It’s a common question, especially for guitar players venturing into the world of the oud: Can you use guitar strings on an oud? The straightforward answer is yes, you can probably use guitar strings on an oud, but it’s not the ideal solution and comes with important considerations for sound and playability.
One key factor is string gauge. While gauge provides a direct comparison for nylon guitar strings, it’s less reliable for wound strings. A “.043 wound” string from one set can differ significantly in tension from another of the same gauge due to various manufacturing factors. Therefore, simply matching gauges between guitar and oud strings doesn’t guarantee equivalent tension.
Scale length, the vibrating string length from the bridge to the nut, also plays a crucial role. Ouds vary in scale length, typically ranging from 57cm to 63cm. This variation, along with whether your oud has a fixed or floating bridge, significantly impacts the suitability of different strings and tunings. Traditionally, ouds are designed to operate at lower string tensions than guitars, contributing to their distinctive sound. Using guitar strings without considering tension could potentially overstress the oud or result in an undesirable tone.
Furthermore, using a standard set of six classical guitar strings is not recommended for oud. Oud strings are typically doubled in courses, requiring a different string configuration than a standard 6-string guitar set.
If you’re a guitar player new to the oud, resist the urge to replicate guitar tuning on the oud. Embrace the standard oud tuning, traditionally C F A d g c’. This tuning is widely used and sonically appropriate for the instrument. Notably, the A, d, and g strings in standard oud tuning are the same as on a guitar, and the c’ is only a half step higher than a guitar’s b string. This means a significant portion of the oud’s range and playing area will already be familiar to a guitar player. Many guitarists find the transition to standard oud tuning relatively quick, often mastering it within a week.
While the third course (typically around .040 gauge for nylon) might seem less problematic, remember that the overall balance and tension across all courses are crucial for optimal oud performance.
In conclusion, while guitar strings can be used on an oud, it’s essential to be mindful of tension, gauge variations in wound strings, and scale length. For the best sound and playing experience, utilizing strings specifically designed for the oud and adopting standard oud tuning is strongly recommended.
