<P> Arabic maqam ( Arabic : مقام ‎ , translit . maqām , literally `` place '' ; pl . مقامات maqāmāt ) is the system of melodic modes used in traditional Arabic music , which is mainly melodic . The word maqam in Arabic means place , location or position . The Arabic maqam is a melody type . It is `` a technique of improvisation '' that defines the pitches , patterns , and development of a piece of music and which is `` unique to Arabian art music '' . There are seventy two heptatonic tone rows or scales of maqamat . These are constructed from major , neutral , and minor seconds . Each maqam is built on a scale , and carries a tradition that defines its habitual phrases , important notes , melodic development and modulation . Both compositions and improvisations in traditional Arabic music are based on the maqam system . Maqamat can be realized with either vocal or instrumental music , and do not include a rhythmic component . </P>
maqamat is the name of which system of arab music
melodic modes used in traditional Arabic music