Classical Riqq Technique is a teaching manual, resource guide, and biographical tribute to master percussionist Michel Merhej Baklouk. We invite you to explore the role that percussion plays in Near Eastern Arabic Music by learning about his life and methodology. Though the technical focus of this book is on the riqq, the material is suitable for any percussion instrument.

This book is composed of three parts: an introduction, lessons, and a reference section. Each part is designed for percussionists of varying skill levels or anyone interested in twentieth century Arabic music and culture. While readers will benefit the most by working through the book in its entirety, each section stands on its own.

The introduction presents several essays about Baklouk’s life, philosophy and practices. The essays are intended to help the student apply the book’s lessons to their own playing. Lessons begin with basic techniques and how to practice effectively, continuing with exercises developed by Baklouk specifically for his students. The first lessons unit is designed to build technique in novice players. Units 2 through 5 focus on specific rhythmic structures of increasing complexity.

The reference section includes a notation guide, a list of rhythms, further reading recommendations, and a glossary of Arabic musical terms. Quotations from Baklouk are found throughout the book and provide additional insight into his work and life. Includes access to online audio.

Context and Relationship
Ornamentation in Practice

Position 1 - Basic Position

Playing Dumm-s in the Basic Position
Playing Takk-s in the Basic Position

Position 2 – Classical Position (On the Frame)

Playing Dumm-s in the Classical Position
Playing Takk-s in the Classical Position

Basic Technique Exercises in 4/4 Time

Dumm-s and Takk-s
Rests
Sixteenth Notes

Basic Technique Exercises in 2/4 Time
Basic Technique Exercises in 3/4 Time
Accented Notes
Alternating Fingering for the Dumm
Rolls

Roll Exercises in 4/4
Time
Roll Exercises in 2/4 Time
Roll Exercises in 3/4 Time
Grace Notes and Triplets

Popular Arabic Rhythms in 2/4 Time

Wahda Saghira (or Maqsum)
Wahda Sha‘biyya
Masmudi Saghir (or Baladi)
Zaffa
Sudasi
Ayyub
Wahda Shami (or Malfuf)
Darwish al-Misri

Popular Arabic Rhythms in 4/4 Time

Wahda al-Qasa’id
Wahda Kabira

Popular Arabic Rhythms in 8/4 Time

Ciftitelli (or Wahda Mijwizah or Double Wahda)
Masmudi Kabir
Zaffa
al-Bamb al-Misri
Katakufti

Non-Traditional and Western Rhythms in 2/4 Time

Mambo Saghir (or Karachi)
Rhumba Saghira

Non-Traditional and Western Rhythms in 4/4 Time

Rhumba Kabira
Mambo Kabir ( or Bolero)
Muthallath ‘Iraqi

Non-Traditional and Western Rhythms in 8/4 Time

Batayhi

Non-Traditional and Western Rhythms in 10/16 Time

Jurjuna

Unit 4 - Muwashshahat and Classical Rhythms

Muwashshahat and Classical Rhythms in 3/8 Time

Saraband (or Attayir)

Muwashshahat and Classical Rhythms in 5/4 Time

A‘raj

Muwashshahat and Classical Rhythms in 5/8 Time

A‘raj

Muwashshahat and Classical Rhythms in 6/4 Time

Sama‘i Sankin

Muwashshahat and Classical Rhythms in 6/8 Time

Ugruk
Sama‘i Darij

Muwashshahat and Classical Rhythms in 7/4 Time

Nawakht

Muwashshahat and Classical Rhythms in 7/8 Time

Dawr Hindi

Muwashshahat and Classical Rhythms in 9/4 Time

Agher Aqsaq

Muwashshahat and Classical Rhythms in 9/8 Time

Aqsaq

Muwashshahat and Classical Rhythms in 10/8 Time

Sama‘i Thaqil

Unit 5 - Long Rhythms of the Muwashshahat

Long Rhythms of Muwashshahat in 11/4 Time

‘Awis

Long Rhythms of Muwashshahat in 11/8 Time

‘Awis (fast)

Long Rhythms of Muwashshahat in 12/4 Time

Mudawwar

Long Rhythms of Muwashshahat in 13/4 Time

Murabba

Long Rhythms of Muwashshahat in 13/8 Time

Thurafat

Long Rhythms of Muwashshahat in 14/4 Time

Muhajjar

Long Rhythms of Muwashshahat in 16/4 Time

al-Mukhammas
Nawakht Hindi

Long Rhythms of Muwashshahat in 17/8 Time

Khawsharnak

Long Rhythms of Muwashshahat in 19/8 Time

Awfar
Awfar Ribat

Long Rhythms of Muwashshahat in 32/4 Time

al-Sita ‘Ashra Ribaat

PART III - REFERENCE INFORMATION

Basic Music Theory and Notation for Percussionists
Glossary of Arabic Music Terms
List of Arabic Music Rhythms