Great intro! Dusting mine off after many years, found teacher and starting soon. Definitely do not want to sound like a guitarist playing the sitar. Thanks!
I am glad you found this video helpful! Thanks for watching. Let me know if there are any topics you would like to see me discuss. I try to show my progress warts and all. It's a hard instrument!
Thank you so much ! I learned a lot just by watching, and I can't wait to practice. I also need to work on my playing position. My sitar is electric so there is no big tumba to hold it up. I've been using pillows to try to get into the correct position. I started building my sitar and I have the gourd cut, the face plate made, and the neck is about 60 % hollowed out. I'm making a condensed (fast speed) video of the process.
Very important topic. If I understand you correctly, you recommend to touch main 'SA' string while doing DA RA. I was actually thinking other way around. I was basically consciously avoiding SA string cause when I see the great Ustads playing Tans, I do not hear the SA tone. There is a big chance that I might be wrong but I would love to know your Ustad's view on that if possible.
Glad it was helpful! I'm definitely not a teacher so if you are looking to study the sitar I highly recommend finding a real teacher. I make these videos to hopefully make the sitar less "scary" and to encourage others to follow through with their passion to learn it. I wish I had started sooner!
I have to drink half a pot of coffee just to work myself up to changing out the strings on my 12, this must be a nightmare! I saw one on FB market for $150 and literally never thought about trying one before and here I am looking up vids. Great vid btw.
Yes, changing strings on this is a day long process! The instrument on FB Marketplace might be a hunk of junk or a rare find. The sitar subreddit is a good resource to help figure out what is what. www.reddit.com/r/Sitar/
Hi Jeff, I have just started learning sitar and I have been struggling with how much to hit the brass string in bot Da and Ra strokes. I started off by not hitting the brass string but then I was not able to get the same dynamics in the instrument. Do you always hit the brass string while strumming or sometimes. Would love to get some feedback. Thanks
Hey there, Jeff. I love your sitar videos. I finally got me a sitar! Day one I played close to around ten hours, with the help of Ravi Shankar's book, and your videos for the meantime while I'm on the search for a teacher. I have a question for you: How is the long Ra stroke down the sympathetic strings one by one, typically at the beginning of a performance, done? I cant hit all of them with the mizrab, but it doesn't look like the index finger is doing this. It looks like the little finger in most videos. Is my nail too short? Any tips?
@@arupratan1978 yeah, that's kind of what I ended up doing. I cant grow my nail that long, so I use a banjo pick inverted on my pinky to do it. It works!
Sir, could you please explain in detail how to use the left hand in Sitar, with a clear and slow visual demonstration from the sideways of the instrument.
So you're supposed to hit the 2nd string as well? I was trying to figure out how to avoid it for the last 2-3 days (started with 5 days back). Lucky to arrive at your video! Thanks a ton seems like initially I was doing right. Also another question, is the 2nd string Sa supposed to be louder than the Ma string? Or should I not focus on loudness and just build up right hand strength/muscle-memory first? Thanks a ton!
Sir the metal thing you have on your right hand (pointer finger) Is making an unpleasant clacking noise that I am not accustomed to hearing when sitar is played correctly (I thought I'd mention it so you can know it is rather distracting)...Just a heads up
Thank you for the video. I just started learning sitar myself ^.^ Do you have any recommendations for books about the sitar and Indian Classical music in general that you thought were helpful in developing an understanding of the music?
Hi! Thanks for watching. I hope you found the video helpful. A good book to start with is "My Music, My Life" by Ravi Shankar. You get some history, his life story and some sitar exercises to start you practicing. Here is an amazon link: amzn.to/2oQTGhq
Hi there, really appreciate your vids. Being a newbie myself and practising my da and ra at the mo. I had a question...How do you remember where the notes are...I'm constantly looking to see if I'm on Sa, Re, Ga etc when practising. Does this come with time? Thanks
Hi, Thank you for your question. Learning the placement comes with time. This took me a while, maybe a year or more. One day I was able to play a few lines with my eyes closed and I was so excited I marked my calendar and it reminds me every year. It is often the little things are most important when progressing. Keep at it!
Well, I just bought a sitar yesterday from a very nice man on eBay. It was practically brand new, in fact it hadn’t even been tuned yet. I brought it home and tried tuning in to raga Yaman and ended up breaking 2 strings in the process. I need to restring it now, and fortunately I have a new set of strings. Would it be possible to get a restringing video?
