A grounded 4/4 rhythm heard in Egyptian dance music and the wider Arab vocal repertoire. Two opening Dum strokes give it weight; its other name, Masmudi Saghir, means “small Masmudi”. [1]MaqamWorld · Baladi / بلديmaqamworld.com[2]عالم المقامات · Baladi / بلديmaqamworld.com
4/4Egypt & the wider Arab repertoire
Hear the shape of the rhythm.
BASIC PATTERN
Two opening Dum strokes distinguish this basic form from Maksum. Also called Masmudi Saghir.
Watch & try. Chapter 9 of Bassem’s Spanish darbuka course introduces Masmoudi Saghir, also called Baladi. Keep the two opening Dum strokes clear and repeat the four-beat phrase steadily before adding decoration.
Watch tutorial