Tanpura strings

Tuning a tanpura is such a complicated process as every single string resonates with many harmonics which with some practice can be distinguished individually as secondary tones. A tanpura is made of wood and has a larger base (toomba) than a sitar. The tanpura is certainly a deceptive instrument. The function of the tanpura is to sound the tonic repeatedly throughout a performance so that both the performer and the listener are always aware of the basic notes of the raga. A very important element of the tanpura is the threads, which are slipped beneath the tanpura strings on the bridge.