How To Learn To Play The Qanun Easily?

The Qanun is a string instrument that is either performed alone or with an ensemble in most of the Middle East, North Africa, West Africa, Central Asia, and Greece.

In this article, we will explain what the Qanun is, whether it is hard to learn to play it, and how to learn to play it.

What Is The Qanun?

 

The Qanun is related to the ancient Egyptian harp. Since the tenth century, it has been an important aspect of Arabic music. The Arabic term qanun means "law," and the English word canon is derived from it. The qanun was given this moniker since it is the instrument that establishes the pitch law for other instruments and singers.

A big thin trapezoidal soundboard makes up the Qanun. It's normally made of a variety of woods, though Rosewood and Ebony are popular choices. Strings are stretched over a single bridge, which is attached to tuning pegs on one end and sits over fish-skins on the other. On the Qanun, micro tuning is done with a series of mandals (or orabs/urabs) on the end near the pegs. Modern Qanuns are divided into two categories: Arabic and Turkish. The actual dimensions of Arabic Qanuns can vary, although Turkish Qanuns are generally the same size. Arabic Qanuns are often larger and heavier than Turkish Qanuns, and they are tuned to a lower pitch range.

 

Is It Hard To Learn To Play The Qanun?

 

The Qanun is more hard to play than many Middle Eastern instruments. If you wish to learn the Qanun, it will be helpful if you have experience playing other string instruments like the guitar, harp, oud, or another form of zither or psaltery. Finding a Qanuni (Qanun player) and having them instruct you is generally the only way to learn it.

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How To Learn To Play The Qanun?

 

The Qanun is performed by reclining flat on one's lap or on a table. Plucking the strings produces the sounds. A plectra is attached to a set of metal rings worn by the Qanuni. The Arabic plectra is more flexible than the Turkish plectra, which is more unyielding. Depending on the sort of plectra you choose, the sound will alter slightly. Striking the string downwards is the usual approach. Strike downwards and then upwards is another approach (like a back and forth striking movement).

Whether the Qanun is tuned in the Arabic or Turkish style will determine how it is tuned. The Arabic tuning is often lower in pitch than the Turkish tuning. They normally have 74-81 stings per note, which are combined into three chords and generate 24-27 distinct tones. Up to 3.5 octaves of range are available. Microtones can be performed by manipulating the mandal levers or gently pushing on the string to change its pitch with the left thumb.

If you want to learn the Qanun, it would be best to find a teacher. Or, you can buy Qanun training kits. Listen to many Qanun pieces and practice a lot to