Thanks for the video! I had some trouble following you, I think you might have mixed up some strings starting string 13-16, sometimes you skipped a string with your finger and held a different peg than what you were talking about, at least from my perspective. Here's one tuning that works for me in the key of C: 01: F3, 02: G2, 03: G2, 04: C2, 05: G3, 06: C4, 07: C5, 08: C4, 09: B3, 10: C4, 11: D4, 12: E4, 13: E4, 14: F4, 15: G4, 16: A4, 17: B4, 18: C5, 19: D520: E5.
You should consult a good sitar maker and modify your sitar, if it hurts then that means the bridge may be higher than usual, or something else, playing sitar in D should be normal.
Oh my goodness that’s amazing! I have now tuned my 21 string Chinese guzheng to the double harmonic ‘Eastern music’ scale so it sounds a little like a sitar, until I can make room for a real one 😂
I have a question about tuning sitar for Ashavari thaat. What notes in the chromatic tuner should we tune to the same notes of chromatic tuner in order to tune the strings to play ashavari thaat. thank you so much for the video tutorial, very helpful.
from what I got in the video I would tune my sitar G D A D A D D on the playing strings and D C# D E F# G# A B C# B E on the sympathetic strings is that correct?
Sir, do you explain different models of sitar? I live in Europe, and probably will order a sitar in internet. But there are so many types! Do you have an opinion in flat back electric sitars Vs traditional acoustic sitar? I like how compact the flat back is, but I assume that without amplification it will sound not good. I also really like a natural acoustic sound. And what about size? 95 cm, 115cn, or which size is best for a deep and soothing sound? How many sympathetic strings, is 9 too few and one needs 11-13? And how can one insure the quality of instrument and fret alignment? What would be a minimal price of a good functional sitar? Ordering on eBay is scary, but there is no way around I guess. Also there are sitar models that correspond to different gurus. Is second gourd making sound better? Which kind of sitar best for mend and spiritual playing? Thank you!
All of your questions are meant for a local guru who will assess your ear and vocal range to recommend you the proper instrument. Edit: the only question I can answer is that ALL instruments can be sacred if the music is dedicated to the heavens, all cantation is accepted like a gift from a grandchild to its grandparent. The heavens are overjoyed with the effort you have put in. Anyone who tells you otherwise is ignorant of the astral and etheric planes and is applying outdated doctrines. Akin to a cat who brings you a dead mouse as a gift. We don't need that, affection is fine kitty. So old doctrines can be followed but the restrictions are unnecessary
Depends on the type of sitar. There are 2 types, the KP or "Ravi Shankar" style and the VK "Vilyat Khan" style. He's playing a KP. It adds a lower octave. The lower octave is generally played in the beginning of the performance of a Raag, called the alap. However most of the playing is done on the Ma string, the one he tuned to G in this video. (My sitar is tuned to C because I'm a beginner and it's much easier to play, but the sitar sounds better tuned higher). The lowest string can be hooked into a clip on one of the highest frets to get it out of the way. I do this because I don't play it. The VK style of sitar omits the two bass strings and adds a fourth chikari string, which is not fretted. It's much more of a tenor instrument. So the answer to your question is, mostly, one, but sometimes 2 or 4 LOL.
Hello I was wondering if you could tell me what is the coarse tape called that I see on some sitars near the tail end behind the bridge beneath the beads almost like fine sand paper and what is it's purpose. Thank you in advance
The actual fundamental of the sitar can vary. It is both up to individual taste and the strings which are on the instrument. The sitar in the video is tuned to D, but C, C# and Eb are also common. Also, when the strings become old and less flexible, large changes in tension make them break, so for old strings you should try to keep them tuned closely to what they have been sitting at for a long time. Strings breaking is also a sign that they should be replaces of course.
Recomend a guru on YT. I can play to a fair start level. But have been involved with Sitar playin for 25 yrs. Never took a teacher so if you can please. Ive own many . Do you know Lars Jacosen ?? Thanx. Dh