Sitar
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The Sitar is a large, long-necked lute from India. There are many different types of sitar : the one shown here is the standard concert sitar, which is well-known for its vibrant, haunting sound. It is traditionally heard in northern Indian and Pakistani chamber music and is normally accompanied by the tabla (drum) and by the tambura (drone lute).
| Family |
| Strings |
| Pitch range |
| Three or more octaves. |
| Material |
| Gourd, wood, and bone body, with metal strings and frets. |
| Size |
| 4 ft (1.20 m) long. |
| Origins |
| The sitar originated in Iran, where it was called the "setar" - meaning "three strings." The modern sitar developed in India in the 18th century. |
| Classification |
| Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
| And also... |
| The famous pop musicians, the Beatles, introduced the sitar as an accompanying instrument in some of their early recordings. |
