We are following up last week’s drone technique video with a technique that will help you embellish your melody and help you sound like a pro, I call it… Bass Note Jumping. This technique is widely used by professional Oud players and in theory is very easy, it just takes some practice to get the right intonation. I was actually specifically asked by someone to discuss this technique a…
Read MoreThe Drone – Right Hand Oud Taqsim Technique
After talking with the Oud for Guitarists community we realized that people often struggle with 2 things when learning or playing the Oud: 1. Maqamat and 2. Techniques! That’s why we created the Maqam Mastery Program, and now that it has been completed, we’ve decided to start making a video series demonstrating various techniques that can be used on the Oud. They may be right hand techniques, they may be…
Read MoreOud Maqam Learning Part 3: Common Questions Answered…
Can’t decide whether to go ahead with the Maqam Mastery Program? In this video, I will show you common worries people have before diving into starting their maqam learning. *For those who want to read the content instead of watching the video, you can find the content by scrolling down. Mentioned in the Video: Maqam Mastery Program Video Content So here are the common problems people have.…
Read MoreOud Maqam Learning Part 2: The Ultimate Introduction to Maqam Music
So you heard “maqam = musical scale.” And did you know this idea can hinder you from learning maqamat? In this video, you will see a more accurate way of looking at maqamat so you can learn maqam music properly and more easily, and start playing them authentically. *For those who want to read the content instead of watching the video, you can find the content by scrolling down. …
Read MoreOud Maqam Learning Part 1: Maqam Learning Made Easy!
Okay, so you want to hear a melody, understand it and be able to play it authentically… But you find maqam music so hard to play, can’t recognize the maqams by ear, or remember them all…or all of the above? If so, check out this Oud Maqam Learning video series: Part 1: Maqam Learning Made Easy! (you are checking out this one) Part 2: The Ultimate Introduction to Maqam Music…
Read MoreAlbum Review “From Stone To Diamond” – Hossein Behroozinia
Have you ever wondered what happened to the Oud in Persian music, why it was abandoned, and how it came known to be the main instrument of the Arabs? I often do… I have not yet found a good answer. But I can tell you that the Oud is alive and well in Iran now because of the efforts of a few individuals who helped bring it back or keep…
Read MoreHow to Amplify An Oud
My Experience With Oud On Stage Most of my early Oud playing experience on stage was in Persian ensembles. At most having four or five musicians and the Oud playing a more of a solo/bass roll. I’ve always been frustrated playing the Oud on stage. After performances I often heard that the Oud wasn’t loud enough or upon hearing the recording realized that the Oud didn’t sound like I wanted.…
Read MoreHelping You play Along With Records – Transcribe!
I have wanted to make a video about tuning your Oud to a recording in order to practice along with it. But I wanted to show you this first. I was referred to a tool that can help you change the pitch of the music you are playing to instead of you changing the pitch of your Oud too much. It is called Transcribe! Why Should Oud Players Use…
Read MoreLuth Traditionnel en Iraq – Album Review – Jamil Bashir
Welcome to another Oud Geek album review. I have been listening Jamil Bashir’s album for quite some time now, and as they say, it’s an oldie but a goodie! If you haven’t heard it yourself yet, it is available for listening at the link below… Mike Oud’s Rare Listening – Jamil Bashir and more (Jamil Bashir is at the top) Please read the biographical information…
Read MoreCan You Count To 10? – Sama’i Thaqil – Samai Rhythm
When was the last time you had trouble counting to 10? It was probably when you were 5 years old, or maybe it was the first time you tried to play or listen to a Sama’i instrumental! I want to share something very quick, short and easy that you can use to keep track of the beat of a very pesky rhythm in Arabic music called Sama’i Thaqil, and Aksak…
Read More
