Introducing: The Arabic Oud

In this episode of "INTRODUCING," we're learning about the Oud. An instrument whose origins stretch back 3500 years ago to Ancient Persia. There are many types of ouds: Arabic oud, Syrian oud, Turkish oud, and more.
GUITAR TAB of oud piece in this video: arpeggiato.com/music-arrangem...
➢🎸MY ONLINE GUITAR COURSE: ClassicalGuitar-Pro.com
➢🎼GUITAR LESSONS: arpeggiato.com/​
➢SUPPORT MY CHANNEL: / brandonacker
➢SUBSCRIBE: kzbin.info...
➢MY CDs: arpeggiato.com/cd/​
➢MY ARRANGEMENTS: arpeggiato.com/music-arrangem...
➢INSTAGRAM: / brandon.acker.guitar
➢WEBSITE: brandonackerguitar.com
➢ MY GEAR!
Guitar support: amzn.to/3QZcc4n
Cameras: amzn.to/3WQ3ngT
B roll camera: amzn.to/44TIQu2
Speaking microphone: amzn.to/4auem2L
Interface: amzn.to/3V8KMvp
Portable Interface: amzn.to/3UPLXi6
Monitor: amzn.to/4bNWgdq
Hard drive: amzn.to/4dQZ7UI
Room humidifier: amzn.to/4dLMsCh
Case humidifiers: amzn.to/3QTTBXu
Headphones: amzn.to/4aqJaS1
➢CONTACT ME: [e-mail]
A huge thank you to my patrons on Patreon who keep this channel alive!
"Producer:"
-Sally Zimmerman
"#1 Fans: "
-Javier Artiles
-Musical Crusader
"Super-Patrons:"
-Håvard E Danielsen
-Tianhong Zhou
-Lyn Dawson
-Tony Dawson
-Mark B Garnick
-Christian Hirschmueller
-Matt Hefko
#oud

[@HAngeli]

Brandon should have a parallel career as an audiobook reader. His voice is perfect.

[@hannahjohnson4582]

that would be amazing!😍

[@amelchamma2577]

Yep caz his voice is so clear

[@fredymendez855]

Him and Mary Spender she has the most soothing voice ! She’s a guitarist from KZbin and songwriter.

[@hannahjohnson4582]

@@fredymendez855 I love Mary Spender! I think Brandon should totally collaborate with her sometime! What do you y'all think?

[@fredymendez855]

@@hannahjohnson4582 I don’t see why not she has a a background in classical music as she played the Viola. Also she likes to finger style so I hope this comes to fruition

[@ohhi6430]

I play Oud for 9 years and I wouldn't have thought that a western gentleman would play this good with a proper Oud vibrato not to mention that you had to dig into the many different scales the microtones has left. Absolutely awesome man!

[@monodriver001]

Can you tell me , how and where to buy a oud ... Can I get it in Turkey

[@siko9576]

@@monodriver001 of course bro go to any music intruments shop and ask them

[@lonesomephoenix]

@@eintroll8792 Persians also invented the Hamburger, true fact!

[@rabahakrour3688]

Check out this Instagram : jbaliqs They play amazing funny songs with the oud

[@mrjerry1499]

@@eintroll8792 It was mostly used by Arabs, and it got popular because of the Arabs.

[@watchmakerful]

The oud is not only itself a predecessor for the European lute, but it gave the lute its name! Arabic "al-'ud" gave something like "laud" in old Romance languages, then via French it came into English. Spanish still uses the name "laúd" for the lute.

[@romanbabynyuk946]

Here in Portugal, and in Spain as well, we still have a lot of arabic influence in terms of names, both of locations and items. Albufeira (city name, and also means a type of dam), alfarroba (fruit), almofariz (mortar and pestel), Alhambra, etc etc

[@MadameRouzgar]

@@romanbabynyuk946 My personal favourite as an outside observer (neither Ibérica nor Arabian) is "alacrán" (from al-eaqrab"), meaning "scorpion" for those who don't know.

[@SodaCrackers-ej5le]

That's like bragging about Nazis leaving behind cultural influences after their genocidal regime was kicked out of your country... Islam is the most genocidal ideology in human history that's killed between 270-670 million people over 1400 years of relentless conquest & the Earth is much worse for it, not better, as with Naziism.@@romanbabynyuk946

[@Nmx007]

I try to learn something fun and/or interesting every day, and you just gave me that for today. Many thanks, cheers from Mexico!!

[@drianhoxha5595]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@MadameRouzgarSounds pretty phonetically similar to my native language. Scorpion is „akrep“ in Albanian.

[@bilalnajjar903]

My dad is a oud player, haven't seen him for two years. This video brought tears to my eyes. Whenever you mention something that my dad already told me about, I would nod my head with approval, like, yup that's right yes correct :D

[@JesusProtects]

Is important to be in contact with our family. God bless you all in the name of Jesus.

[@Al_mutlaq]

@@JesusProtects In the name of God, Jesus is a human who neither benefits nor harms

[@A-G-F-]

@@Al_mutlaq For Christians, Jesus is the voice of god, so to speak

[@boredchild6631]

@@A-G-F- Bilal is a muslim name meaning that this commenter is a muslim probably

[@empirestateluvr9592]

Uuuuuh Bilal is of “Arabic” origin rather “Muslim” origin

[@lambertholtland1896]

Being a vampire. His knowledge must have come from his travels around the world in ancient times.

[@grege68]

Its called wikipedia my guy

[@moun7522]

@@grege68 Its called humor.

[@thetalantonx]

I am glad we're keeping this awareness alive. When he left the Old World and the attentions of both the Van Helsings and The Brotherhood behind, it fell to us in the New World. There are fewer of us here, so we have to be selective. So long as he primarily shares his knowledge of the past digitally, he's less of a threat than the Master and Apprentice model of olden days.

