Sitar (musical instrument)

The sitar is a traditional Indian stringed instrument known for its resonant, melodious sound. It has a long, hollow neck with movable frets and typically six to seven main strings, along with sympathetic strings that vibrate to enrich the sound. Played by plucking the strings with a metal pick called a mizrab, the sitar allows for intricate melodic ornamentation through bending and sliding notes. It is widely used in Indian classical music to evoke emotion and create deep, resonant soundscapes. Its distinctive tone and playing style make it a key instrument in Indian musical traditions.