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The sitar is a plucked string instrument from the Indian subcontinent, known for its resonant, buzzing tone and complex melodic capabilities. It features a long neck with movable frets, a large gourd resonating body, and sympathetic strings that vibrate in response to the played melody. The sitar is the primary solo instrument in Hindustani classical music and became globally famous through its adoption in Western pop and rock music.

History

The sitar evolved in medieval India, with its development attributed to various sources including Amir Khusrau in the 13th century, though its modern form took shape in the 18th century. Ravi Shankar brought the sitar to international attention through his concert tours and collaborations with Western musicians in the 1960s. George Harrison's use of the sitar on Beatles recordings like "Norwegian Wood" sparked a global fascination with the instrument.

Characteristics

The sitar typically has 18-21 strings: 6-7 playable strings and 11-13 sympathetic (taraf) strings that resonate in response. The curved, raised frets allow players to bend notes extensively, producing the characteristic slides and ornaments of Indian classical music. The jawari (bridge) is specially shaped to create the sitar's signature buzzing sustain, a quality considered desirable and carefully maintained.

Notable Players

Ravi Shankar was the most globally recognized sitarist, whose performances at Monterey Pop and the Concert for Bangladesh introduced millions to Indian music. Vilayat Khan was renowned for his gayaki ang (vocal-style) sitar playing that made the instrument sing. Anoushka Shankar, Ravi's daughter, has continued to bring the sitar to global audiences through classical and crossover projects.

Buying Guide

A quality student sitar from a reputable Indian maker costs $300-$800 and is essential for learning proper technique. Avoid decorative or tourist-grade sitars, which are often unplayable and cannot hold tuning. Learning sitar traditionally requires a guru (teacher), as the instrument demands understanding of ragas, talas, and ornamental techniques that are difficult to self-teach.

Fun Facts

The sitar's sympathetic strings can resonate so strongly that the instrument seems to sing on its own after a note is plucked. Ravi Shankar once said that it takes about seven years of dedicated practice just to begin to understand the sitar, and a lifetime to master it.