In Memoriam: Said Chraibi

The Oud world lost one of it’s greatest heroes of the Oud this week. Said Chraibi passed away Thursday March 3, 2016.

This is a great loss especially for me. Said Chraibi was one of the first Arabic Oud players I was ever exposed to. I first heard his playing on the Fez Festival CD Box set “B’ismillah”. He played a piece from his album “Oud”, called Souleimane.

Hearing this was a big inspiration. I had never heard Oud playing like that before. It opened my world, and for that I owe Said Chraibi a lot.

To honour his memory and his work, I have compiled some of the work I’ve shared on OudforGuitarists in relation to Said Chraibi’s work.

Said Chraibi “Oud” album review

This album is the most commonly found album of Said Chraibi online. It is solo Oud and percussion. It is really one of my favourite albums. Here you will find some analysis of some of the songs and taqasim that he plays.

Longa Nakryse Cover

This was back in 2013. Said Chraibi used high ff tuning. Back in this video I was using standard Arabic tuning with the highest string being C below that. Said Chraibi’s music is easier with high ff tuning.

Oud Technique: The Chraibi Slide

The Chraibi Slide is something I heard him play on his album “Oud” which I thought was a bit unusual at first. But I think it’s great because it uses a couple different techniques and puts them together.

For all you serious Oud learners out there… Let this be a reminder to take advantage of the opportunities to learn with some of the greatest Oud masters before they leave this earth.

Thank you Ustadh Chraibi for all your contributions to the world of Oud.

May you rest in Peace.

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