Actually, I made a restringing video a while back that might be helpful. ruclips.net/video/QrWTfKxgK4s/видео.html Welcome to the world of learning the sitar!
When your strumming, are you striking with one finger or all four fingers? I don't own a sitar (yet) but I'm considering getting one and taking lessons in my nearest city.
I've been thinking about playing the sitar for like a decade now.. though i think the hardest part is maintaining the "proper"posture. Not sure I can sit like that for more than a minute without some part of my body falling asleep.
If you watch Ravi in his later years he is often sitting on a chair, sofa or similar raised platform to make posture easier. I find sitting on a firm seat cushion helps a lot.
I have a question that I'm having trouble finding information on. Is it okay to store a sitar that's in a hard case in an upright position? So vertically, instead of laying horizontally. I'm trying to make more space.
Do you have a molded fiberglass style case? If so, storing vertical shouldn't be a problem. I've done this many times and know others who do it all the time. Generally people store them gourd side down. Obviously you want to make sure that the instrument is sitting in a safe spot and isn't going to get knocked over and smash into the floor even when it's in the case. The case might present major damage but the sitar is super sensitive and won't be happy.
A great place to gather information is the sitar reddit page: www.reddit.com/r/Sitar/ The there is a lot of information for beginners. I hope that helps! Thanks for watching my video.
Hello, thank you very much for this video- so helpful! I have one question. I’m trying to practice hitting the string right next to the 1st one while I’m playing the 1st string (I think you referred to it as the “sa” string). I feel that I’m hitting it too hard, to the point where it sounds louder than the 1st string. How can I hit that 2nd “sa” string with the right amount of pressure while playing the 1st string? Like for example when doing the da stroke? Also, do I have to hit the sa string in the ra stroke too? Thanks! 🙏
As always, I recommend finding a teacher if you don't have one. Until then maybe work on playing with a metronome and work on increasing your speed as you play Sargam up and down the neck.
It's hard. I unfortunately decided I would untie all the fret strings off my kanai Lal and 're string .......what a huge mistake! ! All because I wanted to lose the old yellow string with fresh New yellow string, wish I hadn't, I'm ok now, but it took a day and a half of time I really didn't have to get the instrument back to where it was. Never, ever again! If it ain't broke.....don't fix it!
Always remember we must repent of our sins (sin is transgression The Law Of Yahuah The Father in Heaven. The Law are The Books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy). We must repent of our sins and Have Belief On Yahusha The Messiah. HE Died and Rose three days later so that we can be forgiven of our sins! Come to HIM Today. Much love!
You are such a genius...
Really love to see you playing the instrument
So the big knobs are for tuning the main strings, and the smaller knobs for the sympathetic strings underneath the neck. Fascinating.
I love Ravi Shankar such a great legend! Wish I would of seen him at 1967 Monterey Pop Festival
Great intro! Dusting mine off after many years, found teacher and starting soon. Definitely do not want to sound like a guitarist playing the sitar. Thanks!
I am glad you found this video helpful! Thanks for watching. Let me know if there are any topics you would like to see me discuss. I try to show my progress warts and all. It's a hard instrument!
Thank you for your most helpful beginner lessons, I'll keep watching
Thank you so much ! I learned a lot just by watching, and I can't wait to practice. I also need to work on my playing position. My sitar is electric so there is no big tumba to hold it up. I've been using pillows to try to get into the correct position. I started building my sitar and I have the gourd cut, the face plate made, and the neck is about 60 % hollowed out. I'm making a condensed (fast speed) video of the process.
I'm thrilled that this was helpful for you!
Very important topic. If I understand you correctly, you recommend to touch main 'SA' string while doing DA RA. I was actually thinking other way around. I was basically consciously avoiding SA string cause when I see the great Ustads playing Tans, I do not hear the SA tone. There is a big chance that I might be wrong but I would love to know your Ustad's view on that if possible.
thank you so much, this is really helpful!
Glad it was helpful! I'm definitely not a teacher so if you are looking to study the sitar I highly recommend finding a real teacher. I make these videos to hopefully make the sitar less "scary" and to encourage others to follow through with their passion to learn it. I wish I had started sooner!
