How To Play Setar

Setar is a stringed musical instrument with a specific sound, that belongs to the tanbur family. In addition, bone is used to decorate the wooden body. So how to play setar? 

Setar has two parts; case and handle. At the end of the handle is the end where ratchets or tools are used to adjust the adjuster. Setar has a soft voice and reaches up to 3 octaves. Although the use of the setar is typical in the Persian musical repertoire, it is mostly used as a solo instrument. You can continue reading our article for what you need to know about play setar.

Features of setar        

Setar means three strings. However, nowadays you can find it with four strings. It has two steel and two brass wires. The keyboard of this Persian musical instrument has 25-26 frets.

The setar material is made of mulberry wood, and its usual size is approximately 85×20 cm (includes a 15 cm deep bowl). As it is a sensitive Iranian musical instrument, mostly Sufis carry and play setar.

Setar is all wood and has no sheepskin membrane. It is played directly with the nails, especially the index finger, and there is no need for a plectrum.

Is it hard to learn to play the setar?  

Setar is one of the most authentic and characteristic instruments of Iranian traditional music. Setar is also easy. It changed over time, now it has four strings, and its frets range from 22 to 28. Setar is played with the long fingernail of the index finger. Setar has a soft timbre, but can be loud and powerful at times. 

The setars in our catalog are made by the best setar makers who are masters of their craft. We believe that you will find the most suitable set for yourself here at the most affordable price.

How to play setar?    

The instrument may disturb the ears of the person playing setar. Therefore, the base note of La is used to tune the first string for practice. Another reason to use la is the quality of the wire. As a result of this process, the durability of the wires increases. 

At the same time, it is easier to apply techniques such as putting fingers on the strings and pressing the strings. A unique melody is usually considered for each Dastgah. However, the emotion and song theme of the player may differ according to each Dastgah system. So, if the first string needs to be tuned on the note C and the second string on the note G, respectively, it may be possible to tune each under one fret.

Also, you should know that there should be no twisting of the wrist when placing your hand over the bowl and that setar should be placed on it like a half-open fist. The little finger and thumb should be on either side of the strings. While turning, the index finger cracks should not be from the first knuckle and should be made in the second knuckle of the index finger.

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