If you are reading this after having some experience with tuning western instruments such as guitars, get ready, this isn’t that easy. So take a few minutes to read about the right way to tune your oud, and give it the appropriate time to practice it. Eventually, when the oud instrument is tuned well, it also sounds better, as the strings resonate with each other.
The main obstacle to tuning the oud is the fact that it doesn’t have a mechanical system to hold the string from slipping back. In the oud, it is merely a pin stuck in a hole. A good oud maker will know how to adjust the diameter and the size of the peg to the hole and help the peg stay tuned for a longer period.
₪3,949.00Original price was: ₪3,949.00.₪3,554.10Current price is: ₪3,554.10.
For tuning the oud, it is preferred to have a good clip tuner, such as the snark. This tuner can easily fit the pegbox of the oud; it will also work regardless to the noise around you, as it is sensitive to the vibrations the oud is producing.
It is vital to understand that in order to tune the oud, you have to simultaneously turn the peg and push it inside. In that way, you are stretching the strings while making sure that the peg will be pressed inside, therefore staying inside without moving. We suggest you sit straight, with the neck of the oud sitting on your left knee. This will give you a contra to push the peg inside while turning it.
The oud has 11 strings in total: 5 pairs and the lowest string single. We recommend tuning only the top of each pair and then matching the second string to the tuned string. This way you are more likely to get your Oud well harmonically tuned.
There are many ways to tune the oud, and you should first find out the vibrating length of your oud. This length is measured from nut to nut. Turkish ouds are around 58cm, while Arabic are around 61cm.
Tuning Turkish oud
There are 2 main tunings that suit the vibrating length of the Turkish oud. The most popular is this one, which is comfortable for most of the Maqam.
When playing Makam Hicaz (Hijaz) the oud is often tuned as follows, this tuning lets the player use his pinky to play the Hicaz note more easily.
Tuning the Arabic Oud
The most common tuning for playing Arabic Oud‘s maqams such as Bayat, Rast, Hijaz, And Segah is this tuning. It is also comfortable for playing western pieces on the oud with other players.
In Iraq, Egypt, and some other areas in the Middle East, the oud is often tuned a 4th higher. This allows the player to have a high F (fa) melody note that cuts through the PA and is very well-heard, and hard to ignore. For this tuning, you will have to use a dedicated set, with an F string 0.60mm as the high note.
Both are standard tuning, but the 1st is more common. It also depends on the style and the strings gauge. Be careful not to tune F-A-D-G-C-F with strings that are made for C-F-A-D-G-C.
I would like to know the difference between an Egyptian OUD with 12 strings and 11 strings ? what’s the difference ? and if it really matters ? thank you
Hi
Is it possible to tune a turkish oud with a arabic tuning or does it risk to damage it ? If it is possible, what kind of strings should be use ?
Thank you
Hi, yes – it is possible and it is 100% safe. However the sound that will result will vary from oud to oud. You can try all of the sets for Arabic oud. Try to avoid low tension PVF strings. For example, Pyramid 650/11, or Kurschner Arabic oud high tension are an interesting option for you.
For those who are familiar with guitar or bass, try the tuning you already know. I use the same as on an electrical 6-string bass (top to bottom) c-g-d-a-e-b. It really works and it is very easy because you already know where the notes are!
Hi
I bought a turkish oud from you last year . I would like to tune iraq way (F AA DD gg cc ff) with this strings: https://www.thomann.de/ie/aquila_new_nylgut_iraqi_oud_strings.htm
Is it could fit with no problem?
Thank you
The instrument is lovely by the way , thanks guys
So if I want to play high arabic tuning (starting with F) – would that work on a standard egyptian oud or given the higher tension, is there a risk that the instrument (in particular the bridge) gets damaged?
Hi Alex,
As long as you are using the correct strings, for example Kurschner F-F, you are good to go on both 58.5cm scale ouds, as well as 60cm scale oud.
Hello,
I have an old OUD.
It has a total of 8 string screw posts.
What Guage strings should I use?
Where in Boston can I purchase strings?
Where in Boston could someone educate me on how to play?
( I play 6 string guitar)
Hello Jeffrey, can you send a link to a photo of that Oud? I can help you if you do so.
About oud tuning, Google I guess. I’m not sure who is around you. There’s a great guy his name is Navid (‘Oud for Guitarists’), he teaches online.
