How to Perform With Tambura

Tamburas are instruments with 3 to 5 strings and bodies made of hollow gourds. They're typically made and played in Eastern Europe and India. Tamburas have a unique droning sound which is often an integral part of Indian musical arrangements. The tambura is usually used to play harmonies. Proficient tambura players perform music for live audiences in small groups along with melody instruments.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cushion

1. Sit on a cushion in the tambura playing posture that you find most comfortable. You can sit with your legs crossed in front of you or folded to your side. You can also sit on a chair and rest the instrument on the floor if you're more comfortable in that position.

2. Find a friend or group of friends to perform music with. You'll need someone to play melody for you on another instrument, like a keyboard or sitar, because the tambura is a harmony instrument.

3. Play professionally-written songs or create your own harmonies. Since tambura music involves harmonizing, you can perform without written music based on what sounds the best with your melody player.

4. Sing along. You'll have fun and create interesting-sounding songs.

Tips & Warnings

• In Eastern Europe, the tambura is sometimes used as a melody instrument. If you're proficient enough on the tambura to play melodies, you can play with another tambura player who can play harmony for you. This gives the music a unique sound that you won't often hear elsewhere.
• Make sure the tambura is properly tuned prior to performing with it.