Sitar vs. Veena — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 7, 2023
The Sitar is a plucked string instrument with a long neck, commonly used in Hindustani classical music. The Veena is also a plucked string instrument but with a shorter neck, used primarily in Carnatic music.
Difference Between Sitar and Veena
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Sitar is an iconic instrument deeply embedded in the Hindustani classical tradition of North India. Veena, on the other hand, is integral to the Carnatic music culture of South India. Both are stringed instruments, but their construction and tonal quality differ significantly.
Sitar usually has 18-21 strings and is characterized by its long neck and gourd-shaped resonator. Veena has fewer strings, generally around 4 to 6, and its neck is comparatively shorter. Both instruments utilize a set of drone strings, but the arrangement and number of these strings differ.
One of the key differences between the Sitar and the Veena is the style of music they are used in. While the Sitar is a staple in Hindustani classical music, featuring complex ragas and rapid finger movements, the Veena is used in Carnatic compositions which are generally more focused on melody and lyrical content.
In terms of playing techniques, the Sitar utilizes a metallic wire as a plectrum, and it often employs meend (glissando) for fluid note transitions. Veena uses fingertips or fingerpicks for plucking and is often used for creating gamakas, which are ornamentations in Carnatic music.
Both instruments have undergone modern adaptations. Electric versions of both the Sitar and Veena exist. While the Sitar has been integrated into genres like rock and jazz, the Veena has also seen experimental usage but is more commonly kept within the realm of classical music.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
North India
South India
Number of Strings
18-21
4-6
Musical Tradition
Hindustani
Carnatic
Playing Technique
Metallic plectrum
Fingertips or fingerpicks
Modern Adaptations
Electric versions, jazz fusion
Electric versions
Compare with Definitions
Sitar
Sitar is a string instrument with a long neck.
The Sitar is a staple in Hindustani classical music.
Veena
Veena is a string instrument used primarily in Carnatic music.
She played the Veena in a classical Carnatic concert.
Sitar
Sitar usually has 18-21 strings.
The Sitar's multiple strings contribute to its rich sound.
Veena
Veena has 4-6 strings.
The Veena's fewer strings produce a more melodic sound.
Sitar
Sitar uses a metallic wire as a plectrum for plucking.
The player uses a metallic plectrum to play the Sitar.
Veena
Veena employs gamakas, or ornamentations.
The Veena artist skillfully incorporated gamakas into the performance.
Sitar
Sitar employs the technique of meend for note transitions.
The Sitarist used meend to create a fluid transition between notes.
Veena
Veena is often played using fingertips or fingerpicks.
The musician plucked the Veena strings with her fingertips.
Sitar
Sitar has been adapted into modern music genres.
An electric Sitar was used in the jazz performance.
Veena
Veena has a shorter neck compared to the Sitar.
The Veena's shorter neck contributes to its distinctive sound.
Sitar
The sitar (English: or ; IAST: sitāra) is a plucked stringed instrument, originating from the Indian subcontinent, used in Hindustani classical music. The instrument was invented in medieval India and flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries and arrived at its present form in 18th-century India.
Veena
The veena, also spelled vina (IAST: vīṇā), comprises a family of chordophone instruments from the Indian subcontinent. Ancient musical instruments evolved into many variations, such as lutes, zithers and arched harps.
Sitar
A stringed instrument of India having a seasoned gourd for a body and a hollow wooden neck with movable raised frets. Stretched over the frets are usually 6 or 7 metal strings on which the melody is played with a pick, and stretched under the frets are 11 or more sympathetic resonating strings.
Veena
Variant of vina.
Sitar
(musical instruments) A Hindustani/Indian classical stringed instrument, typically having a gourd as its resonating chamber.
Veena
(musical instrument) A plucked stringed instrument with five or seven steel strings stretched on a long fretted finger-board over two gourds, used mostly in Carnatic Indian classical music.
Sitar
A stringed instrument of India; has a long neck and movable frets; has 6 or 7 metal strings for playing and usually 13 resonating strings
Common Curiosities
How many strings does a Sitar have?
A Sitar typically has 18-21 strings.
What is a Sitar?
A Sitar is a long-necked string instrument used in Hindustani classical music.
What style of music is the Sitar used in?
The Sitar is mainly used in Hindustani classical music.
What is a Veena?
A Veena is a string instrument used primarily in Carnatic music.
What is the playing technique for the Sitar?
The Sitar is played with a metallic plectrum.
Is the Veena used in modern music?
The Veena has seen some experimental usage but is generally kept within classical music.
How many strings does a Veena have?
A Veena usually has 4-6 strings.
How is melody achieved on the Sitar?
Melody on the Sitar is often achieved through the use of meend or glissando.
How is melody achieved on the Veena?
Melody on the Veena is often achieved through the use of gamakas or ornamentations.
What's the main difference between the Sitar and Veena?
The main difference lies in their origins, number of strings, and the style of music they are used in. Sitar is associated with Hindustani music, while Veena is associated with Carnatic music.
What is the playing technique for the Veena?
The Veena is often played using fingertips or fingerpicks.
Do electric versions of the Sitar exist?
Yes, there are electric versions of the Sitar.
Do electric versions of the Veena exist?
Yes, there are electric versions of the Veena.
What style of music is the Veena used in?
The Veena is mainly used in Carnatic music.
Is the Sitar used in modern music?
Yes, the Sitar has been adapted into genres like rock and jazz.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
