Hindustani classical music has saverel types of instruents having the most important instruments are stringed instruments which can be played by plucking the strings of the instruments and create sound with vibrations.
Tambura
An Indian stringed instrument of traditional Hindustani classical music. It is not a melodious instrument itself at all. It is used to provide continuous harmony to the music. Tambura is the basic stringed instrument used in Hindustani and Carnatic music that is played by plucking strings while seated behind. Tambura creates a meditative ambience, supporting and sustaining the performance of another musician or vocalist, as well as for musicians accompanying a dance performance.
Here’s the detailed structure of Tambura.
Physical Structure:
Body: Tambura has a hollow body, traditionally made from wood. The body shape is somewhat like a lute, with a long neck and a round or slightly oval-shaped belly. The top surface of the body is usually made of a thin layer of wood to allow for vibration and creates sound.
Neck: The neck is long, and there are typically no frets, unlike other stringed instruments such as the sitar or guitar. This allows for continuous, smooth resonance.
Strings: The Tambura generally has 4 to 5 strings. These are traditionally made of steel or brass, though modern versions may also use nylon. The number of strings can vary slightly depending on regional or stylistic differences, but four-string Tamburas are the most common.
Pegs: The Tambura has tuning pegs at the top of the neck to adjust the tension and pitch of the strings.
Bridge: The strings are stretched over a small bridge that sits on the top surface of the body. This allows the strings to vibrate freely and produce sound.
Tuning: Tambura can not be used to play melodically but it is tuned to specific notes that provides harmonic basic.
For the 4 strings tambura first string is tuned to the basic note “Sa”, Second string is tuned to fifth note “Pa”, third string is tuned to higher note “Sa” and the fourth string is tuned to “Ma” or “Re” depending upon the Raga and style.
Characteristics: Tambura has an integral appearance for the live performance of the vocalist because of its simplicity and spiritual importance in Indian music.
Sarangi
It is the bowed string instrument in Indian classical music. Its rich, melodious tone and versatility make it essential in traditional music. The instrument is held vertically and played with a bow made of horsehair. The player uses the cuticles or the sides of the fingers instead of pressing the strings.
sarangi players need to adjust to the pitch of the vocalist for accompaniment. The sarangi is considered one of the most difficult Indian instruments to master due to its intricate finger and bowing techniques.
Precise tuning of the sympathetic strings is crucial to achieving its full tonal richness.
Physical structure
The sarangi is carved from a single block of seasoned teak or tun wood. It has a rectangular body with a slightly rounded back. Its length typically ranges from 24 to 26 inches.
It has three to four main gut strings that are played with a bow. Additionally, it has 30 to 40 sympathetic strings made of metal, which resonate with the main strings, enriching the sound.
Characteristics: The sarangi is often used as an accompaniment for vocalist particularly in khayal, thumri and ghazal styles. It is known for the versatility in complex ragas. It can produce delicate inflections, closely to the singer’s voice. Sarangi is associated with devotional music and Sufi music. It is mostly used in North and Rajasthani folk music.
Sarod
The Sarod is the prominent string instrument in Indian classical music, known for its deep, resonant, and melodic sound. It is widely used in Hindustani music and has a distinctive place among Indian instruments.
Physical Structure
Body: The sarod has a hollow wooden body, typically made from teak or tun wood, with a rounded, metallic fingerboard that allows smooth gliding for producing notes.
Bridge: Made of ivory or bone, supporting the strings.
Plectrum: Played using a plectrum (called a jaba), made of coconut shell, ebony, or plastic.
Strings: It has 17 to 25 strings, Main strings: For melody (4–6 strings). Drone strings: To maintain rhythm. Sympathetic strings: To resonate and enrich the sound.
Tuning: Tuned to the scale of the raga being played, with the main strings tuned to specific notes.
The sympathetic strings enhance the harmonic richness, resonating with the notes played.
Characteristics:
Resonance: Known for its deep and rich tone, it captures both rhythm and melody with precision.
Fretless: The absence of frets allows seamless slides (meend), enabling intricate note transitions and ornamentation.
Timbre: Its sound is metallic yet melodious, suitable for expressive ragas.
It can be played by pressing the strings with the edge of the fingernails (not fingertips), creating a distinct tone. Requires immense skill and practice to master, as it demands precise finger placement and rhythmic coordination.
The sarod’s combination of rich resonance, intricate playing techniques, and expressive capabilities makes it one of the most revered instruments in Indian classical music.
