Instrument · Strings
Buzuq
بزق (buzuq)
Smaller-bodied and longer-necked than an oud, with frets and metallic strings. Its sound is brighter, sharper and more metallic than an oud.
Lebanon / Syria / Palestine / Jordan
Origin
The buzuq is a long-necked lute associated with the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Jordan. Originally more closely connected with folk music, it entered mainstream Arabic ensemble and popular music during the 20th century.
Role in the dance
Buzuq is useful for Levantine flavor, fast instrumental runs and folk-pop arrangements. Its rhythmic plucking can encourage light footwork and quick accents, while melodic improvisation can be interpreted similarly to oud taqsim.
Music
Rhythms it plays
Maqsum
4/4Probably the single most important rhythmic cycle for an oriental dancer. It appears in Egyptian popular music, classical compositions, baladi music, shaabi and modern Arabic pop, and frequently serves as the neutral rhythmic foundation to which other rhythms return. MaqamWorld describes it as the most widely used iqa‘ in Arabic music.
Malfuf
2/4A fast, rolling rhythm often heard at the beginning or end of an oriental routine. Excellent for travelling steps, entrances, exits, veil entrances and fast transitions. Its accent structure has a characteristic 3+3+2 feeling.
Baladi
4/4Heavy, grounded rhythm strongly associated with Egyptian baladi music and baladi progressions. The doubled opening dum creates a heavier feeling than Maqsum. “Baladi” is also a much broader cultural and musical term, while this specific rhythmic skeleton is more precisely called Masmoudi Saghir.
Wahda
4/4Spacious rhythm that leaves considerable room for melody, vocals and improvisation. Particularly important beneath sustained vocal phrases and expressive tarab passages. The name means “one,” referring to the prominent single dum anchoring the cycle.