Sitar

About the Sound and Character

The sound of the sitar is unmistakable: it features a ringing, “buzzing” timbre (the jawari effect) and an incredibly long sustain thanks to a dozen sympathetic (resonating) strings. It is capable of deep, “crying” microtonal bends (meend), creating a hypnotic atmosphere.

Structure and Features

The body (resonator) is made from a dried hollow gourd. A long hollow teak neck is fitted with convex metal frets that can be moved to adjust for the desired raga. In addition to 5–7 main strings, 11–13 sympathetic strings run beneath the frets.

Genres

• Hindustani classical music (ragas)
• Indian pop and film music (Bollywood)
• Psychedelic rock, raga rock, and world fusion