Continued Exploration: The Evolution of the Sitar

 The Sitar is a traditional Indian instrument that has between 18-21 strings dating back to the 16th century. It is a staple in traditional and modern Indian music, and is a fairly unique instrument. It is unique in that only 6-7 of the strings are pluckable, whereas the other 12-14 are called sympathetic strings. These are not played, but rather resonate with the other strings, giving a more full feeling to the instrument. 

It is theorized that the Sitar was first invented around 1200 A.D, but this is disputed. In the 1500s, the first Sitar type instrument, typically called a Tambur, was beginning to be used in India. Tamburs typically had 4 strings and no sympathetic strings, but the body shape is vaguely the same. However, it wasn't until the 1700s that the modern Sitar began to take it's shape.

In the 1700s the first 5 string Sitars, with up to 13 sympathetic strings, were created. This is also when the name Sitar was first used. The string count has gradually risen to the 6-7 pluckable strings that are common today. However, 18 total strings is still a common number. The modern Sitar is typically made out of Teak Wood with a gourd for the resonating chamber and ivory bridges, though in current times the bridges are usually synthetic. It is known as a difficult instrument to play, as the strings are thin and under high tension, making playing them painful. There are frets for the pluckable strings, whereas the sympathetic strings sit underneath these, resonating with the music, which contributes to the Sitar's unique sound. While there are no frets, the sympathetic strings are tunable. 

Tone

The tone of the modern Sitar is much fuller than the older Tambur. It can even be easily used as a solo instrument, since a harmony is provided by the sympathetic strings. These strings serve the music shown well, as they give it some body and feel that the Tambur doesn't have. 

Style

Some of the style is the same between the instruments. For example, the music seems to come in waves in both instances. There is no verse-chorus structure to the music. Rather, the music comes out as the performer wants it to, in waves, giving the audience a break between each hit of the music. However, there are differences as well. One easy example of a difference is the plucking of the instruments. Looking at the performers right hand, the Tambur is plucked using an implement, whereas the Sitar player plucks in a style more akin to an electric bass. The style of music is also changed by the addition of the sympathetic strings, as they carry much more of the weight of the song. 

References

Classes, P. (2022). Sitar Instrument Classical Music- Overview, Facts and Types. Podium School. https://learn.podium.school/music/sitar-instrument/

Sitar - India Instruments. (n.d.). https://www.india-instruments.com/encyclopedia-sitar.html

Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Sitar. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitar