Sitar

Importance of Sitar in Indian Classical Music

It is especially utilized in Hindustani classical music and it is known for generating a wonderful,
vibratory tone. It is also used as a solo instrument with tambura, and tabla, as well as for northern
Indian traditional Kathak dance. Mezrab (zakhmeh) is a plectrum used to play the sitar
instrument. Mezrab is commonly made up of a thick steel or brass wire. most quality-made Sitars
are constructed from the combination of teak and mahogany wood or toon wood. Teak is a rear
wood and has greater economic importance in the making of a sitar instrument. A storage case is
necessary to hold the sitar sturdily and safely.

Origin
The sitar is a plucked stringed instrument, originating from the Indian subcontinent,
used in Hindustani classical music. The instrument was invented in medieval India and
flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries .The word 'sitar' is derived from the Persian
word sehtar, meaning “three-stringed.” The instrument appears to have descended from
long-necked lutes taken to India from Central Asia. Modern schools of sitar playing in
India are the Ravi Shankar and Vilayat Khan schools, each with its own playing style, type
of sitar (varying in size, shape, number of strings, etc.), and tuning system. The Indian
instrument was likely adapted from instruments brought from the north with invading
Muslim armies and then developed locally. Characteristically, the sitar is made out of
large gourd that acts as a resonator, a long wooden neck, and a varying number of
strings, with seventeen being the standard. Traditional Sitars contain 5 melody strings
that can be tuned to Ma-Sa-Ma-Sa-Pa.

Description
Sitar, a stringed instrument of the lute family that is popular in northern India, Pakistan, and
Bangladesh. Typically measuring about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length, the sitar has a deep pear-
shaped gourd body; a long, wide, hollow wooden neck; both front and side tuning pegs; and 20
arched movable frets. Its strings are metal; there are usually five melody strings, one or two
drone strings used to accentuate the rhythm or pulse, and as many as 13 sympathetic strings
beneath the frets in the neck that are tuned to the notes of the raga (melodic framework of the
performance). The convex metal frets are tied along the neck, which enables them to be moved
as needed. The sitar often has a resonating gourd under the pegbox end of the neck; this balances
the weight of the instrument and helps support it when it is not being played. Musicians hold the
sitar at a 45° angle on their laps while seated. They pluck the strings with a wire plectrum worn
on the right forefinger while the left hand manipulates the strings with subtle pressure on or
between the frets and with sideways pulls of the strings.
3 types of Sitar Instruments
Mainly there are 3 types of sitar-

Kharak Pancham( Ravi Shankar style Sitar):- It is named after the prestigious sitarist and
melodic legend Dr. Ravi Shankar. It is the most popular type of sitar usually well decorated with
a decent arrangement of additional carving and Penwork. Ravishankar-style sitar has 7 playable
strings with two extra bass strings, which produce extra bass-filled sound It contains 13
sympathetic strings, 3 drone strings(known as Chikari) and four or five melody strings, and two
sound boxes. These types of Sitars are otherwise called instrumental style sitar. . it contains an
additional upper dried gourd which is attached to the back of the headstock.

1. Gandhar Pancham(Vilayat Khan style sitar or Gayaki style Sitars)

Gandhar Pancham style Sitars have only one sound-box and they contain 4 drone strings, 11
sympathetic strings, and two melody strings. when we compare Ravi Shankar-style sitar and
Vilayat Khan-style sitar, Vilayat Khan-style sitar contains just one gourd, while the rear one is
removed. It has less sympathetic strings than Ravi Shankar sitar and this type of Sitar did not
contain bass strings, but contains an additional rhythmic string, known as a "Chikari.". Vilayat
Khan-style sitars usually did not have any carved decorations.

1. Bass Sitar (Surbahar)

Bass sitar contains 3-4 drone strings, 4 playing strings, and 10 to 11 sympathetic or Taarif
strings. Some researchers believed that "Ghulam Muhammed Khan" of Lucknow is the inventor
of Surbahar. These types of Sitars contain thicker strings and more extensive necks than the other
two types of sitars. Bass type of sitars are harder to play and larger but produce good tonal music
for music lovers.

How is Sitar played?

Get into comfortable folded legs position on the floor to utilize your entire body to support the
sitar instrument. Use your right knee to support the neck of the sitar. Sit in the position called
‘Ardha Gomukh Asana’ and. place a Mizrab on your right index finger to play the strings of a
sitar. Be familiarize yourself with all the playable strings of the sitar. Work on utilizing the Sitars
frets to play a wide assortment of notes at various octaves. Carefully press the strings against the
frets with your left index and middle finger. After complete knowledge of all types of strings of a
sitar Learn the different types of notes, so you can start playing the full song. Practice slowly to
play fast.

Research by: Manya, Shivika and Shreena