Sitar in Rock Music: An Unexpected but Awesome Combination

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Who would have thought that the sitar would make a great addition to rock music? But it does, and the results are pretty awesome. Check out this blog post to learn more about how the sitar can add a unique flavor to your favorite rock tunes.

Sitar in Rock Music: An Unexpected but Awesome Combination

The sitar has been around for centuries, and is most commonly associated with traditional Indian music. However, in recent years, the sitar has found its way into the world of rock music – and the results are pretty amazing.

Typically, the sitar is used as a lead instrument, providing a unique and exotic sounding melody that really stands out against the rest of the instruments in a rock song. When used correctly, the sitar can add a whole new dimension to a song and really make it stand out.

Of course, not every rock band has embraced the sitar – but those that have usually do so to great effect. If you’re looking for some examples of sitar in rock music, check out “Rabbit” by The Doors, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles, or “Tomorrow Never Knows” by Led Zeppelin.

The History of the Sitar in Rock Music

Though the sitar has been used in rock music since the 1960s, its use became more widespread in the 1970s with the release of Ravi Shankar’s album In Concert 1972. George Harrison of The Beatles was particularly intrigued by Shankar’s sound and began to experiment with the sitar on several of the band’s later albums. The sitar quickly gained popularity as a result of Harrison’s endorsement, and other rock musicians began to integrate it into their own work.

One of the first and most famous examples of the sitar in rock music is “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” from The Beatles’ 1965 album Rubber Soul. Harrison was the only member of the band to play sitar on this track, which helped to give it its distinctive sound. Other notable examples include Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” from Physical Graffiti (1975) and “No Quarter” from Houses of the Holy (1973), both of which feature Jimmy Page on sitar.

The use of the sitar in rock music declined in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but it made a comeback in the 1990s thanks to bands like Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins. Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” from In Utero (1993) features some sitar playing by then-guitarist Kurt Cobain, while The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Daphne Descends” from Siamese Dream (1993) contains a lengthy sitar solo by Billy Corgan.

Today, the sitar remains a popular choice for rock musicians looking to add an exotic touch to their sound. Recent examples include “A Sorta Fairytale” by Tori Amos, “Clockwork Angels” by Rush, and “Hoodoo” by Queens of Stone Age.

The Different Ways the Sitar is Used in Rock Music

The sitar is a plucked stringed instrument used in Hindustani classical music. The instrument is believed to have been developed in the 18th century and has since become an integral part of North Indian music. The sitar is also used in a number of other genres, including rock.

While the sitar is most commonly associated with Indian classical music, it has also made its way into other genres, including rock. The sitar has been used by a number of well-known rock bands, such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin.

The sitar can be used in a number of different ways in rock music. It can be used as a solo instrument, or it can be used to accompaniment other instruments. It can also be used to create unique sound effects.

The sitar has a distinctive sound that can be both soothing and eerie. When used in rock music, the sitar can add a unique flavor to the sound of the music.

The Benefits of Using the Sitar in Rock Music

The sitar has been used in rock music since the late 1960s, when George Harrison of The Beatles began to experiment with the instrument. Since then, many other rock musicians have used the sitar to create unique and interesting sounds. The sitar can provide a warm, mellow tone that can add depth and texture to a rock song. It can also be used to create energetic and exciting rhythms.

The sitar is a versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of ways in rock music. It can be used as a lead instrument, providing melody and countermelody. It can also be used as a rhythm instrument, creating intricate patterns and driving the beat forward. In addition, the sitar can be used to add color and texture to a rock song. By experimenting with different sounds and techniques, rock musicians can create new and exciting sounds that will enhance their music.

The drawbacks of Using the Sitar in Rock Music

Although the sitar is commonly associated with Indian classical music, it has made its way into the world of rock ‘n’ roll. The sitar can be a great addition to a rock song, adding an element of exoticism and mystery. However, there are some drawbacks to using the sitar in rock music.

First of all, the sitar is a very delicate instrument. It is not designed to be played loudly or with a lot of distortion. When it is used in rock music, it can sometimes be overwhelmed by the other instruments. Secondly, the sitar is not always in tune with modern Western instruments. This can make it difficult to create a cohesive sound. Finally, the sitar is not always easy to play. It takes a lot of practice to get the hang of it, and even then it can be tricky to produce the desired sound.

Despite these drawbacks, the sitar can still be a great addition to a rock song. If you’re looking for something a little different, give it a try!

How to Use the Sitar in Rock Music

The sitar has been used in rock music since the 1960s, when it was popularized by Asian-influenced British bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. The sitar is a versatile instrument that can add an exotic touch to any genre of music, but it works especially well in rock.

If you’re a rock musician looking to add a sitar to your sound, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the sitar is traditionally tuned to a different scale than Western instruments, so you’ll need to either retune your guitar or use a special tuning app such as Fretboard Warrior. Second, the sitar is played with a pick called a mizrab, so you’ll need to get one of those before you can start playing. Finally, the sitar has a number of different techniques that you’ll need to learn in order to get the most out of the instrument. But don’t worry – with a little practice, you’ll be playing like Ravi Shankar in no time!

The Best Songs that Feature the Sitar in Rock Music

The sitar is most commonly associated with classical Hindustani music, but it has been used in a number of different genres over the years. One unlikely but awesome combination is the sitar in rock music.

The sitar first rose to prominence in the West in the 1960s, thanks to its use by artists like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Since then, it has been used sporadically by a variety of rock bands, often to give their music an exotic or psychedelic edge.

Here are some of the best songs that feature the sitar in rock music:

1) “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” by The Beatles
2) “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones
3) “Nine Lives” by Def Leppard
4) “Tangerine” by Led Zeppelin
5) “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors
6) “Baba O’Riley” by The Who

The Worst Songs that Feature the Sitar in Rock Music

The sitar is a plucked string instrument used mainly in Hindustani classical music. The instrument found its way into the Western world in the late 1960s, when it was used by British rock bands such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Kinks.

Since then, the sitar has been used sporadically in rock music, mostly by artists who are trying to add an “exotic” flavor to their sound. Unfortunately, more often than not, the result is a mess. Here are some of the worst songs that feature the sitar in rock music.

The Future of the Sitar in Rock Music

One of the most unlikely but awesome combinations in music is the sitar in rock. The sitar is a traditional Indian instrument that has been used in Hindi film music and classical Indian music for centuries. However, in recent years, the sitar has made its way into the world of rock music, and the results are truly amazing.

The sitar has a very unique sound that can add a lot of depth and texture to a rock song. It also has a very distinct visual appeal, which can make a live performance even more exciting. The sitar is definitely an instrument that is on the rise in the world of rock music, and it is only a matter of time before we see even more bands incorporating it into their sound.

Why the Sitar is an Awesome Addition to Rock Music

The sitar is a long-necked, fretted string instrument used predominantly in Hindustani classical music. The instrument first gained popularity in the West in the 1960s with the release of Ravi Shankar’s album “In San Francisco”. Since then, the sitar has been used in a number of different genres, most notably rock.

The sitar has a very distinctive sound that can add a lot of flavor to a rock song. The most important thing to remember when using a sitar in rock music is to not overdo it. A little bit of sitar can go a long way. too much and it will start to sound like an Indian restaurant.

Here are some tips for using the sitar in rock music:

– Use it sparingly. A little bit of sitar can go a long way.
– Choose the right moments to use it. The sitar should be used to accentuate parts of the song, not overpower them.
– Be careful not to overuse effects. Effects can be great, but too much of anything will start to sound bad.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to use the sitar in rock music without turning your song into an Indian restaurant.

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