Oud

About the Sound and Character

The sound of the oud is thick, velvety, deep, and incredibly melancholic. Due to its fretlessness, it allows for any microtones (quarter tones) required to perform complex Arabic maqams.

Structure and Features

The large pear-shaped body is assembled from many thin wooden staves. The short neck angles backward at a sharp steep angle. The oud typically has 11 strings (5 paired courses and a single bass string), played with a long specialized plectrum (rishah).

Genres

• Traditional Arabic, Turkish, and Persian music
• Sufi music and maqams
• Ethnic jazz and Mediterranean fusion