What is a Qanun?

A qanun is a traditional stringed instrument widely used in Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean music. The instrument has a flat, trapezoid-shaped wooden body with many strings stretched across it. Musicians play the qanun by plucking the strings with small picks attached to their fingers, producing a bright and resonant sound.

The qanun typically has many groups of strings arranged in sets that are tuned to the same note. These strings are stretched over small movable levers that allow players to quickly adjust the pitch of the notes while performing. This design makes it possible to play the complex scales and microtones that are common in Middle Eastern musical traditions.

The instrument is usually placed on the musician’s lap or on a table while playing. Qanun players use both hands to perform fast melodies, flowing arpeggios, and intricate ornamentation. Today, the qanun remains an important instrument in traditional Middle Eastern ensembles and continues to be used in modern music, orchestras, and cultural performances around the world.