Sitar

Sitar literally is a form of the Persian word - sihtar - which means three strings. "Tar" in Punjabi means "string". In the beginning, there were only three strings, but now seven strings are used and there are other strings for resonating. Sitar is perhaps the most well known of the Indian instruments. Artists such as Ravi Shankar have popularized this instrument around the world.
The components of a sitar are similar to those of the tanpura. It is a long necked instrument with an interesting construction. It has a toomba, tabli, keel, dhurch, dand, gulu, atti gahan and sirra like the tanpura. It has however seven khootiyan (pegs) and one manka (bead). It has a varying number of strings but 17 is usual with usually 7 main strings. It has three to four playing strings and three to four drone strings. The approach to tuning is somewhat similar to other Indian stringed instruments. These strings are plucked with a wire finger plectrum called mizrab. There are also a series of sympathetic strings lying under the frets. These strings are almost never played but they vibrate whenever the corresponding note is sounded. The frets are metal rods which have been bent into crescents. The main resonator is usually made of a gourd and there is sometimes an additional resonator attached to the neck.
The first string on the left is made of steel. It is called Baj-ki-tar. It is tuned to M of mandar saptak. This is the string which is more frequently used in playing the sitar. The second string is made of bronze and is called jori-ka-tar. The string is tuned to S of mandar saptak. The third string is made of bronze.
This is also jori-ka-tar. The string is also tuned to S of mandar saptak like the second string. These two strings are tuned in the very beginning like the tanpura. The fourth string is made of steel. This is tuned to P of mandar saptak. The sixth string is made of thin steel and it is called chikari. It is tuned to S of mandar saptak. The seventh string is also made of thin steel and is also called chikari. It is tuned to S of Tar saptak. Some people tune the seventh string to the pancham (P) of madhya saptak.
The sitar is used in a variety of genres. It is played in north Indian classical music (Hindustani Sangeet), film music, and western fusion music. It is not commonly found in south Indian classical performances or folk music.
==Origin of the sitar==
The sitar developed during the collapse of the Moghul empire (circa 1700). It reflected the culture of the times in that it showed both Indian and Persian characteristics. (go to "Origin of the Sitar" for a better description.)
==Parts of the sitar==
The sitar is of a complex construction. It is crafted of natural materials by extremely talented and well trained craftsmen. (go to "Parts of the Sitar" or "Making the Sitar" for a better description.)
==Tuning and stringing the sitar==
There are a number of options in tuning and stringing the sitar. Even the same instrument will be tuned differently from piece to piece, according to the requirements of the rag. A good description of the various tunings and stringing options is to be found in "Rain City Music - Sitar Tuning Charts".
==Playing the sitar==
The technique of the sitar is very involved. It is certainly advisable to have a teacher. However a good introduction to the basic technique is to be found in "Peter Cutchey's Online Sitar Tutorial".
==External links==
* Silverbushmusic.com
* Mikes Sitar Page
* Commercial US dealer with many sitar pictures
* General info about sitar
Category:Saaj
Category:Kirtan
Category:Glossary of Sikh Terms
Category:Sikhism