Strings

Sitar

Posted at July 20, 2013 | By : | Categories : Strings | 0 Comment

si-sitar-lrgThe Western Hemisphere came into contact with the Indian Sitar via Beatles guitarist George Harrison, who studied under legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar. The Sitar emerged in its modern form in the 18th century during the Moghul empire. 6 or 7 main strings pass over the curved and movable frets while 11 to 13 resonating strings run underneath.

Out of the main strings 3 provide the drones, or accompanying tones, called Chikari. The melody is mostly played on the first string. Many models also include a gourd for the upper part of the instrument, which slightly changes the tone.