10 Ways to Hold An Oud Risha

There are many ways to hold an Oud risha, believe it or not…

I learned how to hold it one way, and I eventually decided that it wasn’t for me and I changed my style and found what suited me better.

In this video, you’ll see different styles of risha shape, material, and different ways to hold it.

You’ll learn how Simon Shaheen holds his risha, and you’ll even learn some unconventional ways of playing the Oud.

10 Ways to Hold An Oud Risha

1. The Traditional Way

Hold onto the Oud risha between your index and thumb, don’t allow too much to stick out and don’t allow too little to stick out. The rest of your fingers are curled around the Oud risha. And your thumb is curved.

2. Short and Stubby

Hold the Oud risha the same, but shorten the length that sticks out from between your fingers. You can play harder and stronger.

3. Thick Risha

Use a thick, heavy Oud risha. The bigger the area, more string area you’re going to hit. This is good for rhythmical playing, but it might be clumsy when you require finesse

4. Eagle Quill

I’m not using an eagle quill, but you can try to create a similar sound by leaving more risha length sticking out and using a narrow Oud risha.

5. The Simon Shaheen

Simon Shaheen holds his risha, flat in the palm like the traditional way. The angle is parallel to the strings, and doesn’t come down on the string at too much of an angle. He holds it short, firm, yet relaxed.

6. Take it to the Bridge

Playing closer to the bridge creates more attack and a sharper tone. Move your wrist toward the bridge, or make a sharper angle with your wrist.

7. Play over the holes

Try holding the Oud risha over the holes or closer to them at least. You can create a soft mellow tone, and a wash of sound.

8. Persian Style

Use an Oud risha that is more narrow. Hold in between your fingers and put the other end through your 3rd and 4th fingers. This creates a sharper angle, when you hit the strings making it good for strong downstrokes and rhythmical playing.

9. Guitar Pick

This is not traditional, but if you lose your Oud risha, you can get away with using a guitar pick. You can hold it the same way as you hold an Oud risha. It won’t sound quite the same, but it works. Don’t be surprised if you drop it.

10. Mandolin Pick

Try a thick mandolin style pick. Curl your hand into a ball similar to holding a normal Oud risha. It’s heavy and will create a lot of attack and tone.

What do you think?

How do you hold your Oud risha? I would like to hear your thoughts. Write a comment below.

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