Mike's Oud Forums

Oud tuning - A newbie's question

monkey_steak - 10-14-2008 at 11:02 AM

Hi

I've just started learning the oud having picked one up in Jaffa last summer

I've been learning on the tuning DGADGC which I was told was standard arabic tuning for it.

I've mainly been concentrating on nailing scales. I was a bass player before so the fingering is different

It seems though that when I search this board people are suggesting lots of other tunings such as CFADGC so I'm a bit lost What tuning shoud I use as a beginner? Is it best to stick with what I've been using or should I switch. What do most people use?

I've been trying to do an eight note exercise and seem to be running out of low notes which prompted me to do some more more research...

PS, its great to see such an active forum about ouds. I'm excited about contributing to it!

Ararat66 - 10-14-2008 at 11:18 AM

Welcome to the forum

You will find the oud has a relatively short finger board but is a vast instrument - may you spend many wonderful hours exploring its infinate qualities.

Tuning tends to be in forths but can vary on style of playing, and mode or maqam you are using. Others will add to this I'm sure.

Best wishes

Leon;)

monkey_steak - 10-15-2008 at 11:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ararat66
Welcome to the forum

You will find the oud has a relatively short finger board but is a vast instrument - may you spend many wonderful hours exploring its infinate qualities.

Tuning tends to be in forths but can vary on style of playing, and mode or maqam you are using. Others will add to this I'm sure.

Best wishes

Leon;)


Hey Leon. Cheers for this mate. Anyone else?

MatthewW - 10-15-2008 at 12:26 PM

Hi M-S, not much more to add to what Leon says. For a 11 string Arabic oud I usually use (from low to high)c,ff,aa,dd,gg,cc, I find this tuning very useful. see what works for you.
http://www.oudcafe.com/stringing_and_tuning.htm