In 2008, Turkish guitarist and researcher Tolgahan Çoğulu invented the Adjustable Microtonal Guitar, a breakthrough for playing Turkish makam music and other traditions that require microtones beyond the standard 12-tone system. Note that Western guitars are locked into 12 equal semitones, whereas traditions such as Turkish makam rely on smaller intervals.
Unlike earlier fretless or modified guitars, Çoğulu’s design uses channels under each string with removable fretlets, allowing performers to quickly reconfigure the fretboard while retaining the classical guitar’s sound and technique. This innovation grew out of his doctoral work at Istanbul Technical University, where he combined academic research with practical design.
Since then, Çoğulu has commissioned 41 new works for microtonal guitar, performed in 34 countries, and introduced the instrument into international concert life. In 2014 he won first prize at Georgia Tech’s Guthman Musical Instrument Competition with his ‘Lego Microtonal Guitar’ which received its inspiration from his son, Atlas Çoğulu.
The Great Master’s son Atlas Çoğulu who is the source of his father’s creation, the lego microtonal guitar
Çoğulu also founded the world’s first microtonal guitar department at Istanbul Technical University, where he later became a full professor. He also established the Microtonal Guitar Competition, co-authored a method book, and recorded the solo album Microtonal, solidifying his role as both innovator and educator.
Let’s lend an ear to the great master.
visuals are taken from tolgahancogulu.com and videos are taken from Tolga Çoğulu’s YouTube channel.
