Learn All About the Setar, a Persian Stringed Instrument

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

2. History of the Setar

3. Parts of the Setar

4. FAQ

Introduction

The Setar is a Persian stringed instrument with a long, slender neck and a pear-shaped body. It is played with a plectrum and has a range of about three octaves. The setar is one of the most popular instruments in Persian classical music and is also used in folk music and traditional music from other parts of the Middle East.

History of the Setar

The Setar is a long-necked, stringed instrument that is thought to have originated in Persia (now Iran) in the 14th century. It is one of the oldest and most popular instruments in Persian music. The setar has a pear-shaped body and a long, thin neck. It has four strings, which are tuned in a variety of ways. The setar is played with a plectrum, and it is used to accompany singing and dancing.

The Setar is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a wide range of musical styles. It is often used in traditional Persian music, but it can also be used in folk music, jazz, and other genres. The Setar has a unique sound that is both haunting and beautiful. It is a popular instrument with both amateur and professional musicians alike.

The Setar has been played by many famous musicians, including Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Ali Akbar Shahnazi, and Hossein Alizadeh. It has also been featured in a number of movies and television shows, including The House of Sand and Fog and The Kite Runner.

Parts of the Setar

The Setar is a stringed instrument with a long, slender neck and a pear-shaped body. It has four strings, which are tuned in a descending G major scale. The strings are played with a plectrum, and the instrument is held upright in the lap. The Setar is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of musical styles, including traditional Persian music, folk music, and classical music.

The Setar has a number of distinctive features that set it apart from other stringed instruments. The most notable of these is its unique tuning system. The setar is tuned in a descending G major scale, with the strings tuned to G3, D4, A4, and E5. This tuning system gives the setar a distinctive sound that is unlike any other instrument.

Another distinctive feature of the setar is its long, slender neck. The neck of the Setar is made of wood, and it is typically about two feet long. The neck is fretted, which means that there are raised ridges on the neck that indicate where the notes are located. The frets allow the player to play notes with a degree of accuracy.

The Setar also has a pear-shaped body. The body of the Setar is made of wood, and it is typically about twelve inches long and eight inches wide. The body is hollow, and it has a sound hole on the top. The sound hole allows the sound of the strings to resonate, which gives the setar its characteristic sound.

The Setar is a beautiful and versatile instrument that is used in a variety of musical genres. It is a popular instrument in Iran, and it is also becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world.

How to Play the Setar

The Setar is a stringed instrument that is played with a plectrum. It has a long, slender neck and a pear-shaped body. The strings are tuned in a variety of ways, but the most common tuning is GDAE.

To play the setar, you hold it in your lap with the neck resting on your left knee. The plectrum is held in your right hand and is used to pluck the strings. The left hand is used to fret the strings and to create different sounds by pressing on the strings at different points.

The Setar is a relatively difficult instrument to learn to play, but it is a rewarding instrument to master. It is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of music genres, including classical, folk, and jazz.

If you are interested in learning to play the setar, there are a number of resources available to you. You can find lessons online, in books, and from private teachers. You can also find setar ensembles in many cities around the world, where you can learn to play by listening and playing with other musicians.

Different Types of Setars

There are many different types of Setar, each with its own unique sound and characteristics. Some of the most common types include: * The daftar setar is the most traditional type of setar, and is characterized by its long neck and small body. * The kaman setar is a smaller and more portable type of Setar and is often used in folk music. * The barbat setar is a larger and more powerful type of Setar and is often used in classical music. * The tar setar is a type of setar that has been adapted for use in Western music. Each type of setar has its own unique set of tunings and playing techniques and can be used to create a wide variety of musical styles.

Famous Setar Players

The Setar has been played by many famous musicians over the years, including:

• Amir-Hossein Dashti (1923-2007)
• Hossein Alizadeh (born 1951)
• Kayhan Kalhor (born 1963)
• Maryam Akhondzadeh (born 1975)
• Shayan Kassabieh (born 1977)

These musicians have helped to popularize the setar and bring it to a wider audience. They have also contributed to the development of the instrument's technique and repertoire.

Setar in Music

The Setar is a versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of musical genres. It is a popular instrument in Persian classical music, but it is also used in folk music, jazz, and rock.

In Persian classical music, the Setar is often used to accompany the vocals. It can also be used as a solo instrument. The Setar is often played in a variety of modes, including the rast, avaz, and chahargah.

In folk music, the Setar is used to accompany a variety of traditional instruments, such as the kamancheh, daf, and tombak. It is also used in folk music from other cultures, such as Turkish, Azerbaijani, and Kurdish music.

In jazz, the Setar has been used by a variety of musicians, including Charlie Haden, John McLaughlin, and Anouar Brahem. It has also been used in rock music by bands such as King Crimson and Tool.

The Setar is a unique and versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of musical genres. It is a popular instrument in Persian classical music, but it is also used in folk music, jazz, and rock.

Where to Buy a Setar

There are a few different places where you can buy a Setar. You can purchase one from a music store, online, or from a private seller.

If you are looking for a new Setar, your best bet is to visit a music store that specializes in Persian instruments. They will be able to help you choose the right setar for your needs and budget.

You can also purchase a setar online from a variety of retailers. When shopping online, be sure to read the reviews carefully to make sure you are getting a quality instrument.

Finally, you can also find setars for sale from private sellers. This is a good option if you are looking for a used setar or if you want to haggle on the price.

Here are a few tips for buying a Setar:

• Make sure you are buying from a reputable dealer.
• Inspect the setar carefully before you buy it. Look for any damage or defects.
• Ask the dealer about the setar's history and how it was played.
• Be sure to try out the setar before you buy it. Make sure it sounds good and feels comfortable to play.

By following these tips, you can be sure to find a quality setar that meets your needs.

FAQ:

1. What is a setar?
   A Setar is a Persian stringed instrument with a long, slender neck and a pear-shaped body. It is played with a plectrum and has a range of about three octaves. The setar is one of the most popular instruments in Persian classical music and is also used in folk music and traditional music from other parts of the Middle East.
   
   

2. Where did the setar originate?
   The Setar is thought to have originated in Persia (now Iran) in the 14th century.
   
   

3. What are the parts of a Setar?
   The Setar has a long, slender neck, a pear-shaped body, and four strings. The strings are played with a plectrum, and the instrument is held upright in the lap.
   
   

4. How is the setar played?
   The setar is played with a plectrum, which is a small, flat piece of wood or plastic that is held in the right hand. The plectrum is used to pluck the strings of the setar.
   
   

5. What kind of music is the setar used in?
   The Setar is used in a variety of musical genres, including traditional Persian music, folk music, and classical music.
   
   

6. What are some famous setar players?
   Some famous setar players include Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Ali Akbar Shahnazi, and Hossein Alizadeh.
   
   

7. Where can I learn to play the setar?
   There are many places where you can learn to play the setar, including music schools, private lessons, and online resources.
   
   

8. How much does a Setar cost?
   The cost of a Setar can vary depending on the quality of the instrument. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for a good-quality setar.
   
   

9. Where can I buy a Setar?
   You can buy a Setar from a variety of online and brick-and-mortar stores.