Virtual sitar: play the Indian sitar online
Play the sitar, the long-necked string instrument of Hindustani classical music, right in your browser. The seven main strings are named in sargam, so key 1 is Sa, 2 is Re and so on up to Ni.
Choose a standard, Punjabi-style, Bengali-style or electric sitar, pluck the body and soundhole for resonance, and follow the Raag Yaman guide to practise a real raga phrase.
How to play the sitar with your computer keyboard
- Number keys 1–7 play the main strings: Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni.
- Click the strings, body or soundhole with the mouse or tap them on a phone.
- Adjust string brightness and resonance in the sound controls.
What you can do on the virtual sitar
- Seven main strings labelled in sargam
- Standard, Punjabi, Bengali and electric sitar styles
- String brightness and resonance controls
- Raag Yaman song guide, metronome and tuner
- Record your playing
4 sitar types to choose from
- Standard Sitar: The classic Hindustani sitar, with seven strings on the keys 1 to 7 labelled in sargam.
- Punjabi Style Sitar: A brighter tone with a longer, ringing sustain.
- Bengali Style Sitar: A warm, balanced tone between the standard and Punjabi sitars.
- Electric Sitar: A darker, faster-speaking tone, like the electric sitars heard in 1960s pop and rock.
About the sitar
The sitar has main playing strings plus sympathetic strings that ring along with them, giving its shimmering sound. It is played in ragas, and was made famous worldwide by Ravi Shankar.
Frequently asked questions
How do I play sitar on a computer keyboard?
Press the number keys 1 to 7. Each one plays a main string, named Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha and Ni.
Can I learn sitar online without buying one?
You can learn the sargam notes and practise simple raga phrases such as Raag Yaman on the virtual sitar before investing in a real instrument.
Is the virtual sitar free?
Yes. The sitar is free to play in your browser with no download and no sign-up. You can record and save favourites without an account; a free sign-in adds music rooms and Google Drive backup.
What is the difference between a sitar and a veena?
The sitar belongs to North Indian (Hindustani) music and has a gourd at one end; the Saraswati veena is a South Indian (Carnatic) instrument with a gourd at each end. You can play both on HarmonyHub.