The purpose of this book and its accompanying audio is to give the student not only a method from which to learn the oud, but also an overview of the history, folklore and origins of this beloved ancient stringed instrument. Thisbook teaches the fundamentals of standard Western music notation in the context of oud playing, and serves as an introduction for absolute beginners as well as those experienced on other instruments. The book covers: types ofouds, tuning the oud, playing position, how to string the oud, music notation, scales, chords, arpeggios, tremolo technique, studies and exercises, songs and rhythms from Armenia and the Middle East, and 25 audio tracks fordemonstration and play along. The audio is accessed online using the unique code inside each book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow downaudio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.