Sitar
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The sitar (English: /ˈsɪtɑːr/ or /sɪˈtɑːr/; Hindi: सितार, Punjabi: ਸਿਤਾਰ, Urdu: ستار sitāra pronounced [sɪˈtaːr]) is a plucked string instrument. It uses sympathetic strings along with a long hollow neck and a gourd resonating chamber to make a rich sound with complex harmonic resonance. It has been used throughout the Indian subcontinent for many centuries. Sitar is traditionally said to have been invented by the Sufi singer Amir Khosrow.
The modern sitar has roots in both the Persian setar and Indian vina traditions. A common modern form has six playing strings and thirteen sympathetic strings. The sympathetic strings are not normally plucked; they begin to vibrate when a matching note is played, helping to create the instrument's ringing sound.
References
- ↑ "Central Asia and Iran". 2008-05-20. Archived from the original on 2008-05-20. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ↑ "Musical Instruments of the Indian Subcontinent". The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved 28 August 2026.
Other websites
- A knowledge base on Sitar Archived 2007-12-24 at the Wayback Machine
- International sitar learning and information website (sitar.co.za) Archived 2007-12-12 at the Wayback Machine
- Origin of Sitar
- Information on the Sitar[permanent dead link]
- More about Sitar
- History and Origins of the Sitar
- vimoksha - Indian classical music resources - Information on Indian classical music, stringed instruments and Indian classical dance.
- Sitar FAQ Archived 2007-12-30 at the Wayback Machine
- Sitar buying guide
