How to Tune a Sitar

When Western listeners hear the sitar being played they think of Indian music. Similar in structure and origin to the European guitar the sitar has 7 main strings and 11 to 13 sympathetic strings. The latter produce a steady drone under the melody. The sitar is a modal instrument, so players need to retune it often to play different pieces. Beginners start by tuning in the key of C.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Electronic tuner, piano or other musical instrument on which to play middle C

1. Tune the second main string to middle C using a piano or an electronic tuner to sound the note. This is the second string from the top side as you hold the sitar in playing position. The second string is tuned to the tonic note for the key in which the sitar is to be played. Pull the string up slightly to stretch it and then retune. Repeat this until the string stays in tune.
2. Identify the fourth, sixth and seventh main strings, counting down from the top as you hold the sitar in playing position. Tune these to the tonic, in this case middle C. Stretch and retune each string as you did the second string in Step 1.
3. Go back up to the first main string. For the key of C, set this one to the F above middle C.
4. Count down the strings to the third and fifth ones. Tune both of these to the G above middle C. Stretch and retune strings one, three and five until they hold the desired tones.
5. Begin tuning the sympathetic strings with the shortest one. Tune them in order of length to the notes of a C major scale.

Tips & Warnings

• The wooden tuning pegs slip easily. Use specially-made chalk or rosin to lightly coat the pegs and help them hold in place. Press the pegs firmly into place when you adjust the strings.
• You can fine tune the strings by moving the frets or by using tuning beads at the bottom of the strings if your sitar has them.
• Ultimately the sympathetic strings are tuned for specific pieces of music; however, beginners using the key of C can just tune these strings to a C scale.