Have you ever wondered what happened to the Oud in Persian music, why it was abandoned, and how it came known to be the main instrument of the Arabs? I often do… I have not yet found a good answer. But I can tell you that the Oud is alive and well in Iran now because of the efforts of a few individuals who helped bring it back or keep…
Read MoreHelping You play Along With Records – Transcribe!
I have wanted to make a video about tuning your Oud to a recording in order to practice along with it. But I wanted to show you this first. I was referred to a tool that can help you change the pitch of the music you are playing to instead of you changing the pitch of your Oud too much. It is called Transcribe! Why Should Oud Players Use…
Read MoreLuth Traditionnel en Iraq – Album Review – Jamil Bashir
Welcome to another Oud Geek album review. I have been listening Jamil Bashir’s album for quite some time now, and as they say, it’s an oldie but a goodie! If you haven’t heard it yourself yet, it is available for listening at the link below… Mike Oud’s Rare Listening – Jamil Bashir and more (Jamil Bashir is at the top) Please read the biographical information…
Read MoreCan You Count To 10? – Sama’i Thaqil – Samai Rhythm
When was the last time you had trouble counting to 10? It was probably when you were 5 years old, or maybe it was the first time you tried to play or listen to a Sama’i instrumental! I want to share something very quick, short and easy that you can use to keep track of the beat of a very pesky rhythm in Arabic music called Sama’i Thaqil, and Aksak…
Read More7 Essential Rules For Left Hand Technique on Oud
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 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…
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