[5] The Algerian mandole is a stringed instrument, with an almond shaped body, built in a box like a guitar, but almond shaped like the mandola with a flat back, raised fingerboard, and wide neck (as a guitar's).

[7] The sound hole is typically diamond shaped, but can be round, and sometimes covered by a rosette.

[2] The scale length puts the mandole in the baritone or bass range of instruments, such as the mando-cello.

[2] The instrument can be tuned as a guitar, oud or mandocello, depending on the music it will be used to play and player preference.

[11] El Anka, who is known for his contributions to Chaabi music, had learned to play the mandola while young.