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 guitar shop. All you do is prop it underneath your right leg, and off you go. |
Cross your legs
Another option is to cross your legs… right leg over left leg. This isn’t that comfortable for men of course, but if you’re already used to crossing your legs, then this might be an option for you. |
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Now that your Oud can sit on your leg properly, it’s time to wrestle your Oud.
Arm positions
What do you do with your arms?
| Your left hand holds the neck of the Oud | Your right forearm holds the base of the Oud |
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Imagine getting someone into a headlock. That’s kind of what you’re doing with your right arm.
Do’s and Don’t’s
Don’t let your right hand wrist rest against the face of the Oud or strings. Your forearm, wrist and hand are supposed to float above the face of the Oud. Like so…
Don’t hold your right hand at too sharp an angle.
Do your best to keep the face of your Oud at a 90 degree angle to the floor.
Don’t cradle the Oud like this, it’s not a baby. You’ll spoil it. 😉
Holding the Risha
The Risha is a bit different than holding a pick. The unique attack of the Risha is one of the factors that gives the Oud it’s unique sound.
Option 1
Step 1. Pinch the Risha between your 1st finger and thumb. There should be about 1 cm of the Risha tip sticking out. What works best for me is when the Risha touches the front tip of the 1st finger. The index finger shouldn’t stick out below the thumb much.
Step 2. Clasp your remaining fingers around the Risha. The Risha should sit nicely through your fingers and the top of your palm. The Risha can be slightly curved as it sits in your hand, or flat.
Option 2
Step 1. As above
Step 2. Clasp your 2nd and 3rd fingers around the Risha, and feed the tail of the Risha between the 3rd and 4th fingers. (If you are using a cow horn Risha, option 2 will be difficult.)
What works best for me is using option 1. I was taught with option 2, but switched later on. I recommend experimenting with these options to find what works for you.
So tell me…
What works best for you?
Email me at support@oudforguitarists.com or comment below!
The next email in this series will deal with one of the techniques all Oud players have to learn at some point… Tremolo (video included). So sign up below to receive hear about it.
