Short Answer
Overview
The sitar is a plucked, long-necked lute prominent in Hindustani classical music of the Indian subcontinent. It features a resonating gourd body, a wide, curved wooden neck, and typically 18–21 strings, of which six or seven are played while the remainder serve as sympathetic strings that vibrate sympathetically. The instrument is known for its bright, resonant timbre and the distinctive meend (glissando) effect achieved by pulling the strings across the frets.
History / Origin
The word “sitar” derives from the Persian سِتَار (seṭār), meaning “three strings,” a reference to early prototypes. The instrument evolved in the late 16th century in the courts of Mughal India, blending elements of the Persian barbat and indigenous Indian lute traditions. By the 19th century, the modern sitar design, credited to the virtuoso and craftsman family of the Senia school, incorporated a larger resonating chamber and a greater number of sympathetic strings.
How It’s Used
In contemporary practice, the sitar is central to Hindustani ragas, accompanying vocalists or serving as a solo instrument. It appears in fusion genres, such as Indo‑jazz and world‑music collaborations, and has been sampled in Western pop and rock recordings since the 1960s. Notated in Indian classical notation (sargam) or Western staff notation, performers rely heavily on improvisation within the raga framework.
Why It Matters
The sitar’s expressive capabilities have made it an emblem of Indian cultural identity and a bridge between Eastern and Western musical traditions. Iconic recordings by Ravi Shankar, such as his performance on the album “The Sounds of India,” introduced the instrument to global audiences and influenced Western musicians like George Harrison. Its distinctive sound continues to shape film scores, meditation music, and contemporary compositions.
Common Misconceptions
The sitar is a type of guitar.
While both are plucked string instruments, the sitar has a long, fretless neck with movable frets and sympathetic strings, differentiating it from the guitar’s fixed frets and construction.
All sitars have the same number of strings.
Traditional sitars vary, typically featuring six or seven playing strings and up to 13 sympathetic strings; modern variants may have different configurations.
The sitar is only used in classical music.
Although rooted in Hindustani classical tradition, the instrument is also employed in popular, film, and experimental music worldwide.
FAQ
How many strings does a traditional sitar have?
A traditional sitar usually has 18 to 21 strings: six or seven main playing strings and up to 13 sympathetic strings that resonate automatically.
Can the sitar be tuned to Western standard pitch (A=440 Hz)?
Yes, sitar players can adjust the tuning of the main strings to match Western pitch standards, though many prefer the traditional pitch reference used in Hindustani music, which can vary slightly.
What is the role of the sympathetic strings?
Sympathetic strings are not directly plucked; they vibrate in response to the frequencies produced by the played strings, enriching the instrument’s resonance and creating a sustained, shimmering sound.
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