A closer look at the sitar.
Guide updated
Play a free virtual sitar with sampled plucked sounds. Explore seven playable strings, overlapping notes, and keyboard controls in your browser.
Explore a virtual sitar with a resonant gourd body, fretted neck, and seven playable strings. Start with an open-string sweep, then try a melody with the labeled note controls.
Play your next noteHow do I play the online sitar?
In 3D view, choose Play to tap, strum, or glide across a playing surface. Hold keys or wind surfaces to sustain a note. Choose Rotate to inspect the model; scroll or pinch to zoom. Use the labeled note controls or computer keys for chords and the full range. Classic view provides the original illustrated playing surface. Strum the seven open strings, or touch the 3D fretted neck on the three melody strings. The other strings retain their drone pitches. Nineteen equal-tempered fret positions support exploration; this is not a traditional sitar tuning or raga lesson.
What sounds does the virtual sitar use?
Sitar samples from FluidR3 GM provide the plucked timbre and ringing decay. Fretted notes transpose those samples. Meend, pressure, and independently controlled sympathetic strings are not modeled.
Audio & tune creditsReturn to the low string between melody notes
Use the fixed open-string controls to build a simple low-note refrain. This original studio pattern uses Resonant tuning and is not a raga exercise.
Starting tempo: 60 BPM. Use Keep the beat for a steady pulse.
- 1G2 (F)
- 2C3 (A)
- 3G2 (F)
- 4G3 (S)
- 5G2 (F)
- 6C4 (D)
- 7G3 (S)
- 8C3 (A)
- Identify the repeated pitches
F selects the low G2 string. A, S and D select C3, G3 and C4. Some other sitar controls repeat these pitches because the seven-string tuning contains duplicates.
- Alternate low and high
At 60 BPM, return to F on beats 1, 3 and 5. Place the rising C3, G3 and C4 between those returns.
- Complete the descent
Finish with G3 and C3 on beats 7 and 8. Let the plucked sounds decay naturally rather than trying to hold them like a wind instrument.
Try next: Try G instead of A for C3, H instead of S for G3, and J instead of D for C4. Hear the repeated open pitches and locate their separate string controls.
How do I record the sitar in Resonant?
- Choose your playing controls
Choose Play in 3D view or switch to Classic. Tap a playing surface, use the labeled note controls, or press a computer-key shortcut to enable sound.
- Record your idea
Press Record above the instrument, then play your phrase. This records studio audio without using your microphone. Each take can last up to five minutes.
- Listen and keep a copy
Press Stop, open Recordings, and listen to the take. Choose Download WAV or Original audio to keep a file. Saved takes stay on this device; clearing browser storage removes them.
A few useful notes about the sitar
How do I play each of the seven sitar strings?
Use the illustrated strings or the seven labeled shortcuts A, S, D, F, G, H, and J. Strum all plays them in sequence.
Why do some sitar strings share a pitch?
The simplified seven-string tuning repeats some notes. It does not model traditional tuning, string bends, or independently controlled sympathetic strings.