Indian Fingering May 2026

A smooth slide from one note to another without the lateral pull of a Meend .

In Hindustani classical music, particularly for the Sitar, the standard practice is to use only the and middle fingers of the left hand. indian fingering

The physical structure of the instrument dictates the fingering style: 1. The Sitar A smooth slide from one note to another

Unlike the Sitar, which uses the pads of the fingers, Sarod players often use the edge of their fingernails to press the strings against the metal plate. This creates the instrument's signature bright, sliding sound. 💡 Key Technical Concepts particularly for the Sitar