I always had a hard time understanding Maqam Lami. It sounded so strange to me, and I didn’t find it interesting. I knew some well known songs in Maqam Lami, but it still wasn’t sticking. Fortunately, Simon Shaheen used Maqam Lami in one of his ear training sessions at the Arabic Music Retreat… Then it all started to make sense. I took what I learned from his method and created…
Read MoreUnraveling a Taqsim: Episode 3 – Maqam Husseini (free taqasim training download)
This week I have another taqsim for you to watch and follow along with. This one goes all over the place, and has a little Persian flair to it in some parts. Free Taqasim Training Audio In addition, I’ve created two taqasim training audio files that you can download at the bottom of this page when you sign up. A lot of people ask, “how do I…
Read MoreUnraveling a Taqsim: Episode 2 – Maqam Jiharkah
Charbel Rouhana is releasing a new Oud method this month. This is great news for Oud learners worldwide because… he is having it written in dual languages: Arabic and English. I am looking forward to purchasing my own copy as it will cover at least five different levels of Oud and it will be a great resource to use in my own private lessons. When I get more…
Read MoreUnraveling a Taqasim – Episode 1. Maqam Ajam Ushayran
It has been difficult to make time for practising Oud this week. But on the days I was able to, it happened because I put Oud first on my list of things to do. One of the things I’ll be working on for myself since the retreat is taqasim. Previously, I’ve always allowed my taqasim to be completely spontaneous. I don’t think about it. But after the retreat…
Read MoreArabic Music Retreat 2016
It’s been about two weeks since I’ve returned from the Arabic Music Retreat. Man… I have a lot to share with you, so I’ll probably be creating a few blog posts about different things over the next few weeks. It was a great experience I’ll never forget. The faculty are all heavy-weights of Arabic Music, so you can imagine how nice it was to be in their company for seven days,…
Read MoreJamil Bashir Oud Method Exercise
Here’s an exercise from Jamil Bashir’s Oud method. This is a beginner level Oud lesson for practicing 16th notes in G major scale. The tuning you need to use for this lesson is (low to high string) C G A D g c. Free Beginner Oud Lessons Course Next week I’m starting a brand new free email course for bare beginner Oud players. This course is…
Read MoreGodin MultiOud Free Email Course
MultiOud players always face the same problem… They can’t seem to get that fat, round, deep, boomy Arabic Oud sound on their MultiOuds. I’ve created this FREE email course where you will learn some of the secrets I’ve learned to create an authentic Arabic Oud sound on the MultiOud. Over four days you will receive content that will cover… Lesson 1 – Day 1: Up and Running with the MultiOud…
Read MoreFind Quarter Tones on the Oud (even if you’re a complete beginner)
As a beginner Oud player… how the heck do you find quarter tones? I’ve got the ultimate shortcut answer for you. What other quick learning fixes would you like to know about on the Oud? If you liked this video, let me know because I’d like to make more quick tips for you like this. Send your suggestions to support@oudforguitarists.com. Or if you know anyone who might learn something…
Read MoreSuper Oud Tremolo Exercise
Tremolo is one of the most challenging techniques for Oud learners, but it’s so essential to Oud playing. It takes time and discipline. In this video, you’ll learn an exercise that will help develop your Oud tremolo. Let me know what you think about this Oud lesson. Comment below or email me at support@oudforguitarists.com. Tomorrow, Oud for Guitarists is offering a limited time Premium Oud…
Read MoreThe Beginner’s Guide to Holding the Oud and Risha
The Oud is the most awkward instrument to hold. It looks easy, because it looks like the same way you would hold a guitar… But you can’t hold it quite the same way as a Guitar… There are two ways to solve the Oud holding problem. Use a foot stool The foot stool will save you from unnecessary pain and discomfort. They carry them at any…
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