8 Best Sitar Book Reviews 2022 (Best Books to Learn Sitar)

1. Namita Devidayal: The Sixth String Of Vilayat Khan

For everyone who is interested in learning the art of sitar, this book is a perfect choice. The book is available in Kindle Edition and has been written by Namita Devidayal. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that you will have a very playful and meditative experience with this book. The book is well-researched, which speaks volumes about the free flow experience.

The book is written with eloquence in mind while complying with the highest standards of storytelling and research. There are multiple anecdotes in the book. All in all, this book is the epitome of brilliance and humbleness.

2. Josh Feinberg; Sitar Method (Hal Leonard)

The book is written by Josh Feinberg and was launched back in 2013. The book is designed to teach how to play the sitar. The book is integrated with an easy to use and easy to follow instructions in the most comprehensive form. The book not only provides the introduction but the playing techniques as well. There are special parts that teach theory and practice.

There are over 42 tracks in the book that show a clear demonstration. With this book, you will be able to learn how to choose the right instrument and the right postures. All in all, you will learn how to change the strings, and the audiobook can be accessed online.

3. Ravi Shankar: My Music, My Life

Some people have an ultimate passion for classical music. For every such person, this paperback book is the right choice and is written by Ravi Shankar. The book was launched back in 2008, which shares the autobiography as well as the technical guidelines. There are exercises in the book through which you can practice and enhance the skills.

This book is the right choice for beginners because it shares real information about Indian music. The book focuses on music, even in the autobiography sections. Even more, the book focuses on the historical development of the music and different styles of playing the sitar.

4. David Courtney, Srinivas Koumouduri: Learning the Sitar

Sitar might seem like a simple instrument, but one has to be very precise with it. With this being said, you can learn how to play the sitar with this kindle edition book. The book is written by Srinivas Koumouduri and David Courtney and has managed to develop a positive reputation. The book represents every piece of information in a simple yet organized manner.

The book shares the background information about the sitar and Indian music discussions that enhance the learning experience. There are multiple exercises in the book through which students can learn real-time techniques. The book offers access to online audio files for a streamlined learning experience.

5. Allyn Miner: Sitar and Sarod in the 18th and 19th Centuries

This book is the right choice for everyone who loves playing and listening to the sitar. The book is written by Allyn Miner and shows great information about the North Indian side of the stringed instrument. With this being said, the book teaches how to play Sarod and sitar. This book is the collection of written and oral information, along with pictures and illustrations.

The book traces through instrumental history along with music innovation. As for the author, she has full-scale information about the instruments, which promises a high-end presentation in the book. All in all, this book offers a fine combination of sitar and Sarod with proper historical development and characterization.

6. Allen Keesee: The Sitar Book

For everyone looking for a well-integrated and well-written sitar book, this is the right choice. The book dates back to 1968 and is written by Allen Keesee. The book provides basic information for the amateurs and makes sense points. The book is pretty small, but it teaches the right techniques about jawari along with additional concepts.

The book is integrated with the musical exercises that help practice sitar to create the melodies. In addition, the book has the instruction method along with notations. When you buy the package, it has two DVDs for an easy learning experience.

7. Stephen M. Slawek: Sitar Technique in Nibaddha Forms

When it comes down to music, one needs to be highly precise with the techniques because it can directly impact the outcome. So, if you’ve been interested in sitar, this book will offer well-integrated techniques with promising outcomes. The book has multiple practices and exercises, so you learn how to implement music theory to work.

There is an extensive range of analysis and descriptions which will help students learn the techniques. The book has been integrated with the musical transcriptions, so you gain detailed information about melodies and gestures. In the end, there are improvisational techniques to teach contemporary sitar playing.

8. Swapan Bandyopadhyay: Nikhil Banerjee (Down The Heart of Sitar)

For people who want to gain information about the sitar composers, this book is an absolute choice. That’s to say because this book covers multiple interviews and biographies about sitar players and professionals.

There are in-depth reviews and documentation available in the book that shares insights into the musical journey. It’s pretty clear that you will be motivated through this book and enhance the overall sitar learning experience.