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Step 1
Understand the basic positioning for the sitar. You should sit cross-legged on the floor with the sitar across your lap. Like most stringed instruments, it is played with your right hand on the body and your left hand wrapped around the neck and frets. If you are left handed, you may learn to play the opposite way.
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Step 2
Learn the basic notes, the frets and chords of the sitar. Though they are all similar to the guitar, and other stringed instruments, the tone is higher and the timing is often different.
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Step 3
Notice the tone of the morning raga. It should be slower, like you are just rousing and having a hard time getting out of bed. It then turns more vibrant, as if you are just seeing the sunlight coming through the window and you get out of bed. Then with a bit more zest, as if you are starting through your leisurely morning.
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Step 4
Practice a morning raga, there are many variations. It is more about the mood of the music, rather than a particular note in a particular place. This lends itself well to songwriters and other musicians who like to work more in a "go with the flow" method.
