Musicology Annotation << Back On the Functions of Octave Scales in the Performance Practice of the Bukhara Tanbur Under Unequal Temperament (on the Example of the Maqom "Buzurg") Abdurashidov Abduvali The article is devoted to the study of the functions of octave scales (davr) of the Bukhara tanbur as structural-modal models within the system of Bukhara Shashmaqom. It examines functional centers, including stable and unstable, as well as lowered and raised scale degrees. Based on the tetrachord–pentachord model of the octave pitch series of doirai Buzurg, the construction of primary (asli) and derivative (far‘i) scales across seven pitch levels (tabaqa) is analyzed, along with their intervallic structure and the role of specifi c scales (davr 1 and 4) in shaping the modal system of maqom Buzurg. The interrelation between vertical and horizontal parameters of modal organization and performance practice is revealed, allowing for a substantiation of the methodological signifi cance of the tanbur as an instrument for analyzing maqom structure. The key role of the tanbur’s octave scales in ensuring intonational coherence and organizing the pitch system of the maqom is demonstrated. The results obtained may be applied in the analysis of other maqoms and in the development of educational and methodological materials on the traditional music of Shashmaqom. Keywords: octave scales, davr, Bukhara tanbur, Maqom Buzurg, tetra-pentachord, modal structure, non-equal temperament. DOI: 10.25791/musicology.6.2026.1491 Pp. 16-25.