About Study Oud

Study Oud is an independent information site for people learning the oud (عود), the fretless short-necked lute at the heart of Arabic, Turkish and wider Middle Eastern music. It is written for adult beginners and returning players, in the Gulf and anywhere else.

What you'll find

• Practical lessons on choosing, tuning, holding and caring for an oud.
• A gentle introduction to maqam, the melodic system behind the music.
• Honest advice on how to learn: teachers, classes, videos and self-study.

How we write

• Traditions differ. Where teachers, schools or regions do things differently, we say so rather than pretending there is one right way.
• We don't publish paid rankings or fake reviews, and we don't recommend individual brands.
• These guides support a teacher; they don't replace one.

Family sites

Arabic Verse covers Arabic poetry and song. LearnOud.com is a long-running online oud course.

Corrections

Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the contact page.