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Electric sitar: an overview
The electric sitar is a musical instrument designed to mimic the sound of a traditional Indian sitar while incorporating the playability and electronics of an electric guitar. It features a sitar-like buzzing sound, but its body and setup resemble that of a guitar, making it more accessible to Western musicians.
Origins
The electric sitar was developed in the 1960s by the American guitar maker Vincent Bell, who sought to capture the distinctive sound of the sitar without the complexity of learning the traditional instrument. The electric sitar was popularised during the 1960s and 1970s, as Western musicians sought to incorporate Eastern sounds into rock and pop music.
Development and use
It became a popular instrument in genres like psychedelic rock, especially after artists like George Harrison of The Beatles began using the traditional sitar in recordings. It allowed musicians to easily blend Indian tonalities with Western music styles. It featured on hits such as “Hooked on a Feeling” by B.J. Thomas and “Cry Like a Baby” by The Box Tops.
Contemporary use
Today, the electric sitar continues to be used in various genres, including rock, jazz, and world music. Its unique sound remains appealing for musicians looking to add an exotic, resonant quality to their compositions while retaining the ease of playing a guitar-style instrument.