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Tambura

Also: Tanpura

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Sounds a continuous drone, usually on Sa and Pa, throughout a concert.

About

A long-necked plucked instrument with usually four strings and a gourd body. The open strings are plucked in turn so the sound is continuous, and the curved bridge gives a buzzing richness. It does not play a melody; it gives the ear a fixed reference. Electronic shruti boxes and apps are now widely used as substitutes.

References for this page

Type at least two letters. Try a raga name, a tala, or a word like "gamaka".