The sitar has been popular since the 1960s. Since that time it has always had a considerable mystique among musicians. It also has an undeserved reputation for being difficult to play. This book/audio set cuts though the mystique and misapprehensions and presents the material in a simple fashion that is easily understood both by Indians and non-Indian musicians alike.Learning the Sitar begins with basic background information, including a discussion of Indian music, the history of the instrument, the parts and other important terms It then moves on to basic exercises and finally finishes with some simple compositions in Bilawal, Kalyan and Kafi. This is covered in a mix of staffnotation as well as raditional Indian Sargam notation. Includes access to online audio.
Contents
Different Approach to the Music
Different Approach to the Instrument
Purpose of this Book
History
Before the Sitar
Invention of the Sitar
Historical Figures
Basics of Indian Music
Melodic Fundamentals
Harmony
Key
Musical Notes
Just Intonation vs Equal Temperament
Intervals
Register
Drone
Parts of the Sitar
Basic Parts of the Sitar
Functional Breakdown of the Strings
Stringing and Tuning
The Strings
Attaching the Strings
Specific Tunings of the Strings
Auxiliary Strings
Positioning of the Frets
Basic Technique
Sitting and Holding Position#1
Sitting and Holding Position#2 (Ravi Shankar Style)