Have you ever wondered how the Pros play so fast? Here are some clues… After reading this article you will be equipped with the guidelines necessary to properly finger notes on the Oud fingerboard. 1. Make use of two hand positions For left hand technique there are two main hand positions you can use when playing the Oud, I have termed these: The whole hand position This position uses…
Read MoreOud Maintenance and Care – Stories from the Oud Geek
It goes without saying that it is important to take care of your Oud. My poor Oud has had its share of mishaps and abuse. But it has thankfully survived thanks to superb craftsmanship by Luthier Dimitri Rapakousious. I think it sounds better and better as it ages. Humidity and Peg Maintenance and Care I had just brought my Oud back home to Canada from…
Read MoreMaqam Mystery to Maqam Mastery – a New Approach to Learn Maqam
Maqam Mystery What really are maqams? You’re not the only one asking this question. In fact, we keep on hearing from our readers over and over again, “How can I learn all maqams? How can I play them authentically?” Learning and playing maqamat seems very difficult at first. It is hard to remember them all, and all the proper pathways to modulate to a different maqam… Or is…
Read MoreEasy Rockin’ Oud Technique: Oud a la Van Halen
This article and video is going to teach you how to take a simple melody and turn it into a trail blazing explosion of serious Van Halen inspired chops! And this Oud technique only involves three parts: 1. Hold down a note on fingerboard and play a down stroke 2. Pull-off that note with your left-hand finger to allow the open string to sound 3. Then play the open string again…
Read MoreSaid Chraibi Album Review/Analysis – Oud
Some of you said in our survey that you would like to know “what combination of technique, knowledge and execution it takes to emulate the great masters.” Well, let’s get familiar with some big names. In the next few months, I will write a series of articles discussing “celebrity Oud styles” and reviewing albums. Today, I want to discuss one of my favorite albums, Said Chraibi’s Oud. After reading this…
Read MoreGodin MultiOud Review – by The Oud Geek
The Godin MultiOud is a modern semi-acoustic electric Oud. I have been excited to experiment with one for a long time, so I borrowed my friend’s MultiOud. I’ve been playing with it for about two weeks now and I’ve learned a fair bit about it. After reading this article you will know whether or not the MultiOud is the right instrument for you! In the video below you will…
Read MoreElectric Oud – Godin MultiOud
Have you ever imagined a world where there exists heavy metal middle eastern music? Well, I have been entertaining the idea for a while and thought I would try it out. So I borrowed my friend’s Godin MultiOud last week and hooked it up with Ibanez Tube Screamer to see what would happen. I wrote a few licks of what I imagine heavy metal middle eastern music would sound like…
Read MoreOud Risha Mizrab Comparison Part 2: Cow Horn Risha
This is a follow up to another article about making your own Oud Mizrab or Risha. I recently got a new corn horn Risha and I just have to describe my experience with it for everybody because it is really special, and I would recommend it for anyone at any learning level. Below is a short video about it. My cow horn Risha is relatively narrow, and not too thick,…
Read MoreThe Best 50 Middle Eastern Songs You Have to Hear!
Here is a brief education in Middle Eastern music listening. If you want to become more familiar with Arabic music and don’t know where to begin, I have 50 suggestions for you. This is just a mere, humble list, and really does not do justice to the rich musical traditions of each area I mention, but it is a strong start. I made three categories: Arabic, Turkish, Persian. The list…
Read MoreOud Chords – How to Play Some Basic Chords on the Oud
I don’t play chords on the Oud much or emphasize learning them. I prefer a more traditional approach, but I thought this would be a fun post and I was requested to provide some material for this purpose. Important notes: 1. It is not necessary to learn chords on the Oud. 2. This is not a traditional way of playing. 3. Oud chords can sometimes be used to…
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