With this video you can change Oud strings like a pro. Changing Oud strings for the first time can be a very daunting task. A few weeks ago I did a YouTube Live stream showing you exactly how I change Oud strings. Here I share valuable tips that I haven’t shared anywhere else. New Oud Foundation Program This month we were able to film a bunch of new tutorials that…
Read MoreAn Exercise for Honing Your Taqasim
In response to hearing a taqsim recorded by one of my Step-by-Step Taqasim students, I suggested the following exercise: One exercise you can do is take this recording of your taqsim and play it back and listen then try to recreate some of your melodies and think about what phrase you were trying to create at that moment. Then think about how you can refine it. By refining I mean,…
Read MoreImportant links about Maqams – and a cheatsheet
As you may already know by now. I’m really a big fan of learning about maqam and I like to geek out about it. So today, I’m going to share some links with you that have helped me over the years. AND, I’ll share with you some of the stuff I’ve written on maqams that you may not have seen on OudforGuitarists yet. Free Maqam Modulation Cheatsheet ALSO, I’m creating…
Read MoreNew Oud Method Book
New Oud Method Book I have 17 exercises for beginner Oud so far. As they become more sophisticated, they also take longer to write. I’m writing all the notation with notation software so that it’s professional and easily editable. I’ve got a freebee for you now. I’m sending out one which is good to use for warming up as well as learning. Let me know what you think. Exercises in…
Read MoreArabic Rhythms on Oud: Malfuf
Arabic rhythms… Hey, I have a new video on YouTube video for you. It’s all about playing Arabic rhythms on the Oud. This rhythm is malfuf. It’s a 2/4 rhythm. You’ll often hear it in the longa style of tune, Arabic belly dance music, and folk music. It’s often used as a way to change up the usual 4/4 rhythm in Arabic music. The tempo can stay the same, but…
Read MoreThe Dark Side of Learning Taqsim – Learn Taqsim
Learn taqsim… Easier said than done… This post is about the hard truth about learning how to play a taqsim on the Oud (or any instrument). The reality is much harsher than anyone wants to admit. And so, I made a video about the Dark Side of learning taqsim. I want you to see exactly what you have to do to learn how to improvise or play a taqsim on…
Read MoreThoughts on The Persian Radif
I was emailing an OudforGuitarists subscriber about the Persian Radif of Persian traditional music and I thought I’d share some of my thoughts about the Radif here in relation to his questions. The question was basically: What is the role of Radif for a performer? Is memorization of the radif necessary? “As for memorization, even I have not memorized the radif. This idea is a remnant of the past where…
Read MoreExactly What To Do When You Learn Maqams
In the last few posts, we’ve talked about some of the big mistakes I’ve made trying to learn maqams. The 3 mistakes were: Taking theory books too seriously Thinking that maqams are scales Trying to do it all by myself Most people believe they need to know a lot of theory and a lot of details in order for maqams to flow through you musically, and authentically. Instead,…
Read MoreWhat Not To Do When Learning Maqams [Part 2]
Imagine being able to come home from work, kick off your shoes, sit on the couch and grab your Oud, and start playing a taqsim. Or play your new favourite song even when you don’t have the notation. This may seem like a dream, but it’s more realistic than you realize. I taught myself Arabic music and figured out Arabic maqams by myself. It took a very…
Read MoreWhat Not To Do When Learning Maqams (Part 1)
Finding time to learn maqams can be challenging and difficult. Who’s got time to learn all these maqams? You’ve got a family to feed, the kids to play with, work all day, and bills to pay. It’s impossible to learn all these maqams. Or is it? Let me tell you about my own experience learning maqams. Before attending the Simon Shaheen’s Arabic Music Retreat I never really GOT Maqam…
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