The sitar is a stringed musical instrument originating from India. It has a long, hollow neck with a rounded resonating body and a varying number of strings, often 18-21. Its distinctive feature is a large, curved bridge called a “jawari” that creates its unique buzzing sound.
The sitar is primarily used in classical and traditional Indian music, but it has also been incorporated into genres like fusion, jazz, and rock.
A person who plays the sitar is called a sitarist.
In this guide, we’ll review what the sitar musical instrument is by examining what it sounds like, how its played, its history, how its made and also explore some of the great music it has produced over its long musical history. Search the Table of Contents or watch the video below to get started on our instrument guide.
What does the Sitar sound like?
The sitar produces a rich, resonant sound characterized by its distinctive twang and vibrant overtones. Its unique timbre is often described as both meditative and exotic, with a shimmering quality that evokes images of distant landscapes and ancient times and traditions.
How to Play the Sitar
The sitar, a traditional Indian string instrument, is played by plucking its strings and using a unique technique called “meend” to bend the notes.
When a player plucks a string, it vibrates and produces sound. The sitar has two sets of strings: the main playing strings, which run over a curved bridge called a “jawari,” and sympathetic strings, which run underneath the main strings.
To produce sound, the player presses down on the strings with one hand, known as the fretting hand, to change the pitch. The other hand, called the plucking hand, is used to pluck the strings. The sitarist often sits cross-legged on the floor while playing, holding the instrument upright against the chest or shoulder.
The sound of the sitar is characterized by its rich, buzzing tone, which is created by the interaction between the vibrating strings and the jawari bridge. The jawari is designed to produce a buzzing sound that adds a unique texture to the notes played on the instrument.
Additionally, the sympathetic strings, which are not directly played by the sitarist, resonate sympathetically with the main strings, enhancing the overall sound and creating a rich, layered effect.
Musical Origins
The word “sitar” is derived from the Persian word “seh-tar,” which translates to “three strings.” The word reflects the fact that the original sitar had three main playing strings. Over time, it evolved to have more strings, but the name persisted.
Instrument History
| Time Period | Evolution of the Sitar |
|---|---|
| Ancient India | Early string instruments like the veena and rudra veena likely influenced the development of the sitar. |
| Medieval Period | The sitar’s design began to take shape, with the addition of frets and sympathetic strings for resonance. |
| Mughal Empire (16th-18th centuries) | Under Mughal patronage, the sitar underwent significant refinement, with improvements in craftsmanship and design. |
| 18th-19th centuries | Prominent musicians like Ustad Sahebdad Khan and Ustad Vilayat Khan contributed to the modernization of the sitar, standardizing its structure and playing techniques. |
| 20th century to present | Innovations in materials and construction techniques have led to the production of more durable and versatile sitars. Modern sitar players continue to explore new styles and techniques, keeping the instrument relevant in contemporary music. |
Sitar Instrument Description
The sitar has several key parts which contribute to its distinctive sound and functionality.
The neck is typically made of seasoned toon or tun wood, providing strength and resonance.
Attached to the neck is the tumba, a round, hollow wooden structure that acts as a resonating chamber.
The main bridge, known as the “jawari,” is crucial for creating the sitar’s buzzing sound. It’s often made from camel bone or ebony.
The frets, used by the player’s left hand to change the pitch of the strings, are usually made of brass or steel.
The pegbox holds the tuning pegs, which are turned to adjust the tension of the strings. The pegbox is commonly crafted from rosewood or ebony.
The strings themselves vary in material. The main playing strings, known as “baaj,” are typically made of steel.
The sympathetic strings, which run underneath the main strings, are often made of brass or bronze.
The gourd, located at the bottom of the instrument, is traditionally made of dried pumpkin. However, modern sitars may use synthetic materials for durability.
The nut, located at the top of the neck, is usually made of bone or ivory.
The tuning beads or “kunti” are small, decorative elements on the main strings that assist in tuning. They can be made from materials like wood, bone, or plastic.
Finally, the grommets or “kaddu” are small rings placed on the main strings to prevent wear and tear. They are typically made of metal or plastic.
Famous Sitarists
In Indian society, several sitar players have achieved fame and recognition for their exceptional skill and contributions to music. Among them are:
Ravi Shankar:
Renowned worldwide for popularizing Indian classical music and the sitar in the West, Ravi Shankar collaborated with artists like The Beatles and introduced Indian classical music to a global audience.
Vilayat Khan:
Revered as one of the greatest sitar players of the 20th century, Vilayat Khan’s mastery over the instrument and his innovative style earned him widespread acclaim.
Nikhil Banerjee:
Known for his deep understanding of raga music and his emotive playing style, Nikhil Banerjee is celebrated for his profound influence on sitar music.
Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan:
A virtuoso sitarist known for his technical brilliance and improvisational skills, Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan has earned numerous accolades for his performances worldwide.
Anoushka Shankar:
Following in the footsteps of her father, Ravi Shankar, Anoushka Shankar has emerged as a prominent sitar player in her own right, blending traditional Indian music with contemporary styles.
Ustad Vilayat Khan:
Son of Vilayat Khan, Ustad Vilayat Khan carried on his father’s legacy and became renowned for his mastery over intricate ragas and his soulful renditions on the sitar.
Pandit Ravi Shankar Mishra:
A disciple of Ravi Shankar, Pandit Ravi Shankar Mishra is known for his technical prowess and expressive playing style, earning him recognition as a leading sitarist in India.
Budhaditya Mukherjee:
With his impeccable technique and deep musicality, Budhaditya Mukherjee has established himself as one of the foremost exponents of the sitar, captivating audiences with his performances worldwide.