[@thetalantonx]

(I am now thinking about writing a full fanfiction about his exploits called The Wanderer [from his album "The Wanderer's Guitar."])

[@jackie1825]

I can feel some Castlevania in your words

[@piciManaska]

- Don't you dare get out of your comfort zone... Brandon Acker: - Fretn't

[@anhthiensaigon]

Many people oudn't dare ...

[@MrTvk-cv9iv]

@@anhthiensaigon lol I see what you did there

[@cronicas_imemoriais]

666 likes

[@thearcherskeleton3317]

You are the reason I'm sleeping a happy man tonight.

[@RhythmnOfThought]

8:29 The reason you were reminded of the "theme of pulp fiction" might be more fascinating than you think. The theme is actually a surf rock cover of "Misirlou", a Greek or middle eastern love song about an Egyptian woman. It was first recorded in the 1920 and also has lyrics. The origins of the melody might reach back even further. I find it fascinating that you were reminded of that tune, because when I heard the pulp fiction theme, I immediately felt it had something Eastern about it.

[@rodger3352]

Interesting :)

[@sabu1378]

Also, the version used in Pulp Fiction is by Dick Dale who is half Lebanese. He said he learned the riff and the style of picking (tremolo) to achieve that distinct Eastern sound on a guitar from his uncle who taught him the oud as a child. People like Eddie Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix have cited Dick Dale as an inspiration to their guitar playing. It’s crazy to think how technically, without Arabic music, there wouldn’t be a lot of the European/American classic rock/heavy metal genres.

[@Kylora2112]

Misirlou is a great example of the double harmonic major scale (1-b2-3-4-5-6-#7). And Dick Dale is a LEGEND.

[@george_latsos]

The title "Misirlou" is a mix of the Egyptian name for Egypt (Misir), and the Greek suffix "lou", which when put together, makes "Misirlou", meaning Egyptian Woman. The song talks about a Greek man in love with an Egyptian woman. The Ottoman Empire invaded Greece for a long time, and by doing so introduced their culture to ours; food, language, and most notably, rhythms, instruments, dances, and music. Misirlou is in Hicazcar (giving it Bb instead of B), and for the second part of the song, Hijaz (same scale, but uses B instead). Both scales are Middle Eastern scales which got introduced to the Greeks by the Ottomans. Most Greek music includes lots of Middle Eastern scales (Rast, Hijaz, Nihavend, etc.), most notably the music from Asia Minor (Smyrna, Constantinople, etc.), and some Greek music even has the same melodies as Turkish music but with different lyrics and stories (Turkish: Üsküdar'a Gider İken / Kâtibim - Greek: Από Ξένο Τόπο, for example). It's also ironic to consider the fact that the basic occidental modes (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, etc.) are also Greek. So not only has Greece adopted the oriental music, but also contains occidental music.

[@messoussiahmed9910]

bravo @@george_latsos

[@MultiTexMex]

As a Texan I’m so used to blues, country, and rock (closest to ethnic music we got here) it’s fascinating to hear Middle Eastern music. I love it! 👍🏼

[@RoddieH]

There are some of us oud players in Texas!

[@jeremiahdonnay358]

Idk where you live in Texas but there’s plenty of “ethnic” music 😭

[@JM-nt5ex]

You have some really good French "ethnic" folk in Louisiana and a bit of East Texas, same with the Hispanic folk music in West Texas of course

[@tomdavis6118]

Travel, even if just done musically, broadens the mind wonderfully.

[@abdulrahmanalmutairi7074]

The blues derives itself from the slaves who probably originated from east Africa, some scholars believe that there was an influence from the middle eastern music and folklore.

[@AhmedAlshaiba]

Well done

[@brandonacker]

Thanks, Ahmed! Congrats on your successful channel and wonderful playing

[@tahaaljaberi2492]

Two talents congrat each others ❤❤

[@11Strings]

Congarts on the amazing success for both of you.. Amazing info and thanks for anyone who pushes the Oud instrument up in the hierarchy of the strings instrument.. I love Oud, I have been playing for more than 10 years and I have my own KZbin channel as well "11 Strings".. check it out you might find something you like.. And let me know your feedback..

[@fadisarsak8435]

you both guys are really legends, and you both play all instruments perfectly

[@andyb1653]

Ahmed and Brandon should tour together under the name "Ouden Maiden" and cover classic metal songs on Oud. (I've heard songs from bands like Iron Maiden and Helloween played on Spanish Guitar and they sounded great, I'd love to hear them on an Oud or Lute)

[@chikkisk1278]

بصفتي شخص عربي اشكرك على تقديمك العود بهذه الطريقه. من الواضح انك اجتهدت على هذه الحلقه وقدمتها بطريقة رائعة رغم صعوبة العود

[@MrTvk-cv9iv]

@@DH7i حسب تجربة اصحابي الجيتار أصعب من العود

[@yagamilight2693]

Steel الكمان اصعب من القيتار والعود

[@bamama2630]

L M A O

[@saleh5609]

Steel يب ما ينحط حتى انه من اصعب 10 الات

[@androidexpert-ar-6074]

@@yagamilight2693 الكمان هو الأصعب

[@lamareskin]

I don’t understand a single thing about instruments and yet I can’t stop watching your videos. Also I’m Arab so this was really fun to watch:)

[@adel-a]

For someone who is just "scratching the surface", you play so well.

[@alialmuhamad4780]

Legend says Brandon still hearts comments to this day ❤

[@brandonacker]

You earned that one ;)

[@elrumi6341]

Good bait.

[@Exceedvictory]

I bet!