I have to drink half a pot of coffee just to work myself up to changing out the strings on my 12, this must be a nightmare!
I saw one on FB market for $150 and literally never thought about trying one before and here I am looking up vids.
Great vid btw.
Yes, changing strings on this is a day long process! The instrument on FB Marketplace might be a hunk of junk or a rare find. The sitar subreddit is a good resource to help figure out what is what. www.reddit.com/r/Sitar/
This was so very helpful! Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
Very well explained how play sitar for beginners 👌👌👌👌Full watched and enjoyed 🤗🤗😇Added your chnl after full wat🤗
Hi Jeff, I have just started learning sitar and I have been struggling with how much to hit the brass string in bot Da and Ra strokes. I started off by not hitting the brass string but then I was not able to get the same dynamics in the instrument. Do you always hit the brass string while strumming or sometimes. Would love to get some feedback. Thanks
Hey there, Jeff. I love your sitar videos. I finally got me a sitar! Day one I played close to around ten hours, with the help of Ravi Shankar's book, and your videos for the meantime while I'm on the search for a teacher. I have a question for you: How is the long Ra stroke down the sympathetic strings one by one, typically at the beginning of a performance, done? I cant hit all of them with the mizrab, but it doesn't look like the index finger is doing this. It looks like the little finger in most videos. Is my nail too short? Any tips?
...Gotta grow out that finger nail on your pinky. It's generally not done with the Mizrab.
You can add false nail available today in your index finger
@@arupratan1978 yeah, that's kind of what I ended up doing. I cant grow my nail that long, so I use a banjo pick inverted on my pinky to do it. It works!
How is it going Jeff? Long time, we have seen your sitar videos. Hope your riyaz is going well.
inspiring and encouraging . thank you
Hey guy. I'm still thinking about getting a guitar. Just dont wanna rush into anything.
Sir, could you please explain in detail how to use the left hand in Sitar, with a clear and slow visual demonstration from the sideways of the instrument.
This is a great suggestion for a future video. Thank you!
We also call it come and go
So you're supposed to hit the 2nd string as well? I was trying to figure out how to avoid it for the last 2-3 days (started with 5 days back). Lucky to arrive at your video! Thanks a ton seems like initially I was doing right.
Also another question, is the 2nd string Sa supposed to be louder than the Ma string? Or should I not focus on loudness and just build up right hand strength/muscle-memory first? Thanks a ton!
Don’t focus on loudness right now. Just work on getting overall hand strength and muscle memory. I’m glad my video was helpful!
@@JeffStarr Thanks a lot!
Sir the metal thing you have on your right hand (pointer finger) Is making an unpleasant clacking noise that I am not accustomed to hearing when sitar is played correctly (I thought I'd mention it so you can know it is rather distracting)...Just a heads up
Thanks
thank you
Love from delhi india 👌👌👌👍👍👍
Thank you for the video. I just started learning sitar myself ^.^ Do you have any recommendations for books about the sitar and Indian Classical music in general that you thought were helpful in developing an understanding of the music?
Hi! Thanks for watching. I hope you found the video helpful. A good book to start with is "My Music, My Life" by Ravi Shankar. You get some history, his life story and some sitar exercises to start you practicing. Here is an amazon link: amzn.to/2oQTGhq
Hi there, really appreciate your vids. Being a newbie myself and practising my da and ra at the mo. I had a question...How do you remember where the notes are...I'm constantly looking to see if I'm on Sa, Re, Ga etc when practising. Does this come with time? Thanks
Hi, Thank you for your question. Learning the placement comes with time. This took me a while, maybe a year or more. One day I was able to play a few lines with my eyes closed and I was so excited I marked my calendar and it reminds me every year. It is often the little things are most important when progressing. Keep at it!
@@JeffStarr Brilliant 😊 Thanks for your reply! Best get practising :)
Sa, Ma, Pa, Git The Vittles, put 'em in the 'Ja'!!
Thank you for the video!! great
Glad you liked it! I post new videos every week so if there is a topic you would like to see me discuss, let me know.
Love it!
Well, I just bought a sitar yesterday from a very nice man on eBay. It was practically brand new, in fact it hadn’t even been tuned yet.
I brought it home and tried tuning in to raga Yaman and ended up breaking 2 strings in the process.
I need to restring it now, and fortunately I have a new set of strings.
Would it be possible to get a restringing video?
