Sitar, The Most Popular Ancient Indian Music Instrument

Sitar is the most recognized of the ancient Indian musical instruments. Sitars are plucked stringed musical instruments, originating from the lute family. It is played by strumming and fingering notes out along the neck of the guitar-like instrument.

The history of the Sitar traces its origins to an instrument first built under Medieval Muslim influence from the tanbur, a Middle Eastern lute with a distinctive long neck as well as from the veena, a narrow, intricately crafted Indian Zither. Although images similar to the sitar date back to 1800. Delhi, the more well-known form of the sitar had become prominent by the mid nineteenth century. The long hollow neck and gourd body produce a rich resonance and harmony, and is the dominant instrument used in Hindustani classical music and is played as an accompaniment to dance throughout India and Pakistan.

Sitar has been derived from the Persian word "Seh-Tar" ."Seh" means three in Persian and "Tar" means strings. There are two popular modern styles of sitar, the "gayaki style" sitars (sometimes called "Vilayat Khan style sitars") and the full decorated "instrumental style" sitars (sometimes called "Ravi Shankar style sitars").

Most popular sitar player: Ravi Shankar & Anoushka Shankar

The Sitar is a fretted instrument but the frets (metal bars) are tied on loosely enough to be slightly moved or tuned. The tuning of the frets is another feature that sets the sitar apart from western instruments. The Sitar is played in the natural or untempered tuning system. The ancient, natural, or untempered tuning system retains the perfect or natural tuning of each interval. It is believed that music played in the natural tuning system has a profoundly harmonizing effect on listeners.

The sitar player wears two mizrabs or thimble-like structures on his or her little finger. Whilst strumming the instrument with the mizrab, the player moves his other hand along the sitar's neck. Sitar music is enjoyed for leisure. In India, it is often played at Hindu and Sikh temples. 

George Harrison's sitar

In the late 1950s, Ravi Shankar (an Indian musician and composer) introduced the sitar in the western world. The sitar saw further use in popular music after The Beatles featured the sitar in their compositions, namely "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" and "Within You Without You". Their use of the instrument came as a result of George Harrison taking lessons on how to play it from Ravi Shankar and Shambhu Das. Shortly after, The Rolling Stones used a sitar in "Paint It, Black" and a brief fad began for using the instrument in pop songs.

Dulcimer, A Great Instrument

By Jon Geo

It has been known that even in ancient times, people are already using musical instruments; in fact they use this during some gathering or for special events. Some are even considering this as part of their cultural belief and traditions. Thus, the use of this instrument also gives them the chance to unwind and leave all their cares behind. Some of these native instruments that are popular in ancient which can still be use in our time are the dulcimer.

Dulcimer is an old stringed instrument. Its name was derived from two special words which are "sweet song". From the meaning itself you'll have an idea on how these instrument works. It has sweet music which is very soothing to the spirit; it can calm and relax our mind and at the same time can tame our hearts. People who are listening to this instrument find it easy to love the music from it. In fact native even dance while the music from this beautiful instrument is played. 

It can play a very sweet music which is can calm our troubled spirit. It can even relax our mind and can give us a sense of peace from within. However, Dulcimer can do more than just playing sweet music; in fact it can even play some, Elizabethan, Celtic, classic, gospel, blues, Cajun, and even rock. Yes, just like some string instruments that are very popular in our days, guitar in particular, Dulcimer can also do the same. 

Dulcimer is also played in to many different types of music; like jazz, folk, Celtic, classic, ragtime, blues, Cajun, rock, Elizabethan, and even for gospel. You have a wide rage of choices from these types of music. You can even try some that are not included from what's given above. It takes a little imagination to make this work. 

Music has been the language of all people. Even those who are having difficulty in expressing themselves find it easier through music. Music cannot just give us joy; it can even lift our tired and weary heart. It is by using instrument which is rich in history and at the same time soothing to the soul. Dulcimer for this matter is the best instrument to try. 

Want to find out more about Dulcimer, then visit Jon Geo's site on how to choose the best Dulcimer for your needs.
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