A sitar is not a guitar — it's an Indian stringed instrument with a completely different sound and playing technique
A sitar is a plucked string instrument from India with a long neck, a large resonating chamber, and sympathetic strings that vibrate without being touched. It produces the shimmering, sliding sound you hear in Indian classical music and in some Western rock and pop recordings. If you arrived here looking for an electric or acoustic guitar, you want a different instrument. If you want a sitar, this guide covers where to buy one, what to expect to pay, and what to look for in a beginner model.
Sitars range from $150 for a basic beginner model to $5,000 or more for professional handmade instruments. Most people starting out spend $200 to $400 and learn on that for at least a year before deciding whether to upgrade. The good news is that a budget sitar produces a real sitar sound — you are not buying a toy or decoration.
Key Takeaways
- A sitar costs between $150 and $500 for a beginner model, with professional instruments running $1,000 to $5,000 or more.
- Online retailers like Amazon and eBay stock sitars, but music stores that specialise in Indian instruments offer better guidance on sound quality and playability.
- Beginner sitars from brands like Ravi Shankar or Salaam are designed to be easier to play and tune than professional models.
- A sitar requires a curved stand called a jaipuri or floor cushion to sit properly while you play, and this is usually sold separately.
- Learning sitar involves different finger techniques and hand positions than guitar, so expect a steep initial learning curve even if you play other instruments.
Where to buy a sitar online and in stores
Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Reverb stock sitars in the beginner price range. These platforms let you compare models side by side and read reviews from other buyers, though you cannot hear the instrument before purchase. Shipping is usually included, and return policies are clear — most allow returns within 30 days if the sitar is unused.
Music stores that specialise in Indian instruments — found in larger cities with South Asian communities — let you play before you buy and get information from staff who know the difference between playable beginner models and decorative ones. Search online for "Indian music store" or "sitar dealer" plus your city name. If no local store exists, some mail-order specialists like Raag Desh or Surbandhan will ship nationwide and answer questions by phone or email about which model suits your needs.
General music retailers like Guitar Center sometimes stock sitars, but staff knowledge varies widely. Call ahead to confirm they have one in stock and can let you handle it. You may find better selection and informed at a store focused on world instruments.
Price ranges for different skill levels
Beginner sitars cost $150 to $400. These are designed to be easier to tune and play, with softer strings and simpler construction. They still produce the characteristic sitar sound, though the tone is less complex than a professional instrument. Brands like Ravi Shankar (the brand, not the musician), Salaam, and Maharaja are common at this price point and widely available online.
Intermediate sitars run $400 to $1,000. These have better wood, more responsive strings, and finer tuning mechanisms. If you plan to play regularly and take lessons, this range is worth the investment. You will notice a clearer tone and easier playability compared to budget models.
Professional sitars cost $1,000 to $5,000 or more. These are handmade by master craftspeople in India, use premium materials, and produce the rich, nuanced sound heard in concert performances. Most beginners do not need this level, and jumping straight to a professional instrument is wasteful if you are still learning whether sitar is right for you.
What to look for in a beginner sitar
Check the wood quality first. The main body should be made from teak or sheesham (Indian rosewood), not plywood or particle board. Run your hand over the surface — it should feel smooth and solid, not flimsy or warped. Plywood bodies are cheaper but produce a duller sound and are more prone to cracking.
Test the tuning pegs by turning them gently. They should move smoothly without grinding or slipping. Stiff pegs are normal on new instruments, but they should not feel broken or loose. If a peg spins freely without tightening the string, the mechanism is worn and tuning will be frustrating.
Look at the strings. A sitar has between 18 and 21 strings total: the main playing strings (usually 6 or 7), sympathetic strings that run underneath and vibrate on their own, and drone strings. All should be intact with no visible rust or fraying. Missing or damaged strings mean you will need to replace them before you can play.
