You can slightly extend your right foot out in front of you if that’s more comfortable. Drape a cloth over your foot if you’re worried about the oils from your foot damaging the body of the instrument.
Remember to sit up straight and avoid leaning on the instrument with your arm.
You can purchase a mizraab online or at any store that sells sitars.
Sa is always the tonic note (the first note of a scale). For example, if a sitar is tuned to the key of C, then Sa is C.
First string (closest to the floor): F one octave below middle C (Ma) Second string: C one octave below middle C (Sa) Third string: G (Pa) Fourth string: C two octaves below middle C (Sa) Fifth string: G one octave above the third string (Pa) Sixth string: C (Sa) Seventh string: C one octave above middle C (Sa)
When you’re first learning the sitar, it will be easier to play without the bottom strings.
The notes for each fret changes depending on which string you’re pressing against them. For example, if your sitar is tuned to the key of C, the notes for each fret on the first string in order from the first fret (the fret furthest from the body) to the last would be: Ma, Pa, Dha, Dha, Ni, Ni, Sa, Re, Ga, Ga, Ma, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Ni, Sa, Re, Ga. The notes for each fret on the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh strings would be different.
Move all of your fingers back and forth, not just your index finger with the mizraab on it. However, only pluck the strings with the mizraab—your other fingers should just hover above the strings.
For example, if your sitar is tuned to the key of C and you want to play an F note, you could pluck the first string while pressing it against the first fret. In the key of C, the first fret for the first string is “Ma,” and “Ma” is the name of an F note in that key.
You can find free sitar sheet music online. There are also popular songs featuring the sitar that you can practice, like “Love You To” and “Within You Without You” by the Beatles and “Paint it Black” by the Rolling Stones.
