Maqam and Taqism

Maqam and Taqsim 

Maqam 

At the foundation of Arabic music is Maqam, a modal system that defines the scales and melodic patterns used. Unlike Western music's 12 notes, the Arabic system divides the octave into 24 quarter tones (microtones), creating a distinct tonal character. 

 

Examples of Maqam's 

Ajam 

Cheerful, happiness and joy – western major scale 

Hejaz 

Distinct Arabic sound “Snake charmer music” 

Nahawand 

Feelings, drama, emotions, love 

Bayat 

Essence of Arabic music using one quarter tone 

Rast 

The ecstasy of listening. Uses 2 quarter tones. Most popular Maqam for vocalists and soloists. 

Kurd 

Airy, spacious, freedom 

Saba 

Known as the blues scale of Arabic music. Produces a sad feel. 

Sika 

Maqam of youth and strength, starts and ends with a quarter tone. Originally known as the Maqam of the mountains but then became popularised. 

Taqsim 

This is a type of melodic improvisation that often precedes longer compositions in traditional Arabic music. Understanding Taqsim can inspire your melodic writing for the electronic pieces. 

 

The Composition of Maqam 

 

Each Maqam is made up of as set of “sub-maqams” (Jins) (Think of a Jin as a “genre”) or Ajna (Plural) 

 

Maqam Bayati 

D Eq F G A Bb C 

(q stands for quarter flat, as in Eq = E quarter flat) (b stands for flat, Bb = B flat) 

Jins Bayati 

D Eq F G 

Jins Ajam 

F G A 

Jins Nahawand 

G A Bb C 

Jins Ajam 

Bb C D 

https://www.oudforguitarists.com/arabic-maqam-theory/

Index of Maqam and Jins 

https://www.maqamworld.com/en/index.php

Quarter Tones and Micro Tones 

How to Think Maqamatically  

@MayaYoussefMusic 

There are differences between "quarter tones" in Arabic / Turkish music. If we consider that a true quarter tone would be positioned 50% between the lower and upper half tones, the Turkish “quarter” tone is slightly sharper than a pure quarter tone (maybe 55%) and the Arabic quarter tone is slightly flatter than a pure quarter tone (maybe 45%)