After finally getting used to tuning up, I've been having lots of fun just improvising and experimenting with the different sounds I can get.
But now I feel maybe its time to start learning some of the traditional techniques. I'm especially wondering how I'm supposed use the strings other than the main playing string. Could anyone point me in the direction of a website that might get me started?
I can't afford a teacher right now. Are there any particular books or videos that I should get ?
Re:Where can I learn traditional sitar techniques?
Jun 28, 2002 07:03 p.m.
Hi,
As far as videos there is only the ones by Ashwin Batish but they're $50 each.
Must have books are:
Ravi Shankar, My Music, My Life - out of print but can get them new from India from www.tabla.org sometimes for $25 or check ebay for used copies. . .
The Sitar: The instrument and its Technique by Manfred Junius - Peter has these. .
My Sitar: by Bhagwan Sharar Sharma. . .out of print but Peter is trying to get some from India. . .
Sitar and its techniques by S. Bandyopadhyaya. . . . .available from Khazana.com but very expensive and a little difficult to figure out but worth the money in my opinion. . .
Hope that helps? Email me and I have some computer based stuff that will help you too. . .
Re:Where can I learn traditional sitar techniques?
Jun 29, 2002 10:27 a.m.
There is a copy of "My Music, My Life on Ebay for 12 bucks. .hurry. I've run across new copies waiting for new owners from several book shops that offer books on this subject. In addition to Khazana, you might try: www.southasiabooks.com
One neat thing I can add about tuning is that not only does your ear improve but your instrument will become more responsive to tight tuning. Spend whatever time it takes to fully and accurately tune up and the rewards are great. Also, many people say not to worry about tuning the tarab strings at first. I don't agree. Kind of like learning to drive a car and saying that you'll learn how to use the brakes after you master acceleration. Those tarabs will be a good signal that you've found your note in a meend.
Please post any findings you come up with as I'm always looking for any new source of info. It seems that the www adds a new sitar site every day. Our job is to find it and extract any useful stuff.
Re:Where can I learn traditional sitar techniques?
Jun 29, 2002 02:57 p.m.
I think I'll start with My Music, My Life, I've seen excerpts from it on the internet before and I liked what I read.
I just bid on the one on e-bay, so hopefully I'll get a nice deal and maybe someone won't out-bid me in the last 5-seconds, which is what usually happens. .
Re:Where can I learn traditional sitar techniques?
Jun 29, 2002 11:36 a.m.
Good comment about tuning, sometimes I'll spend half an hour or more tuning up. My teacher does the same thing. . . . .
There's another copy of the Ravi book on ebay with a 'buy it now' of $30 which is the going rate. . . .That book will keep you very busy for some time!
