The oud is a fretless instrument, requiring good intonation on the short fretboard. Mostly, a technique similar to the guitar is used with all fingers being used to stop strings, although a method simlar to the saz is sometimes employed, using just the first two fingers. Sometimes the fingernails are used to stop notes as well as the fingertips.

The strings of the oud are plucked with a plectrum called a risha (which means feather in arabic). The risha is held similar to a guitar pick, however, it is long and rests over the palm of the hand. Originally it was a sharpened eagles quill, although the risha is more likely to be plastic these days. In turkey the risha is called a mizrab.

The oud is held similar to a guitar, although because of its shape it is more awkward to hold. It is rested on the right thigh in an upright position, and in this position the fingerboard and soundboard are unsighted to the player.

The oud was introduced to Europe by the Moors during their occupation of Spain, and it was developed, sometime after the 13th cenury, into the classical renaissance lute.