the maqam system is based on scale-like groupings of notes that each have certain distinctive characteristicsere are dozens of maqams, the melodic possibilities are endless. melody in arabic music develops along a single line, and is distinguished by the intricate use of ornaments, subtle adjustments of pitch called microtones, and a sophisticated use of rhythm. (shaheen) the basics of the structured and improvised music is the maqam system. the maqam system, you have a set of scales that has certain characteristics. a certain feel, a certain mood. for example, there is a certain maqam that could relate very much to an evening time for example, or certain maqam can relate to a sad state of being. for example: [guitar plays tune using chromatic scale] in arabic music, the intervals is very much identified by what we call quatertones or microtonal intervals. and these are intervals that, from my experience with the western ear, it's very difficult to hear this quality because it's an interval or distance between two pitches that the ear is not used to. for example, if we listen to the third not