tamburas

Tamburas, also known as tanpuras, are long-necked plucked string instruments used primarily as drone accompaniments in Indian classical music. They provide a continuous reference pitch for vocalists and melodic instruments such as the sitar, sarod, flute, and violin. The tambura is not a melodic instrument; its purpose is to sustain fixed tones that establish the tonal center and intonation for a performance.

Construction and tuning vary by region and maker, but a typical tambura features a hollow resonator, often gourd-shaped, with a long wooden neck. Most traditional tamburas have four metal strings, though five- and six-string variants exist. The strings are not fretted; the instrument is played softly to generate a sustained, even drone. In Hindustani practice, the four strings are usually tuned to two octaves of the tonic (Sa) and the fifth (Pa): Sa in a lower octave, Sa in a higher octave, Pa in a lower octave, and Pa in a higher octave. This configuration produces a drone that reinforces the key notes of the raga being performed. Modern performers may also use electric or electronic tanpuras to generate a drone.

Play and use: players typically pluck the strings with the right hand, maintaining a regular, gentle rhythm to sustain the drone without overbearing the melodic line. Tamburas are common in both solo vocal performances and ensembles, and are used in Hindustani and South Indian (Carnatic) music, though terminology and tuning conventions can vary. In recent decades, electronic tanpuras have become popular for practice and recording, offering stable, adjustable drone tones.