How to Play the Sitar

Summary: The Sitar is most well know to the Western World as the instrument of India. Although it is believed that the Sitar has existed in its current form since the 1700’s its popularity among the West is a very recent phenomenon. Musicians such as George Harrison of the Beatles and Ravi Shankar helped popularize the instrument during the late 60’s and early 70’s. With its beautiful Eastern melodies, the Sitar became an easily recognizable instrument in Western Popular culture.

Although the majority of its melodies are played on only a few strings, the Sitar is a very complicated instrument to learn. For instance, did you know that in Indian culture, there are certain melodies that are only meant to be played during certain times of the day? In these videos you will not only learn how to play the Sitar, but you will also learn about the culture and the history surrounding this instrument.