Parts of a oud:

Tuning system:

• There are several tunings available for the oud depending on the needs of the song/player. We’re going to

use the standard Egyptian tuning F to F (Fa to Fa)

• The strings are tuned as follows: F-A-D-G-C-F (Fa-La-Re-Sol-Do-Fa)

The Arabic Maqam System:

• involves quarter notes (half ats and half sharps).

• 4 maqams have quarter notes (Bayati, Saba, Rast, Sika) and 4 don’t (A’agam, Nahawand, Hijaz, Kord).

• 8 primary maqams in Arabic music; lots of branches. The maqams can di er slightly when played

ascending vs descending.

• Every maqam (and branch) evokes in the listener a di erent feeling; subjective

• Three maqams typically start from C (their root note is C): A’agam, Nahawand, and Rast

• Four maqams typically start from D (root note is D): Bayati, Saba, Hijaz, and Kord (di erent than

“chord”)

• One maqam typically starts from E half at (root note is E half at): Sika
Maqams:

• Saba: very melancholic, typically starts from D (Re)

◦ D - E half at - F - G at - A - B at - D (can also end on a C at which makes it Saba Zamzam)

• Nahawand (harmonic minor): dark, gloomy, and intimately sad, like a breakup song, typically starts from C

◦ Ascending: C - D - E at - F - G - A at - B (natural) - C

◦ Descending: C - B ( at) - A at - G - F - E at - D - C

• A’agam (major): happy, upbeat, bright, celebratory (“happy birthday” is a popular example), starts from C

◦ C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C

• Bayati: one of the most popular maqams (sounds very Arabic), many popular church songs use it

◦ D - E half at - F - G - A - B at - C - D

• Sika: evokes the feeling of euphoria (or tarab) in Arabic music - nostalgic feeling - unusual start: E half at

◦ E half at - F - G - A at - B natural - C - D - E (half at)

• Hijaz: pop example is “Arabian nights” from Aladdin, starts from D, evokes mystery and adventure

◦ D - E at - F sharp - G - A - B at - C - D

• Rast: Evokes pride, typically starts from C

◦ Ascending: C - D - E half at - F - G - A - B half at - C

◦ Descending: C - B at - A - G - F - E half at - D - C

• Kord: often used in romantic songs, evokes feelings of intimacy, warmth and closeness (no quarters)

◦ D - E at - F - G - A - B at - C - D
How to sit and how to hold the oud: See photo

• Sit up straight and keep the oud in

a at on your right thigh. Let your

right hand gently rest on the back,

elbow xed and wrist exed to

reach the pickguard area. Left

hand rests on the neck with the

thumb peaking out slightly.