Saz
Saz

About Saz lessons

Is there a difference between a saz and a baglama?

There is no difference between a saz and a baglama. The baglama is often simply called the saz and has been the minstrel's instrument in Turkey for centuries. Saz means instrument in Turkish. Minstrels have traditionally, in all cultures, sung about love, sorrow, resentment, and happiness, accompanying themselves on the saz.

Songwriter Troubadours

The minstrels conveyed stories and history through song and play. They were, in effect, the songwriters of the past! The baglama is widely played today at celebrations and as an accompanying instrument. 

Is Baglama a type of Lute?

The baglama is a pear-shaped lute and comes in both long- and short-neck versions.

How many strings does a saz have? 

The baglama has seven strings, divided into pairs of two, two, and three. The saz can be tuned in various ways and has different names depending on the region and size: baglama, divan sazi, bozuk, cogur, kopuz irizva, cura, tambura, etc. The cura is the smallest member of the baglama family; larger than the cura is the tambura, tuned an octave lower. The divan sazi, the largest instrument in the family, is tuned another octave lower.

A brief history of the saz

The baglama is a synthesis of historical musical instruments in Central Asia and pre-Turkish Anatolia. It is partly derived from the Turkish komuz. The kopuz, or komuz, differs from the baglama in that it has a leather-covered sound box and two or three strings made of sheep gut, wolf gut, or horsehair. It is played with the fingers instead of a pick and has a fretless fingerboard. 

What is the meaning of the word Baglama?

Baglama literally means "something that is fixed," likely a reference to the instrument's tied frets. The word baglama first appears in texts from the 18th century. Baglama/Saz is the most commonly used stringed instrument in Turkey.

Türkü with saz accompaniment

Besides being a solo instrument, the saz is, just like the chitarrone and the lute, also a perfect accompaniment to singing. 

What is Türkü?

Türkü is the collective name for traditional songs from various regions of Turkey. These songs are very well-known and are often passed down by word of mouth or by so-called Asiks (troubadours, storytellers, and singers).

What is a saz made of?

A baglama consists of a sound box (called a tekne), made of mulberry or juniper, beech, spruce, or walnut, a spruce top (gogus), and a neck made of beech or juniper (sap). The tuning pegs are known as burgu (literally, screw). The fishing line frets are attached to the neck and can be moved if necessary. 

Is the saz difficult to learn?

Just like with any other instrument, you'll progress fastest with regular, focused practice. The advantage of the saz is that it's a relatively accessible plucked instrument that you can master in a short time!

Do you play the saz with a pick or your fingers?

The baglama is usually played with a mizrap or tezene, a type of pick made of cherry bark or plastic. In some regions, it's played with the fingers in a style known as selpe or serpe.

Can you play along with others when you play the saz?

The saz is an excellent instrument for accompanying others. For example, by playing well-known songs on your saz with a Ney? See if there's someone in your area who plays the Ney and take lessons in interpretation and repertoire with an experienced teacher!

More information

Choose your Saz Teacher

Congratulations! Your next step is to check out the page of the music teacher you want to know more about. Get in touch with the saz teacher in your area and book a trial lesson!

Trial Saz Baglama Lesson

The trial lesson is the perfect situation to discuss the frequency of the lessons, the location, the music styles you like most or other styles you may wish to explore and to get to know your future saz teacher. Book your first lesson pack, and receive a free trial lesson. (Normal price EU 25,- )

Private Music Lessons For All Ages

At Vivaldi Music Lessons website you will find all types of music lessons for beginners and advanced. Instrumental and vocal music lessons for children, teenagers and adults.

Why Music Lessons?

Music lightens your mood, cheers you up, gets you moving and gives you positive energy! Making music is one of the most motivating and healthy activities in life!

Your Favourite Music

The repertoire for saz which you find the most personal to you is where we will focus our attention. For this, constructive feedback, personalised exercises, tips and inspiration from a dedicated professional saz teacher are best choice!

Saz Lessons near you!

  • Saz Lessons for children, teenagers, adults - all levels
  • Flexibility with Lesson Packs of  5 or 10 x 30, 45 or 60 minute lessons
  • Free trial lesson with the purchase of a Lesson Pack (normally 25,-)
  • Private saz lessons at the teacher's place or at your home
  • In person or online lessons
  • Cosy and positive atmosphere in your lessons

Lesson Packs

Lesson time, payment of the lessons and location are arranged individually between you and your saz teacher. Packs of 5 or 10 saz lessons of 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes.

Lesson Locations

The Saz Lessons will take place at the teacher's place or studio or in the comfort of your own home.

Online Saz Lessons

If you wish to follow online lessons, you can contact the saz teacher of your choice directly and discuss the possibilities.

Classical to Pop and More!

If music is your passion and classical, baroque, jazz, pop, latin, world music or any other kind of music is where you find the most inspiration, you're welcome to sign up for a trial saz baglama lesson. 

Music Theory Lessons

Do you wish to know more about the backgrounds of music? Learn more about Maqam, harmony, tonalities and musical structures? Find your saz teacher and discover the advantages of knowledge of music theory.