The Tambur
The term Tanbur can refer to various long-necked string instruments originating in Mesopotamia, Southern or Central Asia. According to the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, “terminology presents a complicated situation. Nowadays the term tanbur (or tambur) is applied to a variety of distinct and related long-necked lutes used in art and folk traditions. Similar or identical instruments are also known by other terms.”
A Tanbur instrument is primarily made from mulberry wood, with the body typically carved from a single piece of this wood, while the neck is often made from walnut wood, and features a soundboard also made from mulberry wood; the strings are usually metal.
Tanburs have been present in Mesopotamia since the Akkadian era, or the third millennium BC. Three figurines have been found in Susa that belong to 1500 BC, and in hands of one of them is a tanbur-like instrument. Also an image on the rocks near Mosul that belong to about 1000 BC shows tanbur players. Kora players have traditionally come from jali families (also from the Mandinka tribes) who are traditional historians, genealogists and storytellers who pass their skills on to their descendants. Though played in Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and Senegal, the instrument was first discovered in the Gambia.
The name spread widely, eventually taking in Long-necked string instruments used in Central Asian music such as the Dombura and the classical Turkish tambur as well as the Kurdish tanbur. Until the early twentieth century, the names chambar and jumbush were applied to instruments in northern Iraq. In India the name was applied to the tanpura (tambura), a fretless drone lute. Tanbur traveled through Al-Hirah to the Arabian Peninsula and in the early Islam period went to the European countries.
How do I play the instrument?
To play the tambur you typically hold it horizontally and pluck the strings with your fingers, using a light touch to produce a sustained sound, often playing melodic lines by pressing down on the strings at different frets to change the pitch; some variations of the tambur might be played with a plectrum or even bowed like a violin depending on the specific instrument and playing style.
Are there any instrument similar to this one?
Instruments similar to the tambur include the bağlama, bouzouki, tambura, tamburica, and bandura.
How long does it take to learn?
Learning to play the tambur can take several years to reach a proficient level, depending on the individual’s musical background, dedication to practice, and the complexity of the music they want to play; a beginner can expect to learn basic techniques within a few months, but mastering the instrument requires consistent practice over a longer period.
Is there special equipment needed for the instrument?
No special equipment needed to play the tambur.
Rock with a Star!
Let’s enjoy the sound of this instrument through this wonderful performance by Farzard Moradi.
This is a folk classical song called “Aman hey Aman”. The musician playing the song is named Farzad Moradi. He is playing at home.
