Parts of the Sitar

It is always problematic to discuss the names of the parts of the instruments.  India is a land with many different dialects and languages.  It is the norm for the parts of sitar to be called very different things in different places.  Remember, the terms that we use here are fairly representative, but by all means not the only ones to be found.

Kunti

The kuntis are the tuning pegs.  These are simple friction pegs.  The sitar has two types: there are the larger kuntis that are for the main strings.  There are also the smaller kuntis which are used for the sympathetic strings.  The larger kuntis come in three styles: simple, fluted, and lotus.  A quick look at the kuntis is usually an indication of the care that went into the instrument.

Baj Tar Ki Kunti

One of the most important kunti is the baj tar ki kunti.  This is the one used for the main playing string.  This one will be used more than any other.

Drone Strings

There are a number of strings on the sitar which are strummed but not fretted, these are referred to as drone strings.  Two of the kuntis (pegs) control special drone strings; these are referred to as the chikaris.  These two strings are raised above the neck on two camel bone pegs; these pegs are known as mogara.  There are other drone strings which continue all the way down the neck.

These drone strings are important to the musical performance.  During a normal performance, these strings will periodically be struck to provide a tonic base for the piece.  The chikari are especially important in a style of playing known as jhala.

Tumba

Many sitars have a gourd which is attached to the neck.  This is known as tumba.  Not all sitars have a tumba.

Tar

A tar is a string.  There a number of strings on the sitar.  Numbers may vary, but 18 is a common number.  These strings fall into one of three classes; there are the drone strings (previously described), the sympathetic strings, and the playing stings.  The playing strings are the strings which are actually fretted to produce melodies.  It comes as a surprise to many newcomers to Indian music that only one to four strings are actually played to produce a melody.  In most cases there are really only two playing strings.  These are the two strings located furthest from the sympathetic strings.

Baj Tar

The absolute furthest string is referred to as the baj tar which literally means "the playing string".  Virtually all of the playing is done on this one string.

Tarafdar

The tarafdar are the sympathetic strings.  They are almost never strummed, yet they vibrate whenever the corresponding note is played on the playing string.  They are located underneath the frets, so fretting them to produce a melody is impossible.

Dandi

This is the neck of the sitar.

Parda

These are the frets.  These are metal rods which are bent and tied to the neck with fishing line.  Although they are held firmly in place, they may be adjusted to correct the pitch.  There are two pardas, the Re and the Dha, which require constant adjustment as one moves from rag to rag (seescale structure, that, and rag for more information)

Gulu

The gulu is a wooden cowl that connects the neck to the resonator.  Although it does not command much attention for the casual observer, it is actually one of the most important parts of the instrument.  It is a common problem on sitars for this part to be weak, especially where it meets the neck.  If this is too weak then the whole instrument goes out of pitch anytime one meends (bend the note by pulling the string laterally across the fret).  This is very annoying and is definitely a mark of inferior workmanship.

Chota Ghoraj

The chota ghoraj, also known as the taraf ka ghoraj orjawari, is a small flat bridge for the sympathetic strings.  The highest quality ones are made of antelope horn.  However, the high cost of this material makes them very rare.  The most common material for fabricating them is camel bone.  Camel bone is a very usual material that is used as a common substitute for ivory.

Bada Ghoraj (Main Bridge)

The bada ghoraj also known as jawara, or jawari, is similar in construction to the chota ghoraj.  This is used for the playing strings and the drone strings.  It is raised to allow the sympathetic strings to pass beneath.

Tuning Beads

There are several tuning beads on the sitar.  These allow minor adjustments in pitch to be made without having to go the large tuning pegs (kunti).

Tabkandi

The tabkandi, also known as the tabali is the face plate.  It is extremely important in determining the tone of the instrument.  If this is too thin, it will produce a loud sound but a very poor sustain.  Conversely if it is too thick, it will improve the sustain, but at the cost of a weaker sound.  It is very important that this wood be clear and consistent.  Any knot-holes are a definite weakness in the instrument.

Kaddu

The kaddu is the resonator.  This nothing but a gourd.  These are extremely delicate and must be protected against shock at all times.

