Courses

Definition

In the context of string instruments, 'courses' refers to pairs of strings that are tuned to the same pitch, typically found in instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur. This design feature enhances the richness and depth of sound, allowing musicians to produce fuller harmonies and resonances when playing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The oud typically has 11 courses, with 5 pairs of strings and an additional single bass string, allowing for a wide range of musical expression.
2. The qanun usually features 26 to 30 courses, which can be adjusted for microtonal tuning, making it versatile for various musical traditions.
3. The santur is often equipped with 72 strings arranged in 18 courses, which contributes to its unique sound characterized by a bright and shimmering quality.
4. Courses can affect the playing technique; for instance, musicians may use different fingerings or plectrums based on whether they are playing on single or paired strings.
5. The concept of courses is essential for understanding the harmonic capabilities of these instruments, as it plays a vital role in their tuning systems and melodic construction.

Review Questions

• How do courses influence the sound production and playing techniques of string instruments like the oud?
  • Courses significantly impact sound production as they allow for a richer and more resonant tone due to the pairing of strings. This design encourages musicians to develop specific playing techniques, such as using fingerings that accommodate both strings in a course. The pairing also creates opportunities for creating fuller harmonies, making courses a key feature in maximizing the expressiveness of instruments like the oud.
• Discuss how the number of courses on an instrument like the qanun affects its versatility in different musical genres.
  • The qanun typically features 26 to 30 courses, which allows for extensive microtonal tuning and adaptation across various musical styles. This number of courses enables musicians to explore intricate melodic lines and complex harmonies that are prevalent in Middle Eastern music. Additionally, having multiple courses provides players with the ability to switch between different tonalities quickly, enhancing the qanun's versatility in diverse musical genres.
• Evaluate the impact of courses on the development of traditional music styles associated with string instruments such as the santur.
  • Courses have had a profound impact on traditional music styles associated with instruments like the santur. The arrangement of 72 strings into 18 courses contributes to a distinctive sound that defines many regional folk traditions. This unique structure allows performers to create complex textures and rhythms that are central to these styles. Furthermore, the ability to play with a variety of tunings promotes innovation within these musical traditions, encouraging the evolution of new genres while preserving cultural heritage.

Related terms

Tuning: The process of adjusting the pitch of each string on an instrument to achieve the desired sound quality and harmony.

Sympathetic Strings: Additional strings on an instrument that are not played directly but resonate in response to the played strings, enhancing the overall sound.

Plectrum: A small tool used to pluck or strum the strings of certain instruments, which can influence the tone and volume of the sound produced.