Types of Ragas for Sitar

Part of the Video Series How to Play the Sitar

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Learn about the different types of sitar ragas, or songs in this free online music lesson on how to play the sitar.

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Video Transcript

Types of Ragas for Sitar
Now Indian music because it has got this sort of cosmic aspect to it, it is believed that sound is an integral part of the universe like air and water. And sound vibrations can be auspicious or inauspicious. Now because music is the highest form of sound it is believed different musical sounds, different melodies and notes create different kinds of vibrations in the universe. These vibrations create different feelings or Rasas in Indian Esthetic Theory. So in Indian music in North Indian music it is believed that certain melodies or Ragas should be played at certain times of day because at certain times of day you have particular feelings, or moods or Rasas. And to play the melody that is not appropriate for that time of day would be inauspicious; the vibrations won’t be right and the old Masters say that you can even get sick from it. Just like playing out of tune can make you sick. So we have Rags for different for six different parts of the day. So different parts of the morning, noon, evening and night. And, they are based on notes in a scale and then different grouping and different phrases using those particular notes.

About the Expert

Expert: Amelia Maciszewski has a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology, and has been performing Hindustani music for over 20 years. Read More