OUD is Arabic instrument which is as popular as guitar in the western countries. It is an instrument which has played a major role in evolution of the guitar. There are hundreds of musical instruments which are found in various cultures for the past many centuries.

The instrument was developed from kopuz which was used by Turkish people around 6th century. There has been also a picture depicting a women carrying a similar looking instrument upon a boat and playing it with her right hand. It has a special mentioning in the ancient culture.

Kopuz in the past was believed to have magical effects and was used during war time in military bands. It existed throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It was the Arabs that introduced it to Spain when they marched into Iberian Peninsula during 8th century. It is believed that during this time only the instrument gained popularity but the possibility of Greeks and Romans introducing a similar instrument way before cannot be denied.

The cultural shift that took place from transferring it from Muslim to Christian region is believed to have happened in Sicily where it was made popular by the musicians but there are no hard facts that support these findings. By the end of the 14th century it gained popularity throughout Italy and many German s

OUD is not like a guitar and its lower portion is like a shape of a half watermelon. The shape of the instruments makes it structurally very strong enabling the upper portion to be very thin. It is made of hardwood but is not heavy if the wood is good. It has one to three sound holes which can be either oval or circular in shape.

Today the instrument is totally different from the old prototypes. Turkish make is different from the Arabic and differ in both playing style and shape. Arabic is much older one and the Turkish is derived from modifying it.

OUD has long history in Iraq traditions and there it is said that in the music lies the countries soul. As per many believers the instrument has lot of healing power. It keeps the temperament down and calms the heart. After the Islamic militants the music has lost its favour as many players and teachers where exiled for playing it as secular music is considered to be forbidden.

Taking care of the OUD is not very complicated or difficult. The more you play it the strings and the instruments should be cleaned every time with a soft cloth. Replacing the strings in every 6 month or 12 month is necessary. Avoid the instrument from being exposed to high heat, humidity or cold as it will damage it. Keep it in a hard case to protect it from all extreme conditions. Also applying peg compound around the holes will help in fine tuning as it will become smooth.

If you want to listen and feel the beat of ethnic musical instruments, you should try celtic bagpipes. It has a distinct sound that creates music to hear. Or you may want to try remo djembe.

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