Tar (drum)

For other uses, see Tar (disambiguation).

The tar (Arabic: طار) is an ancient, single-headed frame drum. It is commonly played in the Middle East and North Africa. The tar's drumhead is struck with one hand.

Tar

Percussion instrument
Classification	Frame drum
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	211.311 (Directly struck membranophone)

Illustration of an Egyptian tár with zills. The frame is covered with tortoiseshell and nacre.

The drumhead was usually made from animal skin like goats, while the frame was made of wood.

See also

• Daf or riq
• Mazhar
• Bendir
• Davul
• Ardah

Further reading

• Campbell, Kay Hardy (2007). "Saudi Folk Music: Alive and Well". Saudi Aramco World. Vol. 58, no. 2. pp. 2–13.