Mandola InformationThe big brother of the Mandolin, the Mandola retains the high-tension stringing but allows lower parts to be played. The Tenor Mandola is tuned as a Viola, CGDA.Octave Mandolas (also known as Octave Mandolins in America) are popular because of their suitability for Irish music, being tuned GDAE an octave below a Mandolin. Because the neck is shorter than a Bouzouki it is easier to finger, but the strings are heavier.