[@theanonymous8069]

@@brandonacker brandon....huhu...i couldn't buy 'cause its so expensive...can you make one for me for affordable ptice😉

[@orchidcapitalofitaly9780]

*Gasp*

[@queenelizabeth8145]

I'm Somali and I play the oud. The world recently lost Ahmed Ismail Hussein (إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعون) due to the coronavirus. He was known as the King of Oud and he's the reason why I begged my parents for an oud and why I still play to this day. EDIT: spelling

[@amazonbmw]

الله يغفر له ويرحمه

[@robertschlesinger1342]

A master oud player can play the oud with such sensitivity that it brings tears to one's eyes. The loss of the King of the Oud is not only the loss of a great musician, but a truly special and sensitive soul.

[@Warlanda]

@Riyan Ali I am sorry for your loss. I was not familiar with the artist you mentioned, but thanks to your comment I can now learn about him and enjoy his music. thank you

[@thestealth2448]

Riyan Ali Alle ha u naxariisto

[@SmileytheSmile]

I realise this is going to insensitive and I'm sorry for that... But Ahmed Ismail Hussein is the most Arabic name I have ever heard. It's like every stereotypical Arabic name was jammed into one.

[@sufian1z]

تقديم جميل ومحترف، لم يكن تقديم للعود فقط بل هو تقديم للموسيقى الشرقية، اتمنى ان نرى منك المزيد مما يخص الموسيقى الشرقية.

[@J0HNJ0RDAN]

Not since Bob Ross have I heard such a peaceful, humble, genuine soul speak.

[@OuijTube]

The theme from “Pulp Fiction” is actually an old Lebanese song, “miserlou.” Dick Dale, the guitarist, was Lebanese-American. So it’s kind of awesome that an old Middle Eastern song becomes a surf rock hit, which in turn becomes a hit again when featured in a movie, which is what you think of when...you play an Arabic oud. Music: actually pretty awesome.

[@SidecarBob]

The story goes that Dick and the Del-Tones were playing at a dance on the beach and a drunker surfer challenged him to play a whole song on one string. He remembered his uncle teaching him to play Miserlou on the oud when he was young and the rest is history.

[@ampulist]

Yeah.. "Lebanese", not Turkish, as the name suggests.

[@gatts9773]

it's actually an old greek/turkish folk song

[@egeciran1785]

in turkish "mısırlı" (read like misirlou) means "egyptian"

[@Kaiser86]

It's broadly middle-eastern. Claims of origin are futile. The song is just a scale , the hijaz kar, going up and down. It's possible that multiple places "came up" with it independently.

[@OsamaShaheen]

My brother plays oud very well When i was a child i used to hear him playing the most beautiful tunes I ever Heard, after war we had to flee, He bought another oud to make Peace again in our souls ❤️❤️❤️❤️ A very beautiful Instrument

[@CockatooDude]

Damn dude I'm glad you got out of the war zone, that's pretty harrowing to hear about.

[@MaskedGuyCh]

Some members of my family used to play the Oud, including my brother. It has such a distinctive, nostalgic sound to it. I love the rare occasions when composers use it in their music to add an Arabian feel to it, it makes me happy.

[@yahooyandex]

i am from tunisia and i am so surprised and happy that you know about the country because the majority stub me in the heart by saying this "where is that!, is it in europe ?" thank you brandon for mention it you already put a smile on my face i love you.

[@brandonacker]

Of course! My wife is Tunisian/French so she introduced me to Halfouine :) Cheers from Chicago, Brandon

[@T.chr1978]

@@brandonackernow it's clear, that's why you know well about Tunisian Music culture and aboit Lotfi Bouchnak the Perormer of Halfawin

[@ericolsen8903]

One of my fondest memories: listening to the oud in Sidi Bu Zayd

[@kevinroqi7246]

I have a friend from Tunisia, Mahrez Nouili

[@jeanclaudederepiere5160]

@@brandonacker In this case I would say that your judgment is a bit biased. Because it surprised me that you did not mention Mr. Alla one of the greatest master of Oud by far better than the names you mentioned. take a look kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWGVlGmfbKl8qcU

[@filipmosakowski3504]

the theme from pulp fiction actually is based on an eastern mediterranean tune called misirlou which is traditionally played on the oud!

[@ssn0651]

Not the way Dick Dale does it .

[@DevilDaz17]

Misirlou is a Greek song played on the bouzouki, not the oud.

[@Josh-it6uy]

no it isn't

[@SteelSkin667]

@@ssn0651 Dick Dale's uncle used to play Misirlou on one string of the oud - that's what inspired the arrangement.

[@SteelSkin667]

@@DevilDaz17 That song is best known by its Greek name, but it's played all over the region. Where it originated is lost by this point, but it's about an Egyptian woman.

[@niamhoconnor8986]

Fun fact: That theme from Pulp Fiction is actually a 1962 surf rock classic by Dick Dale. It's called "Misirlou" and is actually an Easter Mediterranean folk song which Dale made a surf rock version of, so no wonder the Hijaz scale reminds you of it - it's arguable the most famous song based on the Hijaz scale! 🔥🔥🔥

[@serseriherif9530]

The first part of the melody we can analyse in both western and eastern traditions. Jazz musicians would call it the 'double harmonic minor', but in the makam tradition we would say 'hicaz zirgüle' meaning you stack 2 hicaz tetrachords on top of each other. Ofcourse it has a specific 'seyir' or melodic progression with interchange of different tetrachords (cins) to define it as that 'flavor' or 'color'

[@learningguitar7220]

I'm a huge Tarantion fan but I didn't know that one, thanks!

[@OsamaSajidKhan]

Your comment is everything that is right in the world, hats off for letting us know. I always felt like it had Arabic flair to it, but thought it was just a hunch. Glad to know my hunch was right.

[@musicbydale678]

Dick Dale’s real name was Richard Monsour. His father was Lebanese. I think his grandfather played the old. I think Misirlou is like an Egyptian belly dancing song.

