The sitar is a complex lute which has evolved in Asian countries, especially in India. It has 5 strings which are played with a plectrum, and 2 drones, which are strings that are not plucked, but which resonate to the harmonics of the plucked string. There are also some extra strings under the 5 main ones, which resonate with them, thus amplifying the sound produced. It has a gourd as the resonator box, and a long finger board with frets.

The brass frets can be moved along the neck to set up different scales, to suit the Indian raga being played.