Ask the seller or store whether the sitar comes with a stand or cushion. You cannot play a sitar on your lap like a guitar — it rests on a curved wooden stand or a floor cushion. Some beginner packages include this; others charge $30 to $60 extra. Do not skip this — playing without proper support will hurt your wrists and make learning much harder.
Essential accessories you will need to buy separately
A jaipuri stand (curved wooden stand) or floor cushion is required to position the sitar correctly while you play. Cost: $30 to $80. Without one, the instrument will not sit at the right angle and you cannot reach the strings properly. Some sellers bundle this with the sitar; others do not.
A plectrum or pick, called a mizrab, is worn on the finger and used to pluck the strings. Beginner sets usually include one, but having a spare is useful since they can wear out or break. Cost: $5 to $15 for a set of several.
A tuner designed for sitar or a general chromatic tuner helps you keep the strings in pitch. A clip-on tuner works fine and is cheaper than a dedicated sitar tuner. Cost: $15 to $40. Tuning by ear alone is possible but much harder for beginners.
Strings wear out and break. A replacement set costs $20 to $50. Beginners should have a spare set on hand so a broken string does not stop you from practicing while you wait for a replacement to arrive.
Learning resources and lessons
Sitar playing uses different hand positions, finger techniques, and musical theory than Western instruments. Online video tutorials on YouTube are free but often assume you already know Indian music basics. Channels like "Learn Sitar Online" and "Sitar Lessons" offer structured beginner content, though quality varies widely.
In-person lessons from a sitar teacher are more effective if you can find one. Search for "sitar lessons" in your area or ask at local Indian music stores for teacher referrals. Expect to pay $30 to $80 per hour. Some teachers offer online lessons via video call, which expands your options if no local teacher exists. A teacher can correct your hand position and technique in real time, which is hard to do from a video alone.
Books like The Sitar: A Study of Indian Musical Instruments provide historical and technical background, though they are not substitutes for hands-on instruction. Pairing a book with video lessons or a teacher gives you the best foundation.
New versus used sitars
A new beginner sitar from a reputable brand is the safer choice if you are unsure about the instrument's condition. You get a warranty (usually 30 days to one year) and the seller's support if something is wrong. If a string breaks or a tuning peg fails within the warranty period, you can contact the seller for a replacement or repair.
Used sitars can be good value if you buy from a music store or established dealer who has inspected the instrument. Avoid private sales unless you can play sitar yourself or bring someone who can. A cracked body, warped neck, or worn tuning pegs can cost $100 to $300 to repair, which wipes out any savings from buying used. Check the body carefully for cracks by looking at it in bright light and running your fingers along the seams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sitar hard to learn if I already play guitar?
Guitar skills help with finger strength and music reading, but sitar technique is quite different. The hand position, plucking motion, and the way you bend notes are all distinct. Expect three to six months of regular practice before you can play straightforward melodies smoothly.
Can I return a sitar if I do not like it?
Online retailers like Amazon and Reverb allow returns within 30 days if the item is unused or in original condition. Music stores have their own policies — ask before you buy. Some dealers offer a trial period or will let you exchange for a different model if the first one does not suit you.
Do I need to buy an expensive sitar to start?
No. A beginner sitar in the $200 to $300 range is sufficient to learn on and produces a genuine sitar sound. Upgrading to a better instrument makes sense after six months to a year of regular playing, when you know whether you want to continue.
What is the difference between a sitar and a sarod?
Both are Indian stringed instruments, but a sarod has a shorter neck, a smaller body, and a different playing technique. A sitar has the long neck and large resonating chamber. If you heard the instrument in a film or recording and want to know which one it was, search the song title plus "sitar" or "sarod" to confirm.
Can I play sitar sitting on a chair like a guitar?
Not comfortably. A sitar is designed to rest on a stand or floor cushion so the neck angles upward and the body sits at your chest. Trying to hold it like a guitar puts strain on your wrists and makes it nearly impossible to reach the sympathetic strings or play with proper technique.