what is sitar

A sitar is a plucked stringed musical instrument from India, best known for its shimmering, resonant sound in North Indian (Hindustani) classical music. It has a long neck, a hollow gourd body, and many strings, some of which are played directly while others vibrate sympathetically to create its rich, layered tone.

Quick definition

• The sitar is a traditional Indian string instrument used mainly in Hindustani classical music.

• It typically has 18–21 strings, including main melody strings, drone strings, and sympathetic strings that resonate along with the played notes.

• Its name comes from a Persian word meaning “three-stringed,” reflecting historic roots in Persian and Indian instruments.

How it looks and sounds

• The sitar has a long fretted neck and a large, rounded, hollow body (often made from a gourd) that acts as a resonating chamber.

• Curved, movable metal frets and a special bridge help create a bright, buzzing, and highly expressive tone.

• Extra sympathetic strings under the main strings vibrate when notes are played, giving the instrument its characteristic shimmering sound.

How it’s played

• The player usually sits on the floor and holds the instrument at an angle, plucking the strings with a wire plectrum (mizrab) worn on a finger.

• Players use complex finger techniques, sliding and bending the melody strings to imitate nuances of the human voice.

• The sitar is often featured as a solo instrument with tabla (drums) and tambura or similar instruments providing a steady drone.

Origins and history

• The sitar emerged in North India during the Mughal era, evolving from older Indian instruments like the veena and influenced by Persian lutes such as the setar.

• It became a key instrument in court music and then in modern Hindustani classical performance traditions.

• In the 20th century it gained global attention through artists like Ravi Shankar and its use in Western rock, including by George Harrison of The Beatles.

Today and cultural presence

• The sitar remains a symbol of Indian musical heritage and is still widely used in classical concerts, film music, and fusion projects.

• Both acoustic and electric versions exist, with electric sitars used for amplified or experimental styles.

• Interest in “what is sitar” and its sound often resurfaces when contemporary artists or films prominently feature Indian classical or fusion music.

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