Oud Maqam Strings

About this game

Play the oud, the fretless pear-shaped lute of the Arab world. Slide a finger along the bare neck to land on the right pitch, including the quarter-tones of Rast and Bayati, and pluck in time over rhythm cycles. Learn six original pieces phrase by phrase, perform them while the room lights up and an ensemble joins in, watch the computer play with a ghost finger that explains each note, or improvise a taqsim in free play.

How to play

1. Rings on the neck show where each note is. Touch the neck at the ring on the beat to pluck.
2. Keep your finger down and slide to bend the note or land on a second ring.
3. To repeat a note, hold your finger still and tap the wooden body with your other hand.
4. Turquoise diamonds on the neck mark quarter-tones, notes between piano keys.
5. Learn the phrases: listen, then echo each phrase of a piece.
6. Perform the whole piece for stars; play cleanly and more instruments join in.
7. Watch and Learn shows a ghost finger and says why each note sits where it does.
8. Free play has a drone, rhythm and a journey guide for a taqsim.