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 I decided it would be a good learning experience to actually plan out and decide on a few maqamat to play with during a taqasim.
Mapping Out a Taqasim
The purpose of this is to work through specific modulations and see if they are possible first of all, and then experimenting with different ways to go between them. Eventually, my hope is to create a taqasim formula and progression that suits my taste. This way, you develop modulations and ornamentations that are unique to you.
Everybody has a signature move. It’s important to develop this in one’s own playing because it sets you aside from everyone else. In this post, I handpicked one of Said Chraibi’s ornaments and teach how to play it. I call it the Chraibi slide, and I’ve only heard him do it.
You may slight from one note to another in a particular way. Another person might have a unique trill. Or you might have a particular lick that you always play.
I’ve created some taqasim videos and I’ve added captions to show you where and which modulations occur. Hopefully they will help you pinpoint where and how to do them yourself.
Unravelling a Taqasim
After watching this taqasim over and over the more critical I am of my playing and the more I want to improve. I hate it more and more.
I really recommend recording yourself and listening to your playing. Listen to it a week later, and ask yourself, “what can I do differently?”. Then try it, work on it.
This is very experimental. I mapped out the modulations I wanted to try and I gave it a go. Not all modulations worked as well as they could have. I only did one or two takes for each video I made. I recorded two on the same day, and I will publish that one next week. I am hoping to improve over time.
I hope you enjoy and get some ideas from this. I would love to see some comments on YouTube from you.
Let me know if you have any questions. Email support@oudforguitarists.com.
