ear, tap any string card to hear its reference tone.
About Turkish (DEABEA) tuning
Compared with Arabic (CFADGC), Turkish (DEABEA) moves 5 strings. Some strings go up and others go down, so the total tension stays close to Arabic (CFADGC) while the shape of the fretboard changes completely.1 string stays exactly where it was.
| String | Arabic (CFADGC) | Turkish (DEABEA) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C2 | D2 | up 2 semitones |
| 2 | F2 | E2 | down 1 semitone |
| 4 | D3 | B2 | down 3 semitones |
| 5 | G3 | E3 | down 3 semitones |
| 6 | C4 | A3 | down 3 semitones |
Played open, the strings sound D-E-A-B-E-A – from D2 at the bottom to A3 at the top, a span of 1 octave and 7 semitones. Step by step across the neck the intervals are a whole tone, a fourth, a whole tone, a fourth, a fourth, and that is what decides how chord shapes fall under the hand.
Turkish oud tuning is roughly a whole tone above the Arabic one and does not simply transpose it – the interval pattern itself differs, which is part of what separates the Turkish and Arabic schools of playing.
Turkish instruments are also built slightly smaller and strung tighter, giving a brighter and more penetrating tone than the deep, round sound associated with the Arabic oud.
History
Where the Turkish (DEABEA) tuning comes from
The Turkish oud tuning differs from the Arabic; the Turkish oud is smaller and brighter. The tuning reflects the Turkish makam system.
Other Oud tunings
Standard
Alternative
Chords for this tuning
How do I tune my Oud to Turkish (DEABEA)?
Allow microphone access, pluck a string, and the tuner will detect it automatically. The needle shows whether the string is flat or sharp – adjust until the reading is within ±5 cents (D-E-A-B-E-A).
Which notes are used in Turkish (DEABEA) tuning?
Turkish (DEABEA) tuning for Oud uses the notes D-E-A-B-E-A, listed from the lowest string to the highest.
Can I tune without a microphone?
Yes. Every string card plays a reference tone – tap it and match your string to the sound by ear.