Muzhar (Deff) and Tambourine (Riq)

The Riq is one of the oldest Arabic instruments. It is played in a variety of different ways, ranging from simple side-to-side shaking, to elaborate finger striking, all the way down to exotic bell jingling. The Riq is one of the most difficult and widely respect instruments to play and learn. Virtually all traditional percussion ensembles of Arabic music are headed by the Riq.