If you would like to buy Indian musical instruments: Guitar, Sitar, Tabla and many more log on http://www.indianity.com/musical-instruments.html

10 Steps to Play Tabla For Beginners

Many years ago, I took a course in tabla playing. The tutor was of Caucasian origin, but had studied with some great tabla players and clearly knew his Tin Taal from his Keherva Taal. For years since I've had the often hand-written sheets he gave me to learn from and felt they were a fantastic recourse that anyone at my stage of interest in tabla playing (i.e. just starting out) would find invaluable.

Here's my Beginners Lessons of Tabla playing

1. Learn how to sit while playing tabla. The position of waist should straight and the placement of both hands on the Dugi and Tabla should not be stiff. It should be in comfortable position, so that playing tabla is easy.

2. Position the four fingers of your right hand such as index, middle finger, ring finger and little finger so that they are separated from each other.

3. While playing the tabla, use the force of index finger on the edge of tabla to create a nice tune.

4. Position the middle finger above from the rest of three fingers while playing so that clear tuning of every bol (wording) come out.

5. Place the left hand on the Dugi and the right hand on Tabla.

6. While practicing, keep the rhythm slow for proper learning.

7. After primary learning, increase the rhythm gradually.

8. While practicing, avoid talking with others. Concentrate on tabla playing.

9. Don't try to practice more than one Tabla bol at a time. Repeat the practice of same bol at least one hour a day.

10. Try to listen to as much Indian Classical music as you can. This will allow you to hear how it sounds and get a feel for common rhythms. Hearing music is almost as important as riyaz (practice).

To have a look at various type of tables log on to http://www.indianity.com

Music tells about your personality

Music and personality traits

I think the type of music you hear or you like to hear, defines the type of person you are. Below is some the research done in the area.

Pop: If you like to hear pop music, then you are an extrovert and prefer more of conventional things. They have less bent to creativity.



Rap/ Hip Hop Rap lovers are again outgoing but they are more of aggressive and violent person.

 

 

Country Music: They are more sensitive to heart breaks, are conventional and outgoing.



Rock/ Heavy Metal: If you like a rock music, you are more of an introvert and have comparatively low self esteem.



Classical Music If you like to hear classical music, than you have a more of creative bent of mind but you are more of introvert with high self esteem.



Indie Indie lovers are more of intellectual, creative and introvert. They remain passive and anxious about things.



Jazz: You are a creative and extrovert person with high self esteem. You like to mingle with people and you are more at ease.





Dance and peppy music: You are more of outgoing person and assertive.



I really feel music defines you. If it was true for you, do share your views. If you are looking for some great musical instrument, log on to www.indianity.com

Pandit Ravi Shankar – A great Sitar Player

A source of inspiration – Pandit Ravi Shankar

All great people are source of inspiration for me and pundit Ravi Shankar is among the top of the list.

Often seen with Sitar in his hands, Pandit Ravi Shankar received the title of “A GOD FATHER OF WORLD MUSIC” from George Harrison. He is often described as the best contemporary Indian Classical Music Player. A great artist, a great musician and most of all a great human being, Pandit Ravi Shankar has been an inspiration for all the upcoming talents of the country. His music has power to reach and shake the souls of people.

The number of awards he has earned in his life time is simply out of the world. He was awarded with ‘Bharat Ratna’, ‘Padma Bhusan’, Grammy’s Award, Tagore Award and lot more. Awards which people like me can’t even dream of getting. Though his career started with dance, he later moved into music with the motivation from his music teacher “Allauddin Khan. He become famous for composing and creating Indian Classical Music.

He also recomposed one of most popular Indian Patriotic Song – “ Saare Jahan se Aacha”. After serving in AIR and directing music for few Indian films, he was called to demonstrate Indian Classical Music in New York City.

                   

He took part in music festivals of UNESCO and United Nations.

In his later life he served Indian Classical Music Internationally. He had a big hand in making Indian Classical Music popular world-wide.

He is and he will remain a source of inspiration for most of us. Let’s pay a tribute to him by working little harder in area of our interest. Let the world know us by our work.

If you are looking for Indian Musical Instruments like Sitar, Tabla or Sarod, log on to www.indianity.com

Most Popular String Instruments in India

Indian Musical Instruments : String

From all the types of musical instruments, string had been my favourite. Today, I thought of summarizing of writing about them. I wrote more about

Guitar:

 

Played by plucking the strings. Guitar is most popular instrument of recent times. It is usually made from wood and plastic. Strings of guitar are made from steel or nylon.  The strings are plucked with finger or finger nails or plectrum. The beauty of guitar is that they can play all kinds of music from classical to rock.

