sitar

The sitar is a relatively modern instrument (in Indian terms). It has only been around for about 300 years. It is based on the veena, but has many modifications, including the additional of sympathetic strings. These are not usually struck but they vibrate when certain notes are played, producing a harmonic over-tone sound effect. Due to these extra strings, there are about 21 in total, many of which are sympathetic. It goes with out saying, that it takes quite alot of skill just to tune one. In comparision to a veena it is very light and therefore can be played in a more upright position, similar to a western guitar.

ravi shankar playing sitar

Ravi Shankar is responsible for popularising the Sitar in the west as a result of being discovered by The Beatles. Heres a video from that era.