Actually, I made a restringing video a while back that might be helpful. ruclips.net/video/QrWTfKxgK4s/видео.html
Welcome to the world of learning the sitar!
Buy the long coils, in #0/#1, etc. Save money in the long run!
Hey Hi buddy, This is really helpful for me. Thanks
Great! I am glad this was helpful.
Will there be any more sitar lessons?
Yes! I’m filming one tonight!
New sitar video posted today (and more coming soon!): ruclips.net/video/Och5cyB-1qw/видео.html
Eooooooo man I love it and you
When your strumming, are you striking with one finger or all four fingers? I don't own a sitar (yet) but I'm considering getting one and taking lessons in my nearest city.
One finger, but it should be an entire hand movement to help generate power and volume.
Any suggestions on how to buy my first sitar ?
I've been thinking about playing the sitar for like a decade now.. though i think the hardest part is maintaining the "proper"posture. Not sure I can sit like that for more than a minute without some part of my body falling asleep.
If you watch Ravi in his later years he is often sitting on a chair, sofa or similar raised platform to make posture easier. I find sitting on a firm seat cushion helps a lot.
I have a question that I'm having trouble finding information on. Is it okay to store a sitar that's in a hard case in an upright position? So vertically, instead of laying horizontally. I'm trying to make more space.
Do you have a molded fiberglass style case? If so, storing vertical shouldn't be a problem. I've done this many times and know others who do it all the time. Generally people store them gourd side down. Obviously you want to make sure that the instrument is sitting in a safe spot and isn't going to get knocked over and smash into the floor even when it's in the case. The case might present major damage but the sitar is super sensitive and won't be happy.
Hi. Could you please let me know for starters, which Sitar to buy and any suggestions of whereabouts.. Thanks
A great place to gather information is the sitar reddit page: www.reddit.com/r/Sitar/ The there is a lot of information for beginners. I hope that helps! Thanks for watching my video.
Hello, thank you very much for this video- so helpful! I have one question. I’m trying to practice hitting the string right next to the 1st one while I’m playing the 1st string (I think you referred to it as the “sa” string). I feel that I’m hitting it too hard, to the point where it sounds louder than the 1st string. How can I hit that 2nd “sa” string with the right amount of pressure while playing the 1st string? Like for example when doing the da stroke? Also, do I have to hit the sa string in the ra stroke too? Thanks! 🙏
Hey Jeff! How's your riyaz going? Been a while we saw your new sitar videos :)
Don’t worry, my next video is a sitar video. Practicing has been better recently but it’s never enough. Ha ha!
I can play what you demonstrated here but am lost on where to go from there. Any tips?
As always, I recommend finding a teacher if you don't have one. Until then maybe work on playing with a metronome and work on increasing your speed as you play Sargam up and down the neck.
Is it possible for you to make a video on how to tie a fret, because my dha fret just came loose
Good idea! I've actually never needed to tie a fret so I've been able to avoid that challenge so far.
Yaaaay!!
It's hard. I unfortunately decided I would untie all the fret strings off my kanai Lal and 're string .......what a huge mistake! ! All because I wanted to lose the old yellow string with fresh New yellow string, wish I hadn't, I'm ok now, but it took a day and a half of time I really didn't have to get the instrument back to where it was. Never, ever again! If it ain't broke.....don't fix it!
100% agree with this. If it’s not broke don’t fix it, especially with a sitar! Ha ha!
I love the sitar, such a great African instrument... thanks for your video... do you play Indian drum ( bongo type thing)also ?
I don’t play the tabla drums but I did recently get a set for free so maybe I’ll learn.
Everything of value was invented in INDIA and stolen by the rest of the world.
Paul Hatton Everything of value? What kind of propaganda are you watching?
Indian, Indian, Indian
What tuning is this?
Sa is tuned to D
What city are you based out of?
New York City
i see rage against the machine didn't work out
Ha ha ha ha ha!
Lol u look like Seth Rogen had a baby with TJ Miller
Ha ha ha ha!
Always remember we must repent of our sins (sin is transgression The Law Of Yahuah The Father in Heaven. The Law are The Books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy). We must repent of our sins and Have Belief On Yahusha The Messiah. HE Died and Rose three days later so that we can be forgiven of our sins!
Come to HIM Today. Much love!
Got desperate listening to your hesitation at speaking