Discover Iranian traditional music through Persian dastgah and radif, regional traditions, distinctive instruments and a simple listening guide, with an oud playlist to get you started.
Read MoreMiras Lute Ouds: Saddle Bridges, Exotic Woods & Clear Sound
A closer look at premium Miras Lute ouds from Sala Muzik: removable saddles, action adjustment, exotic woods, and a clear voice for recording.
Read MoreBrief History of the Oud: The Instrument Behind the Lute and Guitar
The oud is one of the most important instruments in West Asian music, and honestly, it is one of those instruments that feels ancient the moment you hear it. It has a deep, warm, earthy sound that immediately pulls you into another world. If you are just starting to learn oud online, one of the first things worth understanding is that the oud is not just another string instrument. It…
Read MoreOud Recording Gear I Actually Use | Oud for Guitarists
Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — and it helps keep this site going. Thanks! If you’re trying to put together a home studio for recording oud, you’ve probably noticed there’s no shortage of gear advice out there — but almost none of it is written by someone who actually plays oud. This…
Read MoreBest Oud Strings: What I Learned the Hard Way
4 minute read A few years ago, when I lived in North America, I didn’t fully appreciate how easy it was to find the best Oud strings. Walk into any decent music store or hop online — options everywhere. Now that I live in Japan, finding good strings is a little more challenging. And that challenge recently sent me down an interesting rabbit hole. I decided to save some money…
Read MoreOud Tremolo Technique: Avoid This Common Mistake to Master Tremolo
The oud tremolo technique is an essential skill for any oud player, helping to create fluid, expressive, and fast-paced melodies. However, many players struggle with tremolo due to improper right-hand technique. In this post, we’ll break down the most common mistake and show you the correct way to develop a smooth and controlled tremolo. The Most Common Tremolo Mistake If your tremolo sounds uneven or feels tiring, chances are you’re…
Read MoreHow to Hold the Oud Risha for Better Technique and Control
If you’re learning the Oud, mastering your right-hand technique is crucial for developing a strong sound. One of the most overlooked aspects is how to hold the Oud risha (AKA plectrum, mizrap, rishi, or mezrab). In this post, we’ll break down the proper grip, common mistakes, and why thumb position is so important. Watch: How to Hold the Risha Why Holding the Oud Risha Correctly Matters The way you hold…
Read MoreArabic vs Turkish Oud: How to Choose – A Sound Comparison
Arabic vs Turkish Oud? That is the question… Are you thinking about buying your first oud? With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right one. You might have already come across my Ultimate Oud Buyer’s Guide, where I explain how Arabic and Turkish ouds differ in sound. But sometimes, hearing the difference yourself can make the decision much easier. If you’ve been scouring the…
Read MoreThe Best Oud Tuning for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you new to playing the oud and wondering where to start with tuning? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best oud tuning for beginners: the DO-DO tuning, also known as C to C tuning. This tuning is not only easy to understand but also provides an excellent foundation for mastering the basics of the oud. What Is DO-DO Tuning? DO DO tuning, or C to C, refers…
Read MoreNew Oud Music
I have slowly been releasing some new oud music on all the streaming platforms. Here’s a new EP I released last year. A random taqsim I recorded in response to Spotify CEO’s remarks about content cost being close to zero. A taqsim in the Ottoman makam Şivenüma.
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