The sitar is a musical instrument originating from India that has conquered the world with its captivating melody and unique beauty. It is also considered the most famous and well-known of the Indian musical instruments.

Have you ever wondered how it’s played or what its origins are? In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about the “Indian guitar,” from its origins to its unique characteristics, through playing techniques and the most famous figures in the world of sitar. But before we begin, here are some fun facts that will leave you amazed.

• The sitar was introduced to the West in the 1960s thanks to the popularity of the “raga rock” genre, and some Western musicians like George Harrison of The Beatles started playing it.

• It has a very high number of strings, as many as 18, of which 6 are tuned to a specific pitch and the other 12 are used for ornamentation.

• It is one of the most complex instruments to play, requiring years of practice and dedication to master its unique techniques.

The Origins of the Sitar: From the Veena to Today

The sitar is a musical instrument originating from India with a long and deep history. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, precisely the 16th century, but it is believed to derive from an even older instrument called the “veena”. Over the centuries, the sitar has evolved and transformed into the fascinating instrument we know today.

During the Mughal period, it became very popular among the royal court and court musicians. The court musicians, known as “sitar nawaz“, were highly respected, and their social status was elevated. During this period, the sitar was enriched with new playing techniques, ornaments, and a greater variety of tunings. In the 19th century, this stringed instrument underwent further modifications, and new components were added to improve its sound quality. Additionally, during this time, different sitar playing schools began to develop, each with its own unique characteristics and techniques.

Looking to the future, the sitar is continuously evolving, encountering new musical genres and styles. Many contemporary musicians are exploring alternative playing techniques and creating forms of musical expression that have never been experimented with before using the sitar. Furthermore, the interest in traditional Indian music is growing globally, which could mean there is still much to discover about this instrument.

The Construction of the Sitar: Yesterday and Today

The sitar is a musical instrument with unique and complex characteristics, made up of many different components.

Firstly, the body consists of two main parts: the “tabli” or soundboard, and the “gourd” or tail. The tabli is usually made of teak wood or mahogany, and has an elongated shape with a concave lower end. The gourd is made from a half-cut pumpkin and takes on a pear-like shape.

Both parts are decorated with intricate inlays and carvings. The neck of the sitar, called “dandi”, is made of teak or mahogany and has an elongated shape.

On the upper part, there are the “chikari” or accompaniment strings, usually three or four. On the bottom, there are the “sympathetic” strings, which are used to create a more harmonious sound.

The bridge of the sitar, called “gol”, is made from cow or deer bone. It is placed on the tabli and serves as the point of contact between the strings and the soundboard.

The padding, called “mezraab”, is made from felt or linen and sits on top of the tabli to protect the soundboard and improve the sound quality.

Finally, the sitar has a large number of strings, 18 in total, of which 6 are tuned to a specific pitch and the other 12 are used for ornamentation. The main strings are usually made of steel, while the accompaniment and sympathetic strings are made of bronze or brass.

In the past, sitars were handcrafted by artisans with experience and inherited knowledge of construction techniques. Unfortunately, these ancient artisan traditions are fading, as many manufacturers now use modern technologies to construct high-quality sitars.

It is important to note that the quality of the sound produced depends on the materials used and the care and attention given to its construction. Instruments built with superior materials and great craftsmanship produce a better sound and last longer. Additionally, there are different variants such as the electric sitar, which uses electric pickups to amplify the sound, and the six-string sitar, which has only six main strings instead of ten.

Sitar Sound and Playing Techniques: Meend, Gamak, and Alankar

The sound of the sitar is one of its most fascinating and distinctive characteristics. This music is described as melodious, rich, and complex. The notes are generated from the main strings, which are plucked with a plectrum called “mizrab,” and from the accompaniment and sympathetic strings, which are either plucked with the fingers or vibrate spontaneously through a phenomenon called sympathetic resonance. This phenomenon causes any plucked string to produce movement in other strings, altering the sound and generating unique harmonies. The sound of the sitar is similar to other string instruments like the guitar but has key differences. It is more rich and complex due to the large number of strings, ornaments, and the techniques used to play it. Additionally, its notes are sharper and more penetrating than those of the guitar.

To play the sitar, there are various techniques that must be mastered. The basic technique is called “meend,” which involves sliding along the strings with the mizrab to create ornamentation. Other common techniques include “gamak”, which involves quickly plucking the strings to generate a vibrato effect, and “alankar”, the repetition of a sequence of notes in an ornamental manner. The sound of this instrument is also influenced by the strings used and their tunings. The main strings are usually tuned to major scales, while the accompaniment and sympathetic strings are tuned to minor scales, but modifications here can produce new combinations to explore.

To play the sitar effectively, it is important to have a strong understanding of music theory and the Indian musical scale. Additionally, it is crucial to study the various ragas, or musical scales, used in traditional Indian music and to adapt the playing techniques to express the desired melody and emotion. In general, understanding and applying the sitar’s playing techniques are essential to producing high-quality sound and performing complex musical pieces.
In conclusion, the sitar is a fascinating and complex musical instrument with a long history and a unique sound.

To assist enthusiasts, professionals, and musicians in learning to play the sitar, there are many resources available, such as video lessons on YouTube, but not only. In fact, many music schools have integrated sitar courses into their offerings.