How to make a Palestinian shibbabeh and play on it

This is a tutorial – which includes a video – on how to make a Palestinian shibbabeh and the basics of how to play on it!

In the video, it is explained how to make a shibbabeh, and also how to master the technique of producing sound from it. Towards the end of the video, some examples of Palestinian melodies are given.

On this page, the exact measurements of the shibbabeh are given as well. So if you are gripped by the amazing sound of this traditional Palestinian instrument, don’t hesitate, just make one (it only takes a couple of minutes) and learn how to play on it!

Doc Jazz often uses the shibbabeh in his recordings. Examples are the song ‘Intifada’ and the more recent songs ‘We Resist (Free Palestine)’ and ‘Run For Your Life’. In the video below, he explains in detail how to make a shibbabeh, and how to produce a tone from it. (ed. note: a more recent article has a variety of different sizes of shibbabeh – read this for sure if you are interested in this subject!)

The image below has the exact measurements you need to make a proper shibbabeh:

The image below helps you remember what was explained in the video and shows the basics of producing the tone on the instrument.

It is in the interest of the preservation of Palestinian culture and traditions that this instrument is kept alive, and that people continue to play on it. Therefore, share this information widely – and may the sounds of the Palestinian shibbabeh be heard everywhere!