[@LazieKat]

It's also interesting to note that Dale is of Lebanese descent and that influenced him into reviving this piece.

[@omardadkhah3005]

Great playing man. I LOVE the melody in the last song at 9:21. You inspired me to want to play an Oud. Thank you

[@sledgedragon2677]

I always loved the sounds of the Middle-Eastern instruments. They have a characteristic to them that I can't really explain.

[@JazzGuitarNoob]

Easy to see how "al-'oud" turned into the word "lute".

[@yousefalnahar2567]

Jazz Guitar Noob as an oud player i never thought of that interesting

[@deldia]

Definitely possible. Is it well established?

[@JazzGuitarNoob]

@@deldia I just looked it up and it is definitely true. From etymologyonline.com "from Old French lut, leut (Modern French luth), from Old Provençal laut, a misdivision of Arabic al-'ud, the Arabian lute, literally "the wood" (source of Medieval Latin lutana, Spanish laud, Portuguese alaude, Italian liuto), where al is the definite article."

[@resourcedragon]

​@Christiaan Baron: The lute was not particularly popular in Renaissance Spain because it was seen as the instrument of the enemy. Instead an instrument called the "vihuela" was very popular. It was guitar shaped (but I suspect it's internal structure was different to the guitar) and strung like a lute. Music for the vihuela can be played on the Renaissance lute.

[@lorenaa_h]

that’s because, in spanish, lutes are called “laudes”, which is pronounced like oud. many spanish words come from arabic ones that have been “adapted” due to accents or are just straight up the same word (many people’s surname(s) are actually Arab words -like my first surname)

[@Bladavia]

The Moorish invasions is also the reason why there's a lot of Phrygian in traditional Spanish music, Spain was influenced by the Arabic people a lot. And not just in music, also in architecture and language, and probably other arts too.

[@jordanbrowne7417]

That's so interesting man

[@videosefilmes22]

Not only Spain but also Portugal was heavily influenced by moorish culture as well

[@kb-tu2kf]

Poetry too. L'aamour courtois or fin amor

[@martinpaddle]

the word "ojalá" comes from "inshallah".

[@resourcedragon]

Ditto food. Many of the traditional Middle Eastern recipes made their way over to what is now Argentina when the Spaniards invaded.

[@samicherif8796]

I was amazed by a western musician that understands Maqams, and he had to play a Tunisian song at the end ! Impressive !!!!

[@alptugtorun]

Thank you for this beautiful video. I am Turkish and i actually live in Üsküdar, Istanbul :). We have a lot of shares with Arabian culture majorly heritage of The Ottoman Empire and i just love the way their music plays especially with the Ud (Oud). Feels so soft, satisfying and relieving to both playing and listening..

[@anvil_production]

As a musician who's from the middle east, this is the coolest video I've seen because this is the true representation of oud. I like how he has so much knowledge about it, keep it up! Edit: love from Iraq! 💜

[@lorenzodreo2268]

I'll catch the occasion to ask you some suggestions about artists and genres of your country and near places. I'm starting to "make the ear" in your sounds, my goal is amplify my repertoire and improvisation skills but also simple curiosity. Sadly it's kinda difficult find significant contents and interesting artists if you're looking for them from Italy (Damn KZbin logarithm ahah), I'll be very thankful for any help from you

[@anvil_production]

@@lorenzodreo2268 I'm worst person to ask this to because I dont really keep up with arabic music. Butttt there are very famous people you should check out. 1.abdulhaleem hafith(old school) 2. Um kal thum (old school)

[@ngng685]

Hello Pokemon black and white protagonist.

[@itsame2271]

@@lorenzodreo2268 Generally speaking classical music is favorited by most Arabs, especially Umm Kalthoum, Abdulhaleem Hafiz and Talal Maddah. Fairouz is relatively closer to western music, and most if not Arabs listen to her songs once or twice a week if not daily even till this day. The Rahbani Brothers, Wadih Al Safi, and Wardah are also good representatives of Arabic Classical Music. Modern music however lost most of it's Arabic tone and is now hardly distinguishable from other types of music around the world. That's why most of Arab teenagers nowadays prefer to listen to non-Arabic songs, however if you like to listen to some modern Arabic but quite good music, I suggest Assala, Elissa, Nassif Zaytoun, Adam, Hussein Al Jasmi, Hamza Numaira and Fadil Shaker.

[@yousef26w]

@@lorenzodreo2268 You can also listen to kadim alsahir he is the best singer ever from Middle East and all of his songs are made of his melodies.

[@droidgeist]

Fun fact: the Arabic root ع و د actually means to bend flexibly, to return after bending. The derived word oud عود means wood, but it also refers to supple, flexible strength. Something you need when playing the oud or any stringed instrument!

[@leavewe]

woud

[@ffz6374]

@@leavewe عود *

[@SoloWolf-ze7uf]

You can suppose that but Oud and Awd sounds different spelling in Arabic... You know what I mean

[@mountblanc39]

@@leavewe 🤣

[@ziadalkhory4019]

An excellent presenting video, your low volume and calm voice with the beautiful sound of music made the video just fantastic. I felt the need for more even though the video had end.

[@mckinleymorton]

Sounding pretty sweet for your first oud

[@Dailylilyful]

Greetings from Tunisia ♥ It's so nice to see such a beautiful instrument get some recognition in the west. Hope you visit us one day and do a show here ♥ This was a very special episode for me.

[@AdnenBenYoussef]

Agreed 😊

[@brandonacker]

Thank you! I do plan to come to Tunis. My wife is French/ Tunisian :)

[@Dailylilyful]

@@brandonacker Oh that's so cool. It would be very nice to meet you

[@gxtmfa]

Tunisia has its own fascinating oud variation!

