qanun
A large, trapezoidal plucked string instrument used in Arabic, Turkish, and Persian classical music.
In Depth
The qanun has 78 or more strings stretched across a flat, trapezoidal sound box. The player plucks with plectra (picks) attached to the fingertips of both hands. Small metal levers (mandals) on each course of strings allow the player to make microtonal adjustments during performance, enabling seamless modulation between maqams. The qanun provides both melodic and harmonic support in Middle Eastern ensembles and is prized for its bright, crystalline tone.
The qanun's name comes from the Greek word for rule or law, reflecting the instrument's historical role in establishing the correct tuning and modes for an ensemble.