The tambura is a stringed plucked musical instrument similar to a lute. One of the earliest mentions of the tambura can be found in a Greek poem about the hero Digenis in the 10th century. The tambura, as a primary instrument, became the progenitor of a large family of Greek instruments of various sizes and sounds, such as the bouzouki and baglamas.

The tambura is structurally similar to the Turkish saz, but it is more elongated in shape and has a straight neck with metal strings, the number of which ranges from 2 to 12. The strings are usually paired and cannot be tripled. The sound of the tambura is very delicate, so it is best played indoors. It is played using a plectrum or, in older times, a goose quill.

Solo compositions specially written for the tambura are often performed on it, and its participation in ensembles is also quite notable. Playing techniques on the tambura actively use rapid scale runs, syncopation, emphasized accents, and rhythmic decorations, making its playing style quite energetic.