[@comradekao8783]

You can recognize tunisian music in the video

[@ammourti1]

To start all you need is the 9 major maqams and after that you’ll develop an ear for any tune you hear. I am an oud player and I tell you that you did a great job. I’ll be using your video to educate my western friends!

[@moeeid7982]

I’m thinking of playing oud, I’ve never done any music before how do you suggest I should start? Thank

[@SH-ry2xi]

How do you learn other people’s songs? Sheet music?

[@ammourti1]

@@moeeid7982 start by learning the 3ajm maqam

[@ianlarrimore8]

Would you say a maqam is a similar concept to the Indian raga? Are they the same notes ascending and descending, or are there any differences between the ascending and descending notes?

[@ammourti1]

@@ianlarrimore8 it actually depends on the maqam some have the notes ascending and descending and some of them don't

[@TamimProduction]

Man, watching your video is wholesome! I really love your innocent reactions, they deliver the exact emotion of interest you are experiencing right now! As an Arab from Algeria, I like our traditional music and very proud that you had a topic about this instrument!

[@213LotusBlossom]

An instrument that speaks emotionally to one’s soul as one listens! What a great post that helps one play the Oud, along with it’s history. Thanks for sharing this informative post on such a beautiful instrument!

[@the_miracle_aligner]

A beautiful instrument presented by an equally beautiful man. Great video

[@tobe7932]

nursena yener

[@AlejandroRiveraCorrea]

He's cute af

[@N79417]

Oh my freind .The Oud is an (Arabic) instrument, it is the first and oldest musical instrument in history . The saz is an (Kurdish) instrument, not turkish never at all . Many people think the saz instrument from turkish origin !!! this is a completely mistaken belief .

[@h00db01i]

@Rose beautiful soul

[@user-qk7en8pq1u]

@@N79417 you can feel the tension mounting. This may very well spark another kurdish-turkish war

[@FilipHolm]

Damnit, I have basically an identical video that I'm editing at the moment. Very clear and understandable explanation, although I would add that maqams shouldn't be viewed simply as "scales". In fact a maqam (often translated as "modes" actually) are made up of tetra (or penta)chords in which the notes can kind of change. So Maqam Hijaz consists of two tetrachords (called "jins"), the first of which is always the "Hijaz jins" which is the four first notes that you played in the scale. The second half of the scale can be made up of another tetrachord, you used the "Nahawand jins" in this case which is most common but this can vary and sometimes change or be modulated in the middle of a song or improvisation but still remain a Hijaz Maqam. As another example, if you play the Hijaz jins/tetrachord followed by another Hijaz jins you end up with a variation on Hijaz called "Hijaz Kar". Also the maqams or modes of Arabic/Turkish/Armenian music usually contain certain moods that are to be evoked, or recurring phrasing for example. So referring to them simply as scales is simplifying it a little bit. I like your playing, and the Oud sounds fantastic. You have a great tone in your playing, especially for someone who just picked up the instrument. Keep up the good work! EDIT: I have now finished and posted my video, which you can find here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4e8YpSmq66ng5Y

[@benjamingrezik373]

Sounds like they are more of a genera that contains scales and arpeggios and stuff

[@FilipHolm]

@@benjamingrezik373 Not exactly. Maqams are still similar to "scales" in that they contain a determined group of notes. But then it extends beyond the scope of the western concept of scales, too :)

[@toma4474]

How Maqam compares to Indian Ragas. Seems pretty similar.

[@FilipHolm]

@@toma4474 My knowledge of Ragas are very limited, so I can't really answer that question with certainty. There probably are a lot of similarities :)

[@FilipHolm]

@vibratingstring Bradon did such a good job that I kind of don't have to. But I might add some points to it where I dive deeper into certain subject to justify its existence, we'll see :)

[@thecatladytm7172]

This contributed to me buying an Oud for myself, I decided on a Turkish one, though. There are no local sellers so I got one online and it should arrive in September from Turkey! Wish me luck in learning, and thank you for introducing this wonderful instrument to me!

[@abigailorozco8372]

We need to know how it turned out!

[@thecatladytm7172]

@Abigail Orozco It turned out well! It actually showed up strung incorrectly which almost broke it, but after that little hiccup it went well! Im still learning, and I havent had much time to practice since Ive been working to save up for school, but yeah. Really cool to own and learn to be playing one!

[@abigailorozco8372]

​@@thecatladytm7172 I'm so happy for you! I definitely love Arabic music culture, (maybe it has to do with Spanish blooded people being quite mixed with Arabs through history?) and I would love to try one in the future, even though it looks a bit scary to learn, haha! For now, I'm sticking to classical guitar. I wish you good luck with it, and with school too, for that matter :)

[@anomyq5509]

How is it going so far after one year?

[@claudiajack1986]

Thanks a lot!!! I love the sound of lutes, guitars, bandolins, in western and eastern music, and you are a so great musician and professor, sharing with all us your knowledge and enthusiasm about the oud. Congratulations!

[@ahmadjaber1719]

I’m Arab and I didn’t even know this. I’m just looking to buy myself a guitar. And this pop up in my feed. This gives me a great since of pride of my culture. Thank you so much ❤️

[@hurriyetperver5272]

Extra knowledge: The names of maqams are from cities or regions in the Middle East. For example, Nahawand is a city in Iran. Hijaz is a province in Arabian Peninsula.

[@flamencoprof]

It is interesting that in the Spanish music form Flamenco, there are also forms named after places, like Malagueñas, after Málaga, and Granainas, after Granada. They are also forms influenced by the North African Muslim period of 711-1492. Then again, the North Americans have Mississippi, New Orleans and Chicago forms of the Blues form :-)

[@e.a297]

He's trying to create fake history for Arabs. Oud was a Persian music instrument and not arabic

[@hurriyetperver5272]

@@e.a297 You Persians just write poem don't chime in music. Otherwise I feel sick whenever I see your kitschy nationalistic comments :)

[@hurriyetperver5272]

@@flamencoprof The scales and forms take their names from residential areas in every music culture. In that case we shouldn't surprise.

