How to Play Sitar

In Indian Classical Music Naad produces Shruti, which in turn produces musical notes (Swars). Naads are of two types.

1. Anahat Naad :- Naad produced without making any sound is called Anahat Naad. When you close your ears with your fingers. 'Ghan Ghan' sound is produced. Since it is produced without any stroke, it is called Anahat Naad.

2. Ashat Naad :- The sound that is produced by stroke, touch, friction, is called Aahat Naad. Music relates to this Naad and Musical Notes are produced from this Naad.

Difference between Swar and Shruti

Shruti means what you can only hear. The sound or Dhwani which you can hear is Shruti. Shruti when shown only by mingling of two notes in music and by touching is called Shruti; when there is pause in Shruti, and its sound is heard in steady manner, it is called 'Swar'.

Indian Music is based on 22 'Shrutis'. 'Swaras' are born from these 'Shrutis'. There are seven Swaras in Music- Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni

Swaras are of two types-

(i) Komal Swaras - Komal Swaras are the ones which are higher or lower than the normal Swaras. These are also called 'Vikrit' notes.

(ii) Tivra (Pure) notes - Tivra means sharp. These notes are pure notes. But 'Ma' Swara is the only Komal Swara, which is called Pure. Tivra 'Ma' is Vikrit (Impure).

Except 'Sa' and 'Pa', all Swaras are Komal and Tivra. Sa and Pa are not Komal. These Swaras are stagnant; meaning thereby that sound doesn't to high or low. They are firm in their place.