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.
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