Sarod << suh ROHD >> is a stringed instrument that is popular in the classical Hindustani music of northern India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The instrument resembles the lute of Western music and produces a deep, brooding sound.
The modern sarod is about 39 inches (100 centimeters) long. The round body is made of teak wood with the playing surface covered in goat skin. A broad neck attached to the body has a wide fingerboard covered in metal. Attached to the fingerboard is a wooden pegbox with two rows of three tuning pegs.
The modern version of the sarod typically has 17 to 25 steel or bronze strings, including 4 to 6 melodic strings, 2 rhythm strings, 11 to 15 sympathetic strings, and 1 to 4 drone strings. Sympathetic strings are not played but reinforce the sound by sympathetic vibrations. Drone strings produce a continuous tone. The musician plucks the strings with a triangular plectrum (pick) made of coconut shell held in the right hand while the fingernails of the left hand press the strings.
The musician plays the sarod in a cross-legged, seated position, holding the instrument in the lap. In concerts, the sarod is often accompanied by a pair of drums called tabla and another lute-like stringed instrument called a tambura.
The sarod is an adaptation of an ancient stringed instrument called a rabab that originated in Afghanistan. The sarod was designed during the 1800’s, making it one of the newest instruments in Hindustani music. Sarod playing is divided into two major schools named for two important musicians, Ghulam Ali Khan in the mid-1800’s and Allauddin Khan in the 1900’s. Each school has its own playing style and tuning system. There are also some differences in the shape of the instrument and the number of strings favored by each school.
