The oud is one of the most important stringed instruments in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. It plays a central role in both Turkish and Arabic music traditions, and its tuning systems reflect the characteristic features of these musical styles. There are significant differences between Turkish and Arabic oud tunings, which influence not only the music styles but also the techniques used. In this article, we will explore the differences between Turkish and Arabic oud tunings in detail.
Structure and General Features of the Oud
The oud is a short-necked, pear-shaped stringed instrument. Typically, it has 11 or 13 strings grouped in pairs, which are plucked with the fingers. The body of the oud is usually made from walnut, maple, or rosewood, and the strings are made from nylon or gut. One of the oud’s most distinctive features is the absence of frets, allowing musicians to perform microtonal transitions and achieve a wide tonal range.
Turkish Oud Tuning
Turkish music is rich in makamlar (modes) and rhythmic structures, which is reflected in the oud’s tuning. The Turkish oud tuning is typically as follows:
- Low G (Sol) String: This is the lowest string pair, tuned to G.
- Low D (Re) String: The second string pair is tuned to D.
- G (Sol) String: The third string pair is tuned to G.
- D (Re) String: The fourth string pair is tuned to D.
- A (La) String: The fifth string pair is tuned to A.
- E (Mi) String: The highest string pair is tuned to E.
Turkish oud tuning aims to achieve a higher-pitched and brighter tone. This tuning system allows for greater flexibility within the wide range of Turkish makamlar.
Arabic Oud Tuning
Arabic music is enriched with diverse rhythms and maqamat (modes). The Arabic oud tuning differs slightly from the Turkish tuning and is typically as follows:
- Low C (Do) String: The lowest string pair is usually tuned to C.
- Low G (Sol) String: The second string pair is tuned to G.
- C (Do) String: The third string pair is tuned to C.
- G (Sol) String: The fourth string pair is tuned to G.
- D (Re) String: The fifth string pair is tuned to D.
- A (La) String: The highest string pair is tuned to A.
Arabic oud tuning aims to achieve lower-pitched and deeper tones. This tuning system better reflects the characteristic features of Arabic maqamat.
Differences in Technique and Playing Style
The differences between Turkish and Arabic oud tunings are also reflected in the playing techniques. When playing the Turkish oud, faster and more ornamental melodies are emphasized. Therefore, finger techniques and the use of the plectrum are finer and quicker. In contrast, Arabic oud playing tends to favor deeper and broader melodic structures, leading to a heavier and more emphatic playing style.
The differences between Turkish and Arabic oud tunings reflect the richness and characteristic features of these two musical traditions. Turkish oud tuning aims to achieve higher-pitched and brighter tones, while Arabic oud tuning offers lower-pitched and deeper tones. These different tuning systems directly influence the playing techniques and musical expression of the oud. Both tuning systems provide a fascinating and rich soundscape, allowing players to fully explore the captivating world of the oud.
For those interested in playing the oud, learning both Turkish and Arabic oud tunings and playing techniques offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the broad musical spectrum that this instrument provides. Embarking on a journey into the enchanting world of the oud is both a historical exploration and a musical discovery.