Shujaat Khan:
Belonging to the Imdadkhani gharana, Shujaat Khan is celebrated for his innovative approach to sitar playing, incorporating elements from various musical traditions while staying true to classical roots.
Manju Mehta:
A prominent female sitar player, Manju Mehta has broken barriers and earned acclaim for her exceptional skill and contributions to Indian classical music, inspiring a new generation of musicians.
Sitar Traditional Music
The sitar plays a central role in traditional Indian music, particularly in classical and folk genres, and ragas (melodic indian music frameworks) where it is revered for its ability to evoke emotion and convey intricate melodies. Here are ten ancient ragas where the sitar plays a prominent role.
Raga Yaman
A foundational raga in Indian classical music, characterized by its serene and meditative mood, making it a popular choice for sitar performances.
Raga Bhairavi
Associated with devotion and is often performed in the early morning hours, showcasing the sitar’s ability to convey spiritual and emotional depth.
Raga Puriya Dhanashri
Known for its evocative and contemplative nature, with the sitar expressing the melancholic yet hopeful essence of the raga.
Raga Bageshri
Characterized by its longing and yearning mood, with the sitar weaving intricate melodies that reflect the emotional depth of the raga.
Raag Miyan ki Todi
Revered for its solemn and introspective character, with the sitar conveying the profound emotions and spiritual essence of the raga.
Raga Malkauns
Known for its haunting and mystical quality, with the sitar invoking a sense of awe and reverence through its melodic improvisations.
Raga Darbari Kanada
Celebrated for its grandeur and majesty, with the sitar commanding attention with its powerful and resonant melodies.
Raga Kafi
Associated with the folk music traditions of North India, featuring playful and lively melodies that showcase the sitar’s versatility and expressive range.
Raga Kirwani
Characterized by its sweet and melodious phrases, with the sitar evoking a sense of serenity and tranquility through its graceful improvisations.
Raga Bhimpalasi
Known for its gentle and romantic character, with the sitar weaving delicate and emotive melodies that captivate the listener’s heart.
The Sitar in Popular Music Culture
The sitar has been featured in numerous film and television soundtracks, as well as in various genres of popular music. Here are ten recognizable sitar riffs and tunes:
“Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” by The Beatles: Composer – John Lennon, Paul McCartney; Date of Composition – 1965
This iconic song features George Harrison playing the sitar, marking one of the earliest instances of the instrument’s use in Western popular music.
“Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones: Composer – Mick Jagger, Keith Richards; Date of Composition – 1966
Brian Jones’s sitar riff in this song adds an exotic and psychedelic flavor to the classic rock track.
“Within You Without You” by The Beatles: Composer – George Harrison; Date of Composition – 1967; George Harrison’s composition for The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album prominently features the sitar, blending Indian classical music with Western pop sensibilities.
“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles: Composer – John Lennon, Paul McCartney; Date of Composition – 1967; This Beatles hit features George Harrison experimenting with the sitar, contributing to the song’s dreamy and surreal atmosphere.
“Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin: Composer – Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham; Date of Composition – 1975; Although not played on a sitar, the song’s main riff was inspired by Indian music and mimics the sitar’s distinctive sound, creating a powerful and epic rock anthem.
“Love You To” by The Beatles: Composer – George Harrison; Date of Composition – 1966; George Harrison’s exploration of Indian music continues in this song, featuring prominent sitar melodies and tabla rhythms.
“Going Up the Country” by Canned Heat: Composer – Alan Wilson; Date of Composition – 1968; This blues-rock hit prominently features the sitar, giving it a unique and memorable sound that became synonymous with the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
“White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane: Composer – Grace Slick; Date of Composition – 1967
The sitar-like guitar riff in this psychedelic rock anthem adds to its trippy and surreal vibe, reflecting the influence of Indian music on Western pop culture during the 1960s.
“The Inner Light” by The Beatles: Composer – George Harrison; Date of Composition – 1968; Written by George Harrison, this song features Indian instrumentation including the sitar, tabla, and sarod, creating a mesmerizing fusion of Eastern and Western musical elements.
“Tomorrow Never Knows” by The Beatles: Composer – John Lennon, Paul McCartney; Date of Composition – 1966; George Harrison’s sitar part in this groundbreaking Beatles track contributes to its experimental and avant-garde sound, pushing the boundaries of pop music at the time.
Instruments Similar to the Sitar
There are several other instruments that share similarities in structure, sound, or cultural significance with the sitar. If you have enjoyed learning about the indian sitar, why not follow-up on these equally interesting musical instruments:
Tanpura: The tanpura is a long-necked string instrument commonly used as an accompanying drone in Indian classical music. It has a similar body shape to the sitar but lacks frets and sympathetic strings, focusing solely on producing a continuous drone to support other instruments and vocalists.
Surbahar: Also known as the bass sitar, the surbahar is a larger and deeper-toned instrument that shares many features with the sitar, including sympathetic strings and a resonating gourd. However, it is tuned lower and is often used to perform slow and contemplative compositions in Indian classical music.
Sarod: The sarod is a fretless, short-necked string instrument with a metal fingerboard and a resonating membrane. Like the sitar, it is played with a pick and often used in Indian classical music, but it produces a sharper and more metallic sound, with a focus on intricate melodic ornamentation and improvisation.
Veena: The veena is one of the oldest string instruments in India, featuring a large resonating body, a long neck, and multiple strings. While it differs in design from the sitar, both instruments are integral to Indian classical music and share similarities in technique and repertoire.
Guitar: Although originating from different cultural traditions, the guitar shares some structural and playing similarities with the sitar. Both instruments have a similar shape, with a long neck and strings that are plucked or strummed to produce sound.
