Learning to Play the Long Saz: From Tuning to Strumming

The baglama (sometimes referred to as a saz) is an extremely old string instrument originating from Turkey. Many say it’s the instrument that Turkish music came from. So, learning to play it can seem pretty scary (not least because it’s hard to find English-language baglama lessons online).

But there’s no need to worry anymore! We’re here to talk you through how to play the saz (at least the basics). Although, before we get started, we should mention that it will always be easier to learn an instrument with a teacher physically beside you. This isn’t an option for everyone (we get that!) so we’ll do our best to help you out on this magical journey.

Want a more guided, step-by-step learning path? Check out our brand-new Long Saz Online Course — the world’s first in English! Designed for beginners and experienced players alike, it’s a perfect way to truly dive into this incredible instrument and tradition.

How to Play the Saz (The Basics)

Saz Tuning

The first thing we need to talk about is saz tuning. 

Your instrument will have 3 courses (groups) of strings. It probably has 7 strings to its name but could have 6. All the strings within a course should be played at the same time. However, they could be tuned slightly differently (about an octave apart) which will give a twang to the tone.

The tones of Long Neck saz:

• String 1: low Bb
• String 2: 1 octave higher
• Middle course: same F
• String 5: A above low C
• Strings 6 and 7: C octave above string 5

The tones of Short Neck baglama saz:

• String 1: low B
• String 2: B an octave higher
• String 3 & 4: A  
• String 5: E above low B
• Strings 6 & 7: E octave above string 5

Frets

While you’re discovering how to play saz, the frets will probably be the first thing you notice. Depending on how old your instrument is, they could be anywhere along the neck since they traditionally come movable so the player can customize it. If yours is relatively new, they should be quite standard by now (they’ll still differ between long and short-neck baglamas).

Usually, there will be 12 segments per octave — this is a great way to think about it as a beginner.

Playing Position

You can find plenty of pictures online for the correct playing position. But try to remember these handy tips to get you off to a good start:

• Relax
• Sit up straight
• Hold it without propping it on your left hand
• The soundboard facing away from you
• Point your fingers into the fretboard
• Wrap your hand around the neck

Playing Styles

Since you’re just starting to learn how to play Saz, you don’t need to get too bogged down in various playing styles. However, it’s good to know if you plan on getting really in-depth with it.

Traditionally, the melody is played on the Z course. The open notes situated on the Y and X courses start to add rhythm to your piece. You’ll notice this is very harmonic when you get the hang of it.

Scales

If you’re having in-person baglama lessons, your teacher will help you get to grips with the scales. Honestly, this is the best way to learn. In any case, let’s look at a couple of simple scales you can try:

Up and Down

Essentially, you’re just moving your fingers up and down the neck of your baglama, strumming each group of 3 notes. Of course, there is more to it than this, but you’re better off watching videos or having a personal lesson.

Cross-String

This is a somewhat modern scale. Here, you’re crossing the strings and fingering them simultaneously. Cross-string scales are easier to achieve on a short-neck saz but they aren’t impossible on the long-neck varieties.

Try Taking Baglama Lessons

Even though you can teach yourself to play the saz online and through videos, nothing beats one-to-one, in-person baglama lessons. But if that’s not available for you, consider our Saz Online Course. It’s the next best thing—and the perfect way to start your musical journey with proper guidance.