The bottom part of the sitar is has usually around thirteen strings that are called “sympathetic” strings that are used for the rythm or “background” to the top strings. The top usually has from three to seven strings and is used for the “soloing” aspect of the instrument.

The sitar is tuned in fourths or fifths and it gets its name from the Persian words “si” meaning three and “tar” meaning “strings”.

The sound of the sitar to me is a mystical and very reverbative instrument that can really be played without accopanyment of other instruments due to its capability to carry both rythm and solo sounds simultaniously. I love the sound of this instrument.

MetalMaster