[@hurriyetperver5272]

@@e.a297 Your instrument nationalism is bullshit. For example, violin was invented in Italy but violin is the instrument of all nations. Several music cultures use violin.

[@karentaborn3086]

Thank you for this beautiful history and your playing! I love it!

[@stevenalebadi6265]

I’m actually impressed with your knowledge about the Oud and how much you know about the history of it. Comes from an Arabic guy specially...! And Nassir Shama is a legend.!

[@johnnymcgeemusic]

1 minute in and I can already tell I'm going to want to watch every episode of this "INTRODUCING" series. Immediate subscribe.

[@highlight293]

As an Arabian that's a very good introduction to Oud, and your knowledge is impressive. If you want to check famous Oud players check out Saudi singer named Abadi Al-Johar , we call him (The octopus of Oud)

[@kimdramer1641]

Such a great concept; and so well executed with a combination of narration and music. Bravo!

[@ricktheexplorer]

I love this instrument, and I may use it on my new album. Thank you for this channel; it's learning I need.

[@youssefbmc5862]

he was impressed by the oud imagine now he finds out about the kanoun

[@azoz1562]

😂😂😂😂 راح يتجنن

[@camperannihilator4875]

He would fall in love with it

[@mozarth]

Guy professionally plays the theorbo for god's sake, people who play theorbo are a true rarity, let alone people who even know it are also a rarity. And here you are talking about Kanoun. Qanun, santur, santoor and dulcimer are from the same family with a great resemblance to harp to an awful extent, and this eliminates the surprise factor to be honest.

[@camperannihilator4875]

@@mozarth jesus just chill

[@youssefbmc5862]

@@mozarth booboo chill, i just want him to review it. i get what you're saying but after all everyone likes it when someone from other culture reviews your culture.

[@mirmarashi87]

Greetings to all my Arab brothers from Persia. Arabic music has some magic in it which is beautiful

[@Abu_Haydar313]

Nima Marashi Thank you ❤️🌹❤️

[@verysmartultrahuman939]

cool Farsi people, all love.

[@mirmarashi87]

I wish middle eastern would unite more to accomplish more just like the golden age where Islam united us all. I ve enough money in 2 months to order an oud, can’t wait to get my hands on. Hehe

[@verysmartultrahuman939]

@@mirmarashi87 hopefully brother, I wish you and all of Iran the best. This so called hate is not between the people, it's only the leaders who try to push us against each other. You're smart, you realized the truth early.

[@geckodono]

May Peace in middle east go brrrrrrrr

[@karga9014]

My dad plays oud(ud in turkish) and i love your presentation about it youre great elegant even majestic yet delicate

[@mikicassains8554]

Brilliant, Brandon, wonderful video, great and detailed info so smoothly delivered!! Cheers!

[@robertschlesinger1342]

I am almost speechless. You are no beginner; you are well on your way to a high level proficiency on the oud, and I listen to a great deal of Middle Eastern music. This video is a superb introduction to this beautiful Middle Eastern instrument, presented in a clear, concise and informative manner.

[@aliassim8735]

Robert Schlesinger exactly!! This video is just a very enjoyable well-presented documentary

[@shariff007]

ditto that. Am enjoying Anouar Brahem now...

[@robertschlesinger1342]

@@aliassim8735 Thank you for your comment. Years ago, knew a graduate student from Kuwait that played the oud so masterfully and with such emotion, he could bring tears to the listener's eyes.

[@robertschlesinger1342]

@@shariff007 Thank you for your comment. Years ago, knew a graduate student from Kuwait that played the oud so masterfully and with such emotion, he could bring tears to the listener's eyes.

[@brandonacker]

Hey guys! The most common comment is about the term "Arabic Oud." To clear up any confusion, I'm not claiming it's originally Arabic, or only played in Arabic countries. The term "Arabic Oud" is used to refer to a specific type of oud, which is distinguishable from the "Turkish" Oud, for example. Checkout this link for a description of the differences in the instruments: www.oudforguitarists.com/types-of-ouds-ultimate-oud-buyers-guide-1/

[@lvosa-teamalpines1907]

Hi Brandon, Hope you are in good health! There is another Turkish traditional stringed instrument called "Bağlama" I think that you would like to make a introducing video on it :) keep up the great work 🎸

[@JocktanianWolf]

The word Arabic refers to only one thing in existence: language. Anything else is Arabian, never Arabic, and anyone anywhere who uses it wrong is not a justification.

[@sun4502]

Calling Barbat as Persian is kinda misleading. The instrument orignally belonged to Gandhara region (present day Afghanistan) which came under Sassanid empire from where it became poplular in Persia. And Gandhara region was a mix of North Indian and Greek influences. So the oud eventually is descended from a Indo-Greek instrument. Having said that lute like instruments have been depicted throughout Mesopotamia and Egypt and have a very ancient tradition.

[@MrIsh-cw9tr]

@@sun4502 Absurd

[@MrIsh-cw9tr]

oud originated in Mesopotamia Way before the Barbat. There are ancient evidence profing that

[@dplj4428]

The oud is one of my favorite’s. I’ve heard live concerts in small clubs. Very inspiring. Ever since I find myself attempting similar melody and patterns on my guitar. Thank you for sharing your exploration back into this part of musical history.

