Mukhammas مخمّس
A sixteen-beat cycle used in the muwashshah repertoire. Widely spaced opening Dums lead into paired Tek responses near the end of the phrase. [1]MaqamWorld · Mukhammas / مخمّسmaqamworld.com[2]عالم المقامات · Mukhammas / مخمّسmaqamworld.com[3]Jas / Jeff Senn (Khafif) · Mukhammas alternate patternkhafif.com
Hear the shape of the rhythm.
BASIC PATTERN4 + 4 + 4 + 4 · 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
- مخمّس
- Arabic alternatives
- مخمس
- Other names & spellings
- Mukhammās
The name refers to the number five, while this study follows MaqamWorld’s 16/4 notation. Count four groups of four as a practice aid. Khafif includes another version of the cycle; Classic here adds original soft fills while retaining the Basic strokes and silent beats. [1]MaqamWorld · Mukhammas / مخمّسmaqamworld.com[2]عالم المقامات · Mukhammas / مخمّسmaqamworld.com[3]Jas / Jeff Senn (Khafif) · Mukhammas alternate patternkhafif.com
Regions & traditions
Musical use and influences can span several regions. [1]MaqamWorld · Mukhammas / مخمّسmaqamworld.com
Video tutorials
Watch tutorialMukhammas: follow a complete cycle
Hayaf YASSINE · Instrumental · Intermediate lesson
Watch & try. Watch Hayaf Yassine’s short riq demonstration of Mukhammas. Count the sixteen-beat phrase and follow the return to the opening bass stroke. Compare the performance with MaqamWorld’s notation before adding your own fills.
Hayaf YASSINE · إيقاع المخمس - رق - هياف ياسين - لبنان 2020 - Hayaf YASSINE - Lebanon