Rubab Musical Instrument Facts

What is a Rubab Instrument?

The Rubab is a traditional string instrument commonly played in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Central Asia.

Known for its warm, resonant tone, it has a carved wooden body, a short neck, and three sets of strings: melody, drone, and sympathetic strings.

The rubab is plucked with a plectrum, and its rich, melodic sound makes it a central instrument in classical Afghan music and other regional musical traditions.

Detailed Rubab Instrument Facts

Instrument Name	Rubab
Instrument Family	String
Alternative Names	The rubab is also referred to as “rebab” in Persian and some other Central Asian languages. In some regions, it is called “kabuli rubab” to differentiate it from other types of rubab found in Central Asia.
Geographical Presence	The rubab is primarily played in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Central Asia, particularly in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It is also found in India, where it influenced the development of other instruments like the sarod. In addition to its traditional presence, the rubab has gained recognition in world music performances globally.
Instrument Classification	The rubab falls under the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system as 321.322, identifying it as a plucked lute chordophone. This classification includes string instruments where sound is produced by plucking, and the body acts as a resonating chamber.
Unique Features	The rubab is a short-necked plucked lute with a deep, hollow body carved from a single piece of wood, traditionally mulberry. The body is covered with an animal skin membrane that serves as the resonator. It has three main categories of strings: three melody strings made of gut or nylon, two or more drone strings, and 10–15 sympathetic strings that vibrate to enrich the instrument’s sound. The strings are tuned using wooden pegs located on the neck. The instrument is played with a plectrum, traditionally made from animal horn, producing a warm, resonant sound with a rich harmonic texture. The rubab’s ability to blend melody and drone strings makes it particularly suitable for producing the complex, layered textures found in Afghan classical and folk music.
Sound Characteristics	The instrument produces a warm, resonant, and slightly percussive sound due to its combination of gut strings and the skin resonator. Its tone is full and rich, with a deep, bass-like resonance from the drone strings and a clear, sharp melodic line from the melody strings. The sympathetic strings contribute to the instrument’s complex harmonic texture, adding subtle overtones and resonance. The rubab can produce both soft, lyrical tones and fast, rhythmic passages, making it versatile for different musical contexts. Its sound is often described as earthy and emotional, capable of conveying both subtle and intense musical expressions.
Typical Music Genres	The rubab is widely used in classical Afghan music, particularly in the traditional genre of Afghan rubab solo performance and in accompaniment to singing or other instruments. It is also a key instrument in Pashto and Persian folk music. In Pakistan, it is featured in regional music traditions, especially in Pashtun and Balochi music. The rubab also plays a central role in the Sufi devotional music of Afghanistan and Pakistan, where it is used to accompany mystical poetry and spiritual singing. Additionally, the rubab has been incorporated into modern fusion and world music genres, blending traditional sounds with contemporary music styles.
Components	Body (Carved Wooden Frame), Skin Membrane, Melody Strings, Drone Strings, Sympathetic Strings, Wooden Pegs, Plectrum
Construction	The rubab is constructed from a single piece of mulberry wood, which is carved into a hollow, boat-shaped body. The front of the body is covered with an animal skin membrane, usually goat or sheep skin, which acts as the resonator. The instrument has three main categories of strings: melody, drone, and sympathetic strings. The melody strings, usually made of gut or nylon, are stretched from the pegs at the top of the neck down to the body. The drone strings and sympathetic strings run alongside the melody strings, with the sympathetic strings passing under the bridge and resonating in response to the melody strings. The strings are tuned using wooden pegs inserted into the neck of the instrument.
Size and Weight	The rubab typically measures around 70 to 80 centimeters (28 to 31 inches) in length and has a body width of approximately 30 centimeters (12 inches). It weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 kilograms (3.3 to 5.5 pounds), depending on the materials used and the size of the instrument.
Variations and Customizations	Variations of the rubab include differences in the number of sympathetic strings and the type of materials used for the body and strings. Some rubabs have more drone strings for added resonance, while others feature fewer sympathetic strings to simplify tuning. The design and construction of the rubab may also be customized with decorative carvings, inlaid patterns, or lacquer finishes to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Some modern rubabs may use synthetic materials for the plectrum or strings to improve durability and consistency of sound.
Instrument History	The rubab has ancient origins and is believed to have been played in Afghanistan and Central Asia for over a thousand years. It is considered the “lion of instruments” in Afghan music and is closely associated with classical Afghan traditions, particularly those of the Pashto and Dari-speaking peoples. Over the centuries, the rubab has influenced the development of other regional instruments, most notably the Indian sarod, which evolved from the rubab during the Mughal period. The rubab has long been a favored instrument in Sufi devotional music, where it is used to accompany spiritual poetry and rituals. In modern times, the rubab has continued to play a vital role in Afghan cultural identity and has gained popularity in world music circles.
Similar Types of Instrument	Sarod (Indian String Instrument), Oud (Middle Eastern Lute), Setar (Persian String Instrument)
Playing Technique	The rubab is played with a plectrum held in the right hand, while the left hand presses the melody strings against the neck to change pitch. The player strikes the melody strings with the plectrum, while the drone and sympathetic strings resonate in the background, creating a rich harmonic texture. The rubab’s short neck allows for fast, intricate melodic runs and rhythmic patterns. The instrument is capable of producing both long, sustained notes and fast, percussive passages, giving it great versatility in musical expression. Players often use ornamentation techniques such as trills, slides, and vibrato to add depth and emotion to their performances. The tuning of the rubab can be adjusted to suit different musical modes (maqams) in classical Afghan music, making it adaptable to a variety of genres and styles.
Learning Difficulty	Moderate to high; learning to play the rubab requires mastering the coordination between the plectrum and the left-hand finger movements. The player must develop control over plucking techniques and melodic phrasing while also managing the sympathetic and drone strings to create the instrument’s characteristic layered sound. Advanced playing techniques, such as intricate ornamentation and rhythmic variations, add to the complexity of learning the instrument. In addition to technical skills, players must also develop an understanding of traditional Afghan musical modes and rhythms to fully express the rubab’s potential.
Notable Musicians or Composers	The rubab has been performed by notable musicians such as Ustad Mohammad Omar, a master of Afghan classical music who helped popularize the instrument internationally. Ustad Rahim Khushnawaz is another renowned rubab player, known for his contributions to Afghan music and his virtuosic performances. In modern times, Homayoun Sakhi has brought the rubab to global audiences, blending traditional Afghan styles with contemporary and world music elements. The rubab is frequently featured in performances by Afghan classical ensembles and is also used in collaborations with international musicians in world music.
Famous Works	Traditional pieces such as “Raga Pahadi” and “Maqam-e Shirin” are part of the rubab’s classical repertoire, showcasing its ability to produce both melodic and rhythmic complexity. In modern compositions, Homayoun Sakhi’s work with the Kronos Quartet highlights the rubab’s adaptability in blending Afghan classical music with Western string arrangements. These works demonstrate the instrument’s versatility and its ability to bridge traditional and modern musical contexts.
Maintenance	The animal skin membrane should be kept dry and free from excessive moisture, as humidity can affect its tension and resonance. The wooden body should be polished or treated with oil to preserve its natural finish and prevent cracking. The tuning pegs and strings should be inspected regularly, and worn or broken strings should be replaced promptly. The instrument should be stored in a protective case to prevent damage and should be kept in a stable environment, away from extreme temperature and humidity changes.
Price Range	Rubabs range in price from $300 to over $2,000, depending on the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and the number of strings.