Sounds of the East: Meet the Instruments of Iran

Tar, ney, and daf -- These are a few of the traditional Iranian instruments. Their names are as unique as their original timbres and each instrument serves a distinct purpose in creating traditional Iranian music. Let's look into these instruments to learn about their sound and function.

Tar

This popular Persian instrument takes its name from the Farsi word for string ("tar"). It is considered part of the lute family and is used throughout the Middle East. The range of the Persian tar extends approximately two and a half octaves. Traditionally, the sound of the tar was believed to relax listeners and the instrument was often performed to cure headaches, insomnia, and more.

Ney

This flute-like instrument is part of the winds family. It has existed in some form for over 4,500 years and has been played widely in the Middle East since ancient times. It is made of one giant reed and five to six finger holes on the front with a thumb hole on the backside. The holes control intervals between a semitone and three quarter tones which allow for the instrument to play notes outside of the Western diatonic scale. They ney has an identifiable and attention grabbing sound that is different from any other wind instrument.

Daf

The daf is a drum used in both classical and modern middle eastern music. It is recognized as the national instrument of Pakistan. This drum is made from a wooden frame with a thin membrane stretched over it. Traditionally, this was a goat skin but today it is usually a synthetic material. Sound can be produced both by hitting the edge and the center of the drum.

The daf is often the first instrument Iranian children are taught. The instrument has always been associated with religion in Iran. The daf is easy to play and can produce complicated rhythms that can cause the listener to enter a trance-like and spiritual state.