We're huge fans of the Oud – a fretless pear-shaped instrument that's similar to a lute and known as "the grandfather of the guitar". We love the dynamics and microtonal flexibility it affords players – not being restricted to frets can be liberating and offers so much in terms of tone and sound that you simply can't get anywhere else! Especially when it's in non-Middle Eastern contexts. We've compiled a list of 7 notable oud players you need to listen to if you're just getting to know the instrument.

Topics Include:

• Discussion of TAQS.IM's blog entry for the "7 oud players you need to listen to" post
• Purpose to raise awareness and promote education on these influential musicians
• Philadelphia roots
• George Mgrdichian - fusion and classical expertise
• John Berberian - role as musician who was the son of immigrants
• Yurdal Tokcan - prominent Turkish oud player and fretless guitar
• Farid el Atrache - famous Arab oud player and actor/singer
• Simon Shaheen - virtuosic Palestinian concert player
• Ara Dinkjian - globally renown oud player and composer
• Naseer Shamma - influential Kurdish oud player
• The list is only of 7 oud players, there are so many others that could have been included
• It's a good approach to listen to as many different players as possible to appreciate all the different styles