What is an Oud?

An oud is a traditional stringed musical instrument widely used in Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean music. It has a large rounded body, a short neck without frets, and multiple pairs of strings called courses. The instrument is typically played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, producing a deep and warm tone that is central to many regional musical traditions.

The oud usually has 10 or 11 strings arranged in pairs, which allows musicians to play both melodic lines and rich harmonies. Because the instrument has no frets on its neck, players can easily slide between notes and perform subtle pitch changes that are characteristic of Middle Eastern musical styles. This fretless design gives the oud a highly expressive and fluid sound.

The oud has a long history and is considered one of the oldest string instruments still in use today. It is commonly featured in traditional ensembles and solo performances across the Middle East and surrounding regions. Today, the oud continues to influence many musical styles and is often used in world music, film scores, and cross-cultural collaborations.