Perhaps the most important instrument to Middle Eastern music is the oud. Predecessor of the western lute, the oud is characterized by its lack of frets, allowing for sounds similar to both the fretless Japanese shamisen and the fretted western lute.

Of course the sound of the oud is truly unique to itself, and drawing any further comparisons would be an injustice to the originality of the instrument. In this video of instrumental Arabic music, the oud finds itself center stage with the accompaniment of the guitar, flute, drums and other world instruments. After viewing, Click Here to check out another unique string instrument.