Arabic Oud

Whether you are a guitar player or just curious about the Oud, Arabic Ouds are a perfect choice. With the classic sound and design, this is an instrument that is joyful to play. Explore through our different models and styles, we have an Oud for every budget. From Egyptian ouds to Shami ouds and everything in between, our edit of Arabic Ouds boots has something for everyone.

Arabic Oud parts and structure

The Arabic Oud typically has 11 strings. A single bass string with five pairs of strings. Playing the Oud is traditionally done with a pick, called ‘Risha’. In the past, it was made of eagle feather but today mostly plastic. With the Oud you are able to play the ‘Maqam’, which is the set of scales of Middle Eastern music. The fretless fingerboard of the Oud, allows playing microtones, that are the foundation for the Maqam music. 

When it comes to tuning, the Arabic oud is tuned different from Turkish or Iraqi ouds. One of the popular tunings is: C-F-A-D-G-C. It is the most common tuning, which most players use. 

How to Play Arabic Oud?

If Arabic music interests you, or you are on a journey to explore new instruments, the Arabic Oud is a fascinating instrument. Playing the Oud isn’t hard, with video lessons available online and all required Oud strings accessories are available in our shop.

The recommendation is to find a local teacher to help you with the first few steps in the Oud. Holding the risha (pick) correctly, and holding the Oud in the right way, will save you hours of practice later on. Since Arabic music uses microtones which are not common in western music, it will help if you start listening to Arabic music. Musicians like Abdel Waheb, Munir Bashir, and Farid-El-Atrash are a great inspiration.

A personal tip on buying an Arabic Oud

Hi, I'm Daniel the owner of Ethnic Musical. As an Oud player myself, buying an Oud remotely isn't a straight forward task. There are many makers and shops out there, and the big selection might be confusing. With over 12 years dealing ouds, I realized the most important part is that an Oud goes through a complete setup. That includes checking the Oud is comfortable to play, and that the pegs work is done properly.

We work closely with the finest makers in the Middle East. Each Arabic oud goes through a professional inspection and setup before it ships, to make sure you enjoy a perfect hand-made Oud.