I was emailing an OudforGuitarists subscriber about the Persian Radif of Persian traditional music and I thought I’d share some of my thoughts about the Radif here in relation to his questions. The question was basically: What is the role of Radif for a performer? Is memorization of the radif necessary? “As for memorization, even I have not memorized the radif. This idea is a remnant of the past where…
Read MoreBuy Your Dream Oud – An Ultimate Guide for You
I’ve recently made some updates to the Ultimate Oud Buyers’ Guide so you have the most up-to-date information about buying an Oud. I’ve also created a new PDF format that you can download and read on your own time. To download, click the picture above, enter your name and email address and click the checkbox to receive emails. I will email you the Ultimate Oud Buyers’ Guide right away and…
Read MoreOud Comparison Video: Iraqi, Turkish, Syrian
I knew I had to make a video comparing Oud sounds. It was 5 years ago I made the Ultimate Oud Buyer’s Guide. Back then I didn’t actually have a few examples of these Ouds in real life to actually hear them side to side. Now, I have a few that I can show you in ONE video that showcases THREE different Ouds. The Ouds… Iraqi Oud Maker: Faik Fadel…
Read MoreYildirim Palabiyik Oud: First Sounds
So I’ve been playing this Yildirim Palabiyik Oud for a couple weeks now, but I made a video of what it sounds like basically after getting it in tune the same day after unboxing. My first reaction to this Oud was that the sound was incredibly balanced from high string to low string. It gives a clear, crisp, yet mellow sound. The strings are still new and I’m breaking them…
Read MoreYildirim Palabiyik Oud UNBOXING
Recent events have taught me that I have a lot to learn about what makes a good Oud, and what a good Oud sounds like. Enter: Yildirim Palabiyik Oud. In December, I ordered a Yildirim Palabiyik Oud. I’ve been dying to get my hands on one. Anyway, it arrived last month, just as I was leaving the country for vacation. I got back last week and I was finally able to…
Read MoreExactly What To Do When You Learn Maqams
In the last few posts, we’ve talked about some of the big mistakes I’ve made trying to learn maqams. The 3 mistakes were: Taking theory books too seriously Thinking that maqams are scales Trying to do it all by myself Most people believe they need to know a lot of theory and a lot of details in order for maqams to flow through you musically, and authentically. Instead,…
Read MoreWhat Not To Do When Learning Maqams [Part 2]
Imagine being able to come home from work, kick off your shoes, sit on the couch and grab your Oud, and start playing a taqsim. Or play your new favourite song even when you don’t have the notation. This may seem like a dream, but it’s more realistic than you realize. I taught myself Arabic music and figured out Arabic maqams by myself. It took a very…
Read MoreWhat Not To Do When Learning Maqams (Part 1)
Finding time to learn maqams can be challenging and difficult. Who’s got time to learn all these maqams? You’ve got a family to feed, the kids to play with, work all day, and bills to pay. It’s impossible to learn all these maqams. Or is it? Let me tell you about my own experience learning maqams. Before attending the Simon Shaheen’s Arabic Music Retreat I never really GOT Maqam…
Read MoreDo you add bass to your Oud playing? If you’re not, you’re missing out.
I gotta have more bass… I have a new tutorial for you here for adding bass notes. I used to play bass note jumping with down strokes mainly. But now I experimented with down-up patterns and it works really nicely. And it’s faster, maybe even better? Check out the OLD video here. See, even I’m still learning things. Learning is what keeps you young, don’t you think? Keep pushing yourself…
Read MoreHow to NEVER make a mistake when you play taqsim
Playing a taqsim can be intimidating. …especially when your teacher or musically-versed audience is watching you intently. In this video, you’ll find out how to NEVER make a mistake when you play taqsim. Click here to check out Step by Step Taqasim! How to NEVER make a mistake when you play taqsim In 2016, I went to the Arabic music retreat and was put…
Read More
