Sitar Tuning and Strings: A Complete Guide to Kharaj-Pancham Tuning

Introduction

Among the instruments of Indian classical music, the sitar holds a place of unparalleled reverence. Associated with the goddess of music Ma Saraswati, the sitar is both divine and deeply complex. Its tuning is not a simple process — it requires musical knowledge, a trained ear, and an understanding of the Raag being performed.

Understanding Sitar Strings

A sitar has two categories of strings:

| String Type | Description | | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Main Playing Strings | 7 strings tuned to the notes of Indian classical music — used to create melody | | Sympathetic Strings (Tarab) | 11–13 thin metal strings below the main strings — resonate freely to add depth and shimmer |

The sympathetic strings are not plucked directly. They vibrate in resonance with the main strings, creating the characteristic ringing, ethereal quality that makes the sitar's sound so unique.

The Main Playing Strings

| String Name | Position | Notes | | ------------------ | -------------- | --------------------------------------------- | | Kharaj | 1st (thickest) | Provides the base and depth of the instrument | | Jor | 2nd | Represents the second note of classical music | | Laraj | 3rd | Represents the third note | | Kharaj Pancham | 4th | Decides the melodic range of the instrument | | Gandhar | 5th | Provides balanced, mid-range pitch | | Nishad | 6th | Adds depth and melody | | Pancham | 7th | Completes the seven-note set |

Kharaj-Pancham Tuning

The standard tuning system for sitar is called Kharaj-Pancham tuning. In this system, the seven main strings are tuned to the seven notes of Indian classical music:

Sa — Re — Ga — Ma — Pa — Dha — Ni — Sa

This tuning provides the complete scale required to perform any Raag. The strings are tuned using the khoontis (large wooden tuning pegs) at the top of the dandi (neck). Tightening a peg raises the pitch; loosening it lowers the pitch.

Tuning Changes for Different Raags

One of the most important — and complex — aspects of sitar performance is that tuning must change for each Raag.

Different Raags use different note combinations:

• Some notes are Shuddha (natural)
• Some are Komal (flattened)
• Some are Teevra (sharpened)

Example — Raag Bhairav: Raag Bhairav has seven notes with Re and Dha as Komal and Sa, Ga, Ma, Pa, Ni as Shuddha. Before performing Raag Bhairav, the sitarist must detune the Re and Dha strings to their flattened positions.

The Process of Tuning

Many sitarists use a tanpura as a reference during tuning:

1. Match the Sa of the sitar to the Sa of the tanpura
2. Tune Pa (fifth) relative to Sa
3. Set Teevra Sa (upper octave) as a reference
4. Adjust all remaining strings relative to these anchor notes

This process requires a deeply trained ear. Even experienced musicians spend considerable time tuning before each performance — a sitar that is even slightly out of tune will undermine an entire recital.