Hello! I recently bought a turkish oud from you. Is it possible to put arabic oud strings in my turkish oud? And is it possible to tune my turkish oud with arabic tuning if I have turkish strings? Thanks!
Hi Riccardo, thanks for your comment. Yes, it is definitely possible and won’t harm your Oud. Try it with the current strings, and if you feel you need more “tension”, try the Kurschner Arabic Medium tension.
Good luck!
Thanks for the information here!
So for my turkish 58.5cm oud, Arabic tuning strings of Medium tension are the best starting point, if it was orginally in turkish tuning with 0.09 turkish strings?
Hi Ethnic Musical,
I am a beginner and I have bought a Syrian oud with high F tuning (F-A-D-G-C-F) but I was wondering if I could tune it to the most common C tuning (C-F-A-D-G-C), without damaging the neck?
Thank you Daniel for your reply,
Now I would like to buy a bew set of strings (for the F-F tuning): what are the measurments or the gauge for F-F tuning?
I have Daddario arabic oud strings (EJ95A), and I have been using Syrian tuning CFADGC. Can i use these strings to also tune up to Turkish such as DABEAD?
Is there a set of strings you can recommend if I wanted to tune an Arabic oud up to the Turkish tuning or is that not an option? I actually want to try BF#BEAD if possible.
Hi Mike, that’s not advisable. First, with scale of 60cm you won’t be able to tune to Turkish tuning. Second, you need proper Turkish strings for Turkish tuning.
I appreciate the response. I think the best solution is to have both an Arabic oud and a Turkish one for more flexibility. For now, I have tuned my Arabic oud to BEADGC to match my 6-string bass. Thank you for the advice.
Erik says:
Can I mix different string sets to maximize the tonal range of the oud , without risk of damage to the instrument? For example, leaving on the low bass string from c-c tuning while the rest of the strings are from the f-f set. Or Could I even go as far as to solely use an f-f set and tune down the low f string to low C?
I just received an Oud as a gift my wife purchased in Egypt, How do I tell whether it’s Egyptian, Turkish, Syrian, etc? It has slots for 12 strings but currently has 9 (one bass and four double strings)…. I would like to replace with new strings….what should I get? C-C?
I bought a lute from you a few years ago. I grew tired of the usual tuning so I started using standard guitar tuning in E and also drop D. Tuning in standard guitar E has not impressed me, but drop D actually sounds amazing. I’d like to post a recording of it in drop D.
I think the most popular tuning for a 5 course Oud is from bottom to top c,g,d,a,g and for a six course Oud is from bottom to top f,c,g,d,a,g.
It is not common in the Levant, but could be popular in your area.
Popular in Iran, Iraq and Persian Gulf region
Amazing information. Thanks for sharing.
Hi.
How the Syrian Oud is tuned please .
C-F-A-G-C or F-A-D-G-C-F ?
Thanks
Both are standard tuning, but the 1st is more common. It also depends on the style and the strings gauge. Be careful not to tune F-A-D-G-C-F with strings that are made for C-F-A-D-G-C.
I am looking for strings to be tuned as F-A-D-G-C-F
Do you recommend any
Thx
Hi Michael,
These are highly recommended:
https://www.ethnicmusical.com/shop/aurora-oud-strings-arabic-tuning-f-f/
Hi Everyone,
I would like to know the difference between an Egyptian OUD with 12 strings and 11 strings ? what’s the difference ? and if it really matters ? thank you
Hi, usually an oud with 12 strings such as your Egyptian oud, is tuned from FF (low/bass) to CC (high/treble)
Hi
Is it possible to tune a turkish oud with a arabic tuning or does it risk to damage it ? If it is possible, what kind of strings should be use ?
Thank you
Hi, yes – it is possible and it is 100% safe. However the sound that will result will vary from oud to oud. You can try all of the sets for Arabic oud. Try to avoid low tension PVF strings. For example, Pyramid 650/11, or Kurschner Arabic oud high tension are an interesting option for you.
For those who are familiar with guitar or bass, try the tuning you already know. I use the same as on an electrical 6-string bass (top to bottom) c-g-d-a-e-b. It really works and it is very easy because you already know where the notes are!
Hello there Sir,
I have and oudi and it has 11 strings.
How do the Greeks from Greece tune in there oudi?
What is the tuning table they use to tune in an oudi to play Greek music ??
I would appreciate your feedback here please as I am confused completely.
