Oud Playing for Beginners — From First Maqam to Your First Song

About this course

The oud is the heart of Arabic music — and one of the few instruments in the world taught more by ear than by sheet music. We respect that tradition while giving you a structured path: tuning, posture, the four fingers, the risha, and the foundational maqamat (Bayati, Rast, Hijaz, Nahawand). By session eight you'll play a complete piece from start to finish, with intonation that honors the quarter-tones and a sense of taste that goes beyond mechanical correctness. Sessions are intimate (small group) so the instructor can correct your hand position in real time.

What you'll cover

• 1

  Choosing your oud and the first sounds

  Iraqi vs Egyptian vs Turkish ouds. Tuning. Holding it without cramping. Your first plucks.

• 2

  The risha and right-hand technique

  Up-stroke, down-stroke, the rasgueado of Arabic music. Building consistent tone.

• 3

  The four left-hand fingers and your first scale

  Finger placement. Stretching. The C major scale across two strings — it's harder than it looks.

• 4

  Maqam Bayati — the gateway to Arabic music

  Quarter-tones explained without theory degrees. A short Bayati taqsim you can play.

• 5

  Maqamat Rast, Hijaz, Nahawand

  The other three foundations. The emotional color of each. When to use which.

• 6

  Rhythm — wahda, malfouf, masmoudi

  The Middle East's signature rhythms, on your wrist before they're on your strings.

• 7

  Your first complete piece

  Pick from a starter list (Inta Omri, Foug el-Nakhal, modern indie). Memorize, polish, perform.

Skills you'll build

• Oud
• Arabic music
• maqamat
• Bayati
• Rast
• ear training
• rhythm
• improvisation