Muhajjar محجّر
A fourteen-beat cycle used in muwashshah compositions. Three consecutive opening Dums establish the phrase before a spacious exchange of bass and rim strokes. [1]MaqamWorld · Muhajjar / محجّرmaqamworld.com[2]عالم المقامات · Muhajjar / محجّرmaqamworld.com[3]Jas / Jeff Senn (Khafif) · Muhajjar patterns and variationskhafif.com
Hear the shape of the rhythm.
BASIC PATTERN2 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 · quarter-note groups
Musical context
A muwashshah is a composed vocal form using classical Arabic poetry. Its repertoire includes long and uneven rhythmic cycles. Count through a complete sung phrase to hear how the cycle shapes the melody. [4]MaqamWorld · The muwashshah vocal formmaqamworld.com
Names & context
- Arabic name
- محجّر
- Arabic alternatives
- محجر
- Other names & spellings
- Mouhajjar · Muhajar
This 14/4 study follows MaqamWorld’s notation, also represented among Khafif’s Muhajjar versions. Count 2 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 to keep track of the long phrase. Classic adds original soft fills without closing the silent beats. [1]MaqamWorld · Muhajjar / محجّرmaqamworld.com[2]عالم المقامات · Muhajjar / محجّرmaqamworld.com[3]Jas / Jeff Senn (Khafif) · Muhajjar patterns and variationskhafif.com
Regions & traditions
Musical use and influences can span several regions. [1]MaqamWorld · Muhajjar / محجّرmaqamworld.com
Video tutorials
Watch tutorialMuhajjar: follow the fourteen-beat cycle
Adel Shams el-Din · Arabic · Intermediate lesson
Watch & try. Follow Adel Shams el-Din’s riq lesson on Egyptian Muhajjar. Count the long phrase before copying the ornaments, and compare the demonstration with the MaqamWorld version used in the practice grid.
Abderrahman Kazzoul · إيقاع المحجر المصري مع عادل شمس الدين