Sitar:

 

Again an Indian Classical Musical Instrument which is known to world by famous and renowned player – Pundit Ravi Shankar.

Violin:



Though smallest of string family, Violin is one of the high-pitched musical instruments. The sound is usually produced by drawing a bow across one or more strings. Violin is also known as fiddler. Mandolin:

 

Mandolin is played by hitting its strings. Sound is similar to the tone of violin. Its body is made from wood and fingerboard which has fret.

Sarangi:



It is most common Indian Classical Instrument. The word saarangi has been derived from a Sanskrit word where saar means “summarization” while ang “many forms”. Hence the sarangi, can summarize all forms of musical instruments.

If you are looking for any sort of string instruments, log on to www.indianity.com

Types of musical instruments

Classification of Musical Instruments – Indian Musical Instruments

In childhood, I use to often get confused between the types of musical instruments. Though now I understand it clearly. Still today I thought of doing its proper classification I just don’t want my kids to get confused in future.

String: String instruments, as the word suggest have strings in it. Sound depends on the thickness of string as well as length of air column. Below are few of the string instruments

• Guitar

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• Sitar
• Violin
• Sarod
• Sarangi
• Mandolin

Wind or Wood wind: Sound is produced in wood wind instrument by blowing the air. The shorter the air column will produce high pitch and vice a versa. The sound note depends on amount of air blown and length of air column in instrument. Different types of wind instruments are

• Flute

• Bagpipe
• Saxophone
• Shehnai
• Been

  Percussion: Sound note is produced in percussion instrument by striking or beating the surface of instrument. Beating or striking causes the vibration which in turn produces the sound. The sound note depends on the surface of instrument that gets hit by the stick or the hand. Different percussion instruments are:

• Drum
• Congo
• Tabla

• Djembe
• Bongo
• Dhol
• Triangle
• Xylophone

Brass: As the name suggests, these instruments are not necessarily made from brass. They are called brass instrument because of the nature and texture of sound that gets produced. The principle of producing sound is similar to wood wind instruments. Air column varies with the press valves or slide mechanism.

• Trumpet

• Bugle
• Tuba
• Trombone

Electric Instruments: They are quite latest in market and have created a sort of revolution. They are quite light weighted instruments and have almost replaced the bulky instruments. They are recently used in play back singing.

• Piano keyboards
• Synthesizers
• Taal Tarang
• Digital Tabla

• Swaramandal
• Swarangini
• Digital Tanpura

Did you enjoyed the post, if yes, do leave the comment. If you are looking for any of the above instruments from India, do make a visit to www.indianity.com  

Top 5 Wind Instruments played in India

Indian Musical Instruments: Type - Wind Instruments

While Been and Flute are made from wood; Trumpet, Saxophone and Bugle are brass instrument. Among all, been and flute are more common in India. I have a special attraction for them since childhood. In childhood, I use to wonder, how the soothing music is played by blowing air in instrument. Now that I have learnt about them, I would like to share my knowledge.

Been:



Been is usually played by snake chamber to control the body movements of snakes. Although it appears that snake is dancing on the music played by snake chamber but it is not true. He actually dances on the movements of snake chamber in order to defend himself. In reality, snakes cannot hear properly. These instruments are also called as ‘Pungi’ in India.

Trumpet:



They are among the oldest musical instruments. They are played by blowing air through closed lips. The brass trumpet is usually played by trombone player. Though it is not very common instrument in India but is admired world wide as wind instrument.

Saxophone:



Usually made from brass and was invented by Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax. It is used in jazz and classical music. It is most popular form of musical instrument played in military.

Flute:



It is yet another wood wind instrument. It is being played by lord Krishna to attract gopis. It is played by blowing air in the edge of holes in the flute.

Bugle:



It is considered to be simplest brass instrument, again played by blowing air. This instrument is usually seen in military camp for daily routine call.  Earlier it was used to give instructions to soldiers in the camp.

All these instruments are made-in-India and are exported world-wide. If you are also looking for one such wind instrument in reasonable price, log on to www.indianity.com