The Arabic High ff Tuning is a great way to add range and versatility to the Oud. I used to wonder why you would want to add range to the Oud, but after learning a few songs using this tuning, I’ve really come to like the Arabic High ff Tuning. How to do it You have to buy a special set of strings to try this tuning. Or you can…
Read More6 Mini Scales That Create Maqam Music
In this week’s video, I want to share a shortcut with you. A shortcut that will help you learn maqam music. If you’re just learning the Oud or Middle Eastern Music, then you’re going to eventually learn how to play a maqam. I know that maqams are really, really hard to get into. When I started learning, I didn’t know what maqam I was hearing or playing… But…
Read More10 Ways to Hold An Oud Risha
There are many ways to hold an Oud risha, believe it or not… I learned how to hold it one way, and I eventually decided that it wasn’t for me and I changed my style and found what suited me better. In this video, you’ll see different styles of risha shape, material, and different ways to hold it. You’ll learn how Simon Shaheen holds his risha, and you’ll even…
Read MoreFarid Al Atrash Taqsim Al Rabeea Part 4 – Finale!
I was listening to this Album by the Classical Arabic Orchestra of Aleppo, Ottoman Arabic Classical Music. The first track is Samai Bayati starting with a Oud taqsim. At about 0:53 seconds, the Oud player plays the exact same riff that Farid Al Atrash played from his taqsim Al Rabeea… it’s not exactly the same, but it’s quite obvious where the inspiration for this comes from. In…
Read MoreFarid Al Atrash Taqsim Al Rabeea Part 3 Modulation
Many a question and many an answer when it comes to the question of modulation in Middle Eastern Music. It is a challenging thing to learn and master. Mostly it is learned through listening and repetition, and is executed with gusto and fluidity. Here you see just how Farid Al Atrash does it. How did I learn how to modulate? I’ll…
Read MoreFarid Al Atrash Taqsim Al Rabeea Part 2
Improvisation is a hot topic in Middle Eastern Music… Improvisation is a very interesting topic in Middle Eastern music that demands a lot of study. Farid Al Atrash was one particular master of improvisation and known for a very distinct, flashy style. A lot of Oud learners struggle with this because often the concept of improvisation is very different in Western music. There is Jazz improvisation……
Read MoreFarid Al Atrash – Taqsim Al Rabeea
As you may know, I’m from Iranian background and I grew up in that culture in Canada. It wasn’t until about 8 years ago I started to really listen to Arabic music. Over that time period, I’ve really seen some interesting cultural differences through both music cultures. Iranians are expected to stay dead quiet until the end of a performance… Iranian musicians and performers expect their…
Read MoreBaba Bahri with Advanced Oud Techniques
Folk songs are often the most simple and beloved songs in the Middle East. They are easy to learn often because they are repetitive. Folk tunes are often very happy and soul-full. They are timeless, and then never get old or out of style. They also teach you the most about musicality, in my opinion. And when I say “Folk”, I’m not talking about Bob Dylan or Billie…
Read MoreBaba Bahri
Want to learn a song on the Oud in under 5 minutes? Baba Bahri is the way to go. Not only can you learn a new song quickly, but you’ll also learn another rhythm. Not a bad deal if you ask me… Oh yeah… and if you like notation… Baba Bahri Baba Bahri is often found played as a medley with Sidi Mansour. Listen to the recording below and…
Read MoreSyrian Oud, Iraqi Oud, Cümbüş, Fretless Mandolin Show and Tell
I thought it would be fun to do a “show and tell” video of some of the instruments I use. It’s nice because you’ll really hear the differences of these instruments back to back, and I speak candidly about them. I hope it will give you some insight into these instruments. I’ll be showing you two Ouds of different styles, a Turkish Cümbüş, and an Eastman Mandolin that I made fretless.…
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