Moroccan Traditional Instruments

Traditional Moroccan instruments

Morocco’s street music is rich in history. Traditional Moroccan instruments remain popular with
residents and visitors.
Moroccan households include strings, drums, woodwinds, and reed instruments for traditional
music. For generations, these unusual instruments have created fascinating melodies, tunes, and
soundscapes that please the ear.

Bendir Traditional Instruments:

Bendirs are iconic Moroccan instruments. It is a goat or camel–hide frame drum with metal rings.
Solo bendir players may also accompany vocalists and other devices. Its deep, echoing sound
adds atmosphere to any performance.

Nai (Ney, Nay):

Another Moroccan instrument is the flute. Long, cylindrical bamboo flute with six holes. In duets or
small groups, it generates high–pitched, lyrical tones. Morocco uses it.

Rabab:

Morocco’s antique rabab is a bowed string instrument. Four or five strings are laid over its hardwood
body and curving neck. Its desert–like sound is soft. It usually accompanies vocalists and other
Moroccan instruments.

Lotars Traditional Instruments :

The lotar is a traditional Moroccan instrument rarely seen outside Morocco. It
consists of three pieces: a large drum, a small drum, and a tambourine–like frame. The large
drum is held between the legs while the small drum and frame are held in the hands. The
lotar produces a loud and powerful sound, perfect for getting crowds moving.

Qraqeb

Qraqeb or garagab, also known as krakeb, are massive iron tin whistles used in Gnawa music for
a beat. The Maghrebi culture of North Africa includes Gnawa.

Sintir

The Sintir is a three–stringed guitar–like instrument originating in Morocco. It has a unique and
distinctive sound that can be heard in traditional Moroccan music, as well as popular songs today.
Along with the Sintir, percussion instruments such as hand clapping and singing help to create the
rhythm of this traditional Moroccan music