I would like to know it too
Hi
I bought a turkish oud from you last year . I would like to tune iraq way (F AA DD gg cc ff) with this strings:
https://www.thomann.de/ie/aquila_new_nylgut_iraqi_oud_strings.htm
Is it could fit with no problem?
Thank you
The instrument is lovely by the way , thanks guys
Hi! Glad you’re enjoying the oud. Yes, you can tune it to FF with this set. Good luck
Thanks for the quick answer
Does anyone know how East African (Somali, Ethiopian & Sudanese) music tuned?
Not a clue! Maybe somebody else knows…
It deppends on what you want to play. 1st string CC4 2ND GG3 3RD DD3 4TH AA2 5TH EE2
So if I want to play high arabic tuning (starting with F) – would that work on a standard egyptian oud or given the higher tension, is there a risk that the instrument (in particular the bridge) gets damaged?
Hi Alex,
As long as you are using the correct strings, for example Kurschner F-F, you are good to go on both 58.5cm scale ouds, as well as 60cm scale oud.
Hello,
I have an old OUD.
It has a total of 8 string screw posts.
What Guage strings should I use?
Where in Boston can I purchase strings?
Where in Boston could someone educate me on how to play?
( I play 6 string guitar)
Hello Jeffrey, can you send a link to a photo of that Oud? I can help you if you do so.
About oud tuning, Google I guess. I’m not sure who is around you. There’s a great guy his name is Navid (‘Oud for Guitarists’), he teaches online.
Which is the most commonly used tuning, i hear some people say F-F is more used, and some say C-C is more used;
Hi Brandon, C-C in the most common. But in the gulf countries, F-F is more popular. I hope this answer solves the mystery
Hello! I recently bought a turkish oud from you. Is it possible to put arabic oud strings in my turkish oud? And is it possible to tune my turkish oud with arabic tuning if I have turkish strings? Thanks!
Hi Riccardo, thanks for your comment. Yes, it is definitely possible and won’t harm your Oud. Try it with the current strings, and if you feel you need more “tension”, try the Kurschner Arabic Medium tension.
Good luck!
Thanks for the information here!
So for my turkish 58.5cm oud, Arabic tuning strings of Medium tension are the best starting point, if it was orginally in turkish tuning with 0.09 turkish strings?
Hi Ethnic Musical,
I am a beginner and I have bought a Syrian oud with high F tuning (F-A-D-G-C-F) but I was wondering if I could tune it to the most common C tuning (C-F-A-D-G-C), without damaging the neck?
Much appreciated for the help
Hi Seif,
You can use both F-F and C-C tuning, but you need the correct set of strings. With the correct set, you won’t be damaging your oud
Daniel
Thank you Daniel for your reply,
Now I would like to buy a bew set of strings (for the F-F tuning): what are the measurments or the gauge for F-F tuning?
Regards
Would appreciate help here:
I have Daddario arabic oud strings (EJ95A), and I have been using Syrian tuning CFADGC. Can i use these strings to also tune up to Turkish such as DABEAD?
thank you,
Joey
No, you will cause damage to the Oud
Is there a set of strings you can recommend if I wanted to tune an Arabic oud up to the Turkish tuning or is that not an option? I actually want to try BF#BEAD if possible.
Hi Mike, that’s not advisable. First, with scale of 60cm you won’t be able to tune to Turkish tuning. Second, you need proper Turkish strings for Turkish tuning.
I appreciate the response. I think the best solution is to have both an Arabic oud and a Turkish one for more flexibility. For now, I have tuned my Arabic oud to BEADGC to match my 6-string bass. Thank you for the advice.
Can I mix different string sets to maximize the tonal range of the oud , without risk of damage to the instrument? For example, leaving on the low bass string from c-c tuning while the rest of the strings are from the f-f set. Or Could I even go as far as to solely use an f-f set and tune down the low f string to low C?
Yes, as long as all are of similar tension
I just received an Oud as a gift my wife purchased in Egypt, How do I tell whether it’s Egyptian, Turkish, Syrian, etc? It has slots for 12 strings but currently has 9 (one bass and four double strings)…. I would like to replace with new strings….what should I get? C-C?
The important part is the scale. Meaning, the distance between bridge and nut. When you know that, it will be easier to recommend tuning
I bought a lute from you a few years ago. I grew tired of the usual tuning so I started using standard guitar tuning in E and also drop D. Tuning in standard guitar E has not impressed me, but drop D actually sounds amazing. I’d like to post a recording of it in drop D.
Drop D is a great tuning, basically it’s the classic Turkish tuning