How to Practice Tambura

Tamburas are stringed instruments which are typically found anywhere from Eastern Europe to India. They come in many different sizes, with higher and lower pitches, depending on their size. Tamburas are used to play harmony in conjunction with other instruments. Becoming a proficient tambura player takes dedication and years of daily practice.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cushion

1. Make sure you are using the proper tambura playing posture. Sit on a cushion or mat with your legs crossed in front of you or folded off to one side of your body. Keep your back straight.

2. Set the tambura on the floor in front of you or on your lap. You can experiment with placement of the instrument to determine what's most comfortable and natural for you to play.

3. Begin your practice slowly so you don't overwhelm yourself or wear yourself out. Practice for 10 minutes at a time when you begin learning to play the tambura. Larger tamburas are heavy and might make you become tired if you start with long practice sessions.

4. Practice for longer periods of time as your stamina and skill increase. As you become more proficient at playing tambura, you should be able to play for longer time periods without becoming tired.

5. Play scales, songs or soothing chords to help you meditate.

Tips & Warnings

• You can sit on a chair with the body of the tambura resting on the floor if you're uncomfortable sitting on the floor.
• If you're playing an Indian tambura, it's important to bow to the tambura before playing it. You must always show respect to an Indian tambura because it's considered a sacred instrument in Indian culture.