Top 10 Volko Baglama Songs Every Player Should LearnThe Volko baglama has become a beloved instrument among players of Turkish and Anatolian folk music. Its bright timbre, double-course strings, and expressive playing techniques make it perfect for both rhythmic accompaniment and intricate melodic lines. Whether you’re a beginner exploring traditional repertoire or an experienced player wanting to broaden your setlist, the following ten songs are essential for understanding the stylistic range and technical demands of the Volko baglama.
Why these songs matter
Each selection below was chosen for a reason: historical importance, technical value, melodic interest, or popularity in contemporary and traditional circles. Learning these tracks will help you develop right- and left-hand coordination, trimming and ornamentation techniques (such as pull-offs, slides, and tremolo), rhythmic sensibility across common folk meters, and expressive phrasing that suits the baglama’s voice.
How to approach learning them
- Start slowly and focus on clean left-hand fingering and right-hand rhythm.
- Learn melodies by ear when possible — many baglama traditions emphasize oral transmission.
- Work in two- or three-bar segments, repeating each segment until transitions are smooth.
- Pay special attention to ornamentation: slides (glissandi), grace notes, and microtonal inflections.
- Practice alternating between plectrum (mizrap) and finger-style where appropriate; both techniques appear in modern playing.
1. Uzun İnce Bir Yoldayım
Why learn it: A canonical Turkish folk song with haunting melody and deep emotional range; excellent for practicing sustained lines and dynamic control.
Technical focus: long melodic phrases, vibrato-like ornamentation, and phrasing over simple harmonic motion.
2. Haydar Haydar
Why learn it: A Sufi-influenced classic that teaches modal nuance and meditative pacing.
Technical focus: microtonal bends, subtle slides, and responsive tempo rubato—great for expressive solo playing.
3. Çeşm-i Siyahım
Why learn it: A staple of Anatolian repertoire combining lively rhythm with lyrical passages; useful for ensemble playing.
Technical focus: alternating rhythmic accompaniment patterns and melodic runs; good practice for switching between rhythm and lead roles.
4. Kara Toprak
Why learn it: An earthy, rhythmic tune that helps baglama players lock into folk dance grooves and percussive playing styles.
Technical focus: accented downstrokes, syncopation, and rapid strumming patterns using the mizrap.
5. Şu Hâtif-i Şu’ûl
Why learn it: A melancholic modal piece highlighting maqam (makam) ornamentation and modal phrasing.
Technical focus: ornamented scales, non-Western intervallic nuance, and sustained melodic tension.
6. İzmir’in Kavakları
Why learn it: A bright, regional favorite with memorable hooks and singable chorus—excellent for jam sessions.
Technical focus: clear chordal accompaniment, simple melodic motifs, and smooth transitions between verses.
7. Orta Oyunu
Why learn it: A dance-oriented tune that introduces faster tempos and energetic picking patterns.
Technical focus: rhythmic stamina, rapid single-note passages, and crisp articulation.
8. Ağlama Yar Ağlama
Why learn it: A poignant ballad that builds sensitivity in dynamic shading and plaintive ornamentation.
Technical focus: expressive timing, tasteful use of tremolo, and emotive sliding between notes.
9. Sivas yöresi Türküsü
Why learn it: A representative regional folk song that displays local rhythmic and melodic idiosyncrasies—great for developing stylistic authenticity.
Technical focus: regional scale variations, syncopated strumming, and call-and-response phrasing.
10. Kırşehir’in Güzeli
Why learn it: A melodic, moderately paced tune useful for consolidating melody and accompaniment integration.
Technical focus: balanced hand coordination, melodic ornamentation, and repeatable phrasing suitable for performance.
Practice roadmap (8-week plan)
Week 1–2: Choose 2–3 songs. Learn basic melodies and rhythms slowly.
Week 3–4: Add ornamentation and dynamic contrasts. Start playing with a metronome.
Week 5–6: Increase tempo and practice switching between songs smoothly.
Week 7: Play each song from start to finish without stopping; record and review.
Week 8: Perform for a friend or local group; note areas for refinement.
Tips for authentic sound
- Study regional singers and instrumentalists to internalize phrasing.
- Use appropriate tunings for each song when possible; baglama repertoire often employs alternative tunings.
- Keep a small notebook of ornaments and common licks you discover; repeat them in different keys.
- Respect the oral tradition: learn the feel and story behind songs, not just the notes.
Resources
- Seek out recordings by respected Turkish folk artists and regional ensembles.
- Look for transcriptions and tablature specific to the baglama/bağlama (many players share tabs online).
- Join local or online communities for feedback and accompaniment opportunities.
Learning these ten songs will give you a solid foundation in Volko baglama technique, regional styles, and repertoire. As you internalize their rhythms, ornaments, and tunings, you’ll find it easier to tackle more complex pieces and to add your own voice to the tradition.
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