6 x Professional Oud Risha SOP-206

The buyer will receive 6 pcs Oud picks (rishas) with different thicknesses.

Looking for the perfect Oud picks for your professional music performance? Look no further than the 6 Professional Oud Risha SOP-206 Picks. These picks are made from high-quality materials and come in various thicknesses, making them perfect for any musician. They are designed to provide a smooth and comfortable playing experience while delivering great sound. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, these picks will help you take your music to the next level.

About the Oud

For many, the oud is the “king of instruments”. This short-neck, pear-shaped stringed instrument is made of wood, similar to a lute. Its origins date back to the earliest Arab civilizations, with the instrument's name derived from the Arabic for 'the wood' (al-oud). Its popularity quickly spread and today, the oud forms a core part of the musical traditions of countries across central Asia, Anatolia, the Balkans, North Africa, and the Middle East.

How to Choose an Oud Risha

The oud strings were traditionally plucked using an eagle's feather, known in the Arab world as a risha (and in Turkey as a mizrap). However, eagle feathers are not readily available today, so modern players use other materials. Many professional players use a risha made from horn (cow, for example), softened first by being soaked in oil. Plastic rishas are also very popular for both beginners and professionals due to their availability and price.

How to Hold an Oud Risha

There are multiple ways to hold the risha. You may learn one way and later change it according to your style or comfort. For example, you can hold the risha between your index finger and thumb, not allowing too much or too little to stick out. The rest of your fingers curl around the risha; your thumb is curved. Alternatively, you can hold it the same way but shorten the length sticking out from between your fingers — this lets you play harder and stronger. A thick, heavy risha hits a bigger string area, which is good for rhythmical playing, but it may feel clumsy when finesse is required.

The strings of the oud are struck with the tip of the risha. Downstrokes, upstrokes, or a mixture of both are used depending on the player's preference or the desired effect (downstrokes tend to produce more volume and a sharper 'attack'). Rapid alternation between down- and upstrokes is known as tremolo. A good risha technique is one of the main signs of an accomplished oud player, so it is worth spending time on this aspect of your playing.