The oud (Arabic: عود, romanized: ʿūd, pronounced [ʕuːd]) [1][2][3] is a Middle Eastern short-neck lute -type, pear -shaped, fretless stringed instrument [4] (a chordophone in the Hornbostel–Sachs classification of instruments), usually with 11 strings grouped in six courses, but some models have five or seven courses, with 10 or 13 strings respe...

At Oud for Guitarists, we are NOT talking about a type of wood or perfume made from it, but we are talking about Oud the musical instrument. It is an ancient musical instrument from the Middle East, which has been very popular in the area and called the King of Instruments.

Want to start playing the Oud authentically? OUD FOR GUITARISTS FOUNDATION. With a series of clear video lessons, you will be able to: →Understand basics of Middle Eastern melodies and rhythms. →Find notes accurately on the Oud. →Refine your right hand Oud playing technique and play ornaments. Click here to learn more. OR. See other Oud ...

Oct 10, 2024 · The oud is one of the most iconic instruments in Middle Eastern music, known for its unique shape and deep, rich tones. Often regarded as the ancestor of the modern guitar, the oud has played a central role in the musical traditions of the Arab world, Turkey, Iran, and beyond.

Mar 5, 2025 · As you start shopping around, you’ll quickly discover there are different types of ouds (the most common being Arabic and Turkish ouds, plus others), each with its own characteristics. There’s also a range of prices and build qualities, from beginner-friendly models to professional handcrafted masterpieces.

The oud is classified generally as a bowl-shaped, short-necked lute, distinguishing it from those with longer necks and flatter bodies (which were closer to the ancestors of the guitar). Today, it is fretless, but in the past it had moveable pieces of gut tied around the neck, serving as frets.

Dec 7, 2020 · The oud—or the “sultan of instruments,” as a poster on Ghadban’s wall says—has played a prominent role in Arab and Middle Eastern culture for a long time.

Is the oud the guitar of the east? The oud is one of the most important instruments in Arabic music. It is also one of the oldest instruments in human history, yet its popularity within Middle Eastern music has never faltered. Why is the Oud considered so important?

Jul 23, 2024 · As an ancestor of the guitar, the oud’s evolution influenced various musical traditions across the Arab world and Europe. In this blog article we explore the origins of the oud, how it contributed to the development of the modern guitar and its role in …

The Arabic oud is a fretless lute with 11-13 strings, arranged in 6 or 7 ‘courses’ (string groups: like a 12-string guitar) – all are paired in unisons other than the very deepest, which resonates alone.