The oud is one of the most ancient and revered instruments in the world, often regarded as the “king” of Middle Eastern instruments. This stringed instrument has a distinctive pear-shaped body, no frets, and typically features 11 strings, arranged in five double courses and one single bass string. Its captivating, deep resonance makes it a centerpiece in various forms of traditional and contemporary music. There are several types of oud that differ by region and construction, each contributing its unique sound to the world of music. In this guide, we will explore the types of oud commonly found and discuss the differences between them.
Main Types of Ouds
While the basic design of the oud remains consistent across regions, the types of oud differ primarily due to cultural nuances in construction and tuning. The main types of oud include the Turkish oud, Arabic oud, Iraqi oud, Syrian oud, and the electric oud.
Turkish Oud
The Turkish oud is often known for its brighter sound compared to other oud types. This is largely due to its smaller body and higher tuning. It typically uses a thinner soundboard and lighter strings, which results in a more brilliant and clearer tone. Musicians who favor fast, articulate playing styles often prefer this type of oud for its agility and brightness.
In Turkey, the oud holds a prominent place in classical music traditions, and over the years, many modifications have been made to enhance its performance. Turkish ouds are typically tuned higher than their Arabic counterparts, giving them a sharp and vibrant sound, perfect for Turkish maqam (modes) music.
Arabic Oud
The Arabic oud is probably the most recognized type of oud and is used in a wide range of musical genres, from classical Arabic compositions to contemporary styles. The body of the Arabic oud is generally larger than that of the Turkish oud, giving it a deeper, fuller sound. The soundboard is also thicker, contributing to a warmer, more resonant tone.
The Arabic oud is commonly used in countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Palestine, where it is often featured in traditional ensembles. Its tuning is typically lower than that of the Turkish oud, which helps in producing its characteristic dark and rich sound. Arabic ouds are known for their ability to produce highly emotional and expressive music, making them popular in love songs and classical compositions.
Arabic Oud vs Turkish Oud: What are the Differences?
Iraqi Oud
The Iraqi oud holds a special place in the musical traditions of Iraq. It is known for its unique construction and tuning style, which sets it apart from both Turkish and Arabic ouds. One of the distinct features of the Iraqi oud is its floating bridge, which contributes to its distinctive sound. The floating bridge allows for greater resonance and sustain, giving the Iraqi oud a bright, yet rich tone.
This type of oud is often used in maqam music, a traditional form of Middle Eastern classical music, and it is cherished for its versatility. The Iraqi oud is often credited with producing some of the most emotive and intricate oud music due to its unique tonal qualities.
Syrian Oud
The Syrian oud is another significant oud type used throughout the Middle East. Known for its robust construction and deep sound, the Syrian oud is often compared to the Arabic oud, though with subtle differences in craftsmanship. The Syrian oud is traditionally made from high-quality woods, and the soundboard tends to be thicker, which adds to the instrument’s durability and resonant, rich sound.
Syrian ouds are often handcrafted by master luthiers who have passed down the art of oud-making through generations. This type of oud is highly valued for its rich tonal qualities and is commonly used in classical Arabic music, where the deep, warm sound is ideal for both solo performances and ensemble work.
Electric Oud
The electric oud is a modern innovation that blends tradition with technology. Unlike acoustic ouds, the electric oud features built-in pickups that amplify its sound, making it perfect for use in live performances, especially in larger venues. While it retains the essential design of the traditional oud, the electric version allows for greater versatility, as the musician can control the volume and tone electronically.
Electric ouds are favored by musicians who incorporate the oud into fusion genres, blending Middle Eastern music with jazz, rock, or electronic music. This type of oud has opened up new possibilities for oud players to experiment with different sounds and effects, making it a popular choice in contemporary music.
Differences Between Arabic, Turkish, Iraqi, and Syrian Ouds
Though the types of oud share a common origin and similar structure, they differ in several key ways, most notably in their size, construction, and tuning.
- Size and Body Shape: The Arabic oud has a larger body compared to the Turkish oud, resulting in a deeper sound. In contrast, the Turkish oud is smaller, which produces a sharper, more focused tone. The Syrian oud is similar to the Arabic oud in size but often has a more robust build.
- Tuning: The Turkish oud is generally tuned higher than the Arabic oud. Iraqi ouds, with their floating bridges, have a more versatile tuning system, and their sound is characterized by a longer sustain. The Syrian oud uses traditional Arabic tunings, focusing on deep, resonant notes.
- Sound Quality: The Arabic oud is known for its rich, deep, and warm sound, while the Turkish oud offers a brighter, more vibrant tone. The Iraqi oud strikes a balance between the two, offering both brightness and depth, with its unique floating bridge design contributing to longer sustain. The Syrian oud resonates with a deep, robust tone similar to the Arabic oud but with subtle craftsmanship differences that enhance its durability and warmth.
- Usage in Music: Each type of oud is used in its respective regional music traditions. The Arabic oud is central to Arabic classical music, the Turkish oud is prominent in Turkish maqam, the Iraqi oud in traditional Iraqi maqam, and the Syrian oud plays a key role in Levantine music.
Conclusion
Each of these oud types—Turkish, Arabic, Iraqi, Syrian, and electric—offers a unique sound and playing experience, contributing to the diversity and richness of Middle Eastern and world music. Whether you’re a traditionalist drawn to the deep, soulful sounds of the Arabic oud or a modernist interested in the electric oud, there is a type of oud for every musician. Understanding the differences between these instruments is crucial for selecting the right oud to match your musical preferences and style.
For musicians and enthusiasts alike, exploring the diverse types of oud is a journey into the heart of Middle Eastern musical heritage, where each note carries centuries of history and emotion.