[@soupless995]

As a student.learning arabic music i am very impressed cos the oud is one of the hardest instrument for a lit of pepole and im happy that you shared your experience with us . Thank you

[@ozramsey9295]

To make things clear Oud is one of the hardest instuments to learn and play for us Arab people who are already used to such oriental music and the fact the this guy is from a completely different music type that belongs to occidental world and he learned this instrument very quickly really ''Chapeau 🎩 bas '' bravo it shows how much you are into music

[@idraote]

It's his superpower: all plucked instruments bow to him.

[@ozramsey9295]

@@idraote Indeed ❤

[@oussamafr6123]

For people who want to know arabic maqams, arabic maqams are eight: 1: ajam مقام العجم 2: nahawand مقام النهاوند 3: kurd مقام الكرد 4: hijaz مقام الحجاز 5: bayati مقام البيات 6: rasset مقام الرست 7: sika مقام السيكا 8: saba مقام الصبا

[@AlexandrosT13]

Arabic maqams are hundreds. These are the basic only

[@ahmedashref8784]

كل. مقام تحته افرع كتير

[@mohammadkeykha.]

Names seems Iranian also nahavand is a city still in center of iran ❤

[@mohammadkeykha.]

صبا راست سه گاه نهاوند و..‌.

[@mohammadkeykha.]

حتی بیات یعنی بیاد in the memory of

[@AlexeyFilippenkoPlummet]

This video is a gem. Amazingly well told facts and music theory for different schools of music, a great instrument being showcased and beautifully played, even some amazing players suggested (now I listen to great oud players on YT instead of some mixes for background). I mean, if YT algorithm works well sometimes, then this is it.

[@TheFireroom]

I just love how you explain things man.

[@codemiesterbeats]

the arabic sounding music always makes me picture being on some crazy long journey across the desert on a camel in full garb

[@alighannouchi4756]

that's Hollywood effect

[@CryptiksMusic]

Hi Tunisian here, i'm honoured that a very talented guy like you is discovering my musical culture and sharing it to the public, specially mentioning Anouar Brahem (انور براهم), and btw the tone you played at 9:11 is ريتك ما نعرف وين (Ritek ma naarf win) by Lotfi Bouchnak one of the greatest Tunisian musicians ever. you should check him out too :)

[@perandersdahlstrom2846]

I’m very fond of Anouar Brahem’s album ’ Le pas du chat noir ’

[@oussamasaidi5836]

I came to the comments section looking exactly for this comment ! Thank you

[@rohankishibe8259]

His wife is Tunisian

[@AdamAhmed-sm3qr]

For just taking one lesson, you did such an incredible job capturing the emotions behind arabic music. Another good oud player is Farid El Atrache , he was a Syrian-Egyptian composer, singer, virtuoso oud player, and actor.

[@infledermaus]

I only heard this instrument today, but the depth of tone is absolutely beautiful! I am hooked! Thanks for the Intro.

[@StevieinSF]

Thank you for your docuseries on the Oud. My cousin was an Oudi, these beautiful instruments are custom made. The day he played Knights in White Satin on his Oud, I was blown away - he was playing western music on a middle-eastern instrument.

[@drmustafatasci]

Knights in White Satin 🤣😂

[@shaunkhing]

I really appreciate your respectful approach to the instrument and it's history. Your choice of phrases and inclusion of diverse names, as well as your humility in acknowledging how the different modality poses a challenge for you (rather than simply saying it sounds off) was really good.

[@parkinsontatak]

As a Turkish citizen, this is the very first time that I see an oud withOUT any ornament on sound holes. But this guy is so nice and humble that I feel relaxed and learning at the same time listening to him.

[@MichaelJosephBurdi]

It's looks to be a Syrian style oud by Ibriham Sukar... many of his ouds are not ornate. ouds with the oval sound holes tend to have no or minimal ornamentation.

[@yogurt2497]

@@MichaelJosephBurdiThis style is from the Iraqi school.

[@MichaelJosephBurdi]

@@yogurt2497 Thats a Syrian oud by Sukar and I would bet money on it. Iraqi ouds are not fixed bridge, they are %90 floating bridge ouds now. This is a basic Sukar oud.

[@yogurt2497]

@@MichaelJosephBurdi yes I agree with you. I was just pointing out the oval shaped holes, they are more common on Iraqi ouds.

[@thewaywardpoet]

This instrument produces such a beautifully resonant sound.

[@oueslatihazem1623]

Hey, i'm tunisian and a music student. I have to admit you you introuced the Oud perfectly. I loved how you improvised on the makams, specially Hijaz( مقام الحجاز). Btw, the song in end is called ريتك ما نعرف وين which translates to, i cant remember where i saw you, and Halfaouine is a place in Tunisia. The song originally is a poème wrote for a girl, and he just keeps mentioning all the places in Tunisia where the poet met her. Here's the link for the song if anyone wondered: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKm3mIV5j95na9E

[@nya4198]

thank you!

[@ghaiethalwi2575]

yarhem bouk aal comment

[@rachels9035]

I saw a movie that I believe had this song as a theme in the background, of the same name Halfaouine? Based in Tunisia. Really nice music in that movie.

[@disaster7638]

Aftet the moorish conquest, Brandon ( being 20 that time ) had the chance to travel to Al-Andalus from his temporary home in Navarre, where he would meet his first Oud teacher, Ibn Saleh al-Maroq. I do hope more vampires teach us about their knowledge from their past.

[@alicamgibbs1867]

Wonderful that you've featured the oud in your "Introducing" series. Thank you Brandon.

[@theresa2245]

fantastic video. really interesting. I always loved the oud. great presenter who loves music and history of music who is calm, friendly, intelligent, and caring. Great job! help all of us learn and appreciate! thank you.

[@brucestewart5939]

What a humble soul..God bless you my brother on your many journeys in the music/ life scales

[@kvasios]

Thanks Brandon for your open spirit and your honest curiosity! You bring cultures together. Greetings from Greece.

