Instrument Index

The Electric Organ (commonly called org in Arabic, from the French "orgue") became very popular in Arabic music in the late 1960s through the 1970s. Its pioneer and superstar was Egyptian keyboardist Magdi el-Husseini. The org was altered to play good-enough quartertones (as good as the accordion's) which allowed it to play most maqam scales. The org was used to play a combination of melodic lines and simple chords. Together, the org and the electric guitar created a distinctive sound and mood that marked Arabic music from that decade.

Explore other Arabized instruments:

• The Arabic Accordion
• The Electric Guitar
• The Oriental Keyboard
• The Arabic Piano
• The Saxophone
• The Trumpet