Surbahar
Deep, contemplative, and highly resonant..
About this instrument
Many people mistake it for a sitar, but the Surbahar stands apart — larger in size, deeper in tone, and resonating with a rich, bass-like depth. I fell in love with its sustain and expressive range; it invites you to play slowly, to linger on every note, to let silence breathe between phrases. Instruments of this quality are rare, especially given how ornate their designs can be compared to the far more common sitar. The Surbahar feels at home in romantic, meditative, or even mournful settings, yet it’s remarkably versatile — capable of carrying the soul of Indian classical music as easily as a slow blues riff or even something with a metallic edge. You have to see and hear one in person to truly understand its power.
In the videos above, I’m playing within a blues pentatonic scale, adding a diminished second to give it that subtle, mysterious edge. The first video highlights the bright, sitar-like timbre of the highest string, while the second explores the instrument’s lower register — the deep, resonant voice the Surbahar is most celebrated for.
Recommended M o o d s for this instrument
The Surbahar’s range makes it ideal for a wide spectrum of feelings — from deep introspection to cinematic grandeur. Try exploring these moods below:
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