[@markthibeault804]

This was a fantastic video. I have always loved the oud and sarod. Very well presented and informative. Well done.

[@bluesight_]

gorgeous instrument, clean and great presentation

[@lambdacalculus3505]

The hard work you put into learning hownto play and studying the history of these instruments never ceases to amaze me -- you go above and beyond any other string-player on KZbinr! ❤

[@3h3d35]

Love how peaceful and calming he was throughout the video 😌

[@hannahjohnson4582]

I think this might just be one of his most soothing videos so far!

[@monica2862]

Wow thank you! I am not a musician or ever knew there was such musical instrument existed, your passion is beautiful, because of it I want to educate myself 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼you’re great! Thank you

[@siftedsoul]

Very informative and beautiful instrument and playing. Thank you for sharing.

[@martinpaddle]

Thanks for making these fascinating videos, it makes me want to get one of these :) It's also interesting to note the influence this music had on Spanish music. And I love Anouar Brahem's Oud-Jazz fusion!

[@BoopyTheFox]

If you turn Oud upside-down then it makes a funny face.

[@metallsnubben]

@@BoopyTheFox :0

[@JumpingJimmyJet]

I would totally agree with you... Brandon, there is no other like you and your videos, thank you so much

[@Maynard0504]

I think I can hear an Anouar Brahem track in the back around 3:20 :)

[@HarrySinanian]

Beware there are many ornamental Ouds on the market that aren't well made

[@w38]

This was amazing to watch, I love this type of sound! Thanks for being so passionate about the subject :)

[@samuelashwin8491]

Hi, your teaching is very simple and understandable. Keep doing the good work

[@hamidalfalah3281]

My favorite instrument thank you for shedding the light on it

[@Levintar]

Just watching your channel and love it. Thanks for showing us those beautiful instruments.

[@Ricky-ke5qc]

The way you talk is quite calming, like the painter/teacher Bob Ross but musician version

[@essamwahba6391]

اشكرك من قلبي لصناعة هذه الحلقة المميزة جدا عن الة شرقية عريقة وهي الة العود واعجبت جدا بطرقة عزفك وادائك السلس لم اشعر للحظه ان من يقوم بالعزف ليس شرقيا...... شكرا مرة اخري وكل التمنيات بالتوفيق والنجاح

[@mohamedgebril9776]

You're so talented when it comes to mastering tones and delivering emotions in a way that causes goosebumps, it caused my neurons to go into meltdown. The number of emotions you've incorporated into your creative improvisation is extraordinary. For a western person. you're also very talented when it comes to mastering the Maqams.

[@lastlord312]

As a Turkish person, hearing "Üsküdara Giderken" from you was very very deligtful. Thanks Brandon. I would really like to hear you play bağlama someday. It is also an instrument that is very common in Turkey and has a very unique sound. I think you would like it.

[@enesaykut408]

​@@meletis1980 The way he played was actually good, no big difference between the original. Perhaps you can be more specific about what you ask

[@mehmetelen7435]

​​@@meletis1980i meletis you can search "Üsküdar'a gideriken" or "Katibim" that means while going through Üsküdar.

[@Fifi-jb3yx]

@@mehmetelen7435 this piece has different names all over the middle east, it is not inherently turkish

[@eddiesneeh4266]

A terrific overview of the Arabic Oud. The tunes you played sound perfectly authentic and pleasant.

[@HassanR6]

You have presented the oud in a clear and correct way to people who do not know anything about the oud. It is clear that you have made a great effort in researching this information about the oud, well done

[@mohaglade4892]

I can see your passion in your eyes. you are so intrigued by It , go for It ! my friend

[@zaroonyakhyakhan4514]

this OUD can make one crazy i think this is the best Instrument ever

[@user-dg7iz5cy4k]

As I’m in Saudi Arabia, the Oud I hear always plays Arabic sounding music. When you play, I hear English sounding music which is very weird, but unique and nice.👍🏻

[@lorenzodreo2268]

Any suggestions for some oud-artist more "orthodox" ?

[@qumbe7la]

@@lorenzodreo2268 Ahmed Fathi Simon Shaheen Muneer Bashir Farid Alatrash Abadi Aljohar Naseer Shamma Charbel Rohana Marcel Khalifa Among so so many.. take a dive and enjoy 🙏🏼

[@lorenzodreo2268]

@@qumbe7la great ones, I really like them, expecially "Dawn" (Rag Kirwani/Maqam Nahawand) by Simon Shaheen and Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, thanks 👍🏻

[@collecter3456]

I think it is a mutual thing, I could see how the Western style of music sounds very odd, just as I find arabic music to sound odd as well.

[@idealthinker101]

Hey Jaffar, Is Harmonium also played in Arabic music ? Or anything similar which have reeds ?

[@travisbowmanmusic]

Really enjoyed this video, super well put together. Well done my friend!

[@CaswellGuitar]

Great video Brandon! I had a guitar student of mine years ago who first told me about the Oud and I was mesmerised by it. Such an interesting sound! Well played.

[@adihaddad2060]

As an Arab i love and appreciate this video, thanks for introducing this marvelous instrument for some people who might not know it yet

[@rollomaughfling380]

"So, in 711 . . ." My Brain: *Huh?* ". . . the Moors . . ." Brain: Oh.

[@99ishak]

Same feeling hahaha

[@bogusparasite6655]

this

[@yuzan3607]

I don't get it?

[@meriem7069]

@@yuzan3607 me too

[@dr_zyzz]

@@yuzan3607 7/11 Usually refers to American convenience stores en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7-Eleven

[@OmaAlmo]

This is my first time watching any of your videos. Wallahi bravo habeebi you really did your homework about the oud.

[@omargarza7060]

Always great content, Brandon. Bravo 👏! Well done.