How to Play Persian Tar Musical Instrument?

Tar Setar Market
3 min readFeb 27, 2023

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Legendary Maestro Shahnaz

The tar is one of the most iconic instruments in Persian classical music. It has a long history and a unique sound that has been enchanting audiences for centuries. If you’re interested in learning how to play the Persian tar, there are a few things you should know before getting started.

First, it’s important to understand the structure of the tar. The tar is a long-necked lute with six strings. The neck of the tar is made of mulberry wood and the body is made of a hollowed-out gourd. The strings are made of silk or steel and are tuned in pairs. The first two strings are tuned to G, the next two to D, and the last two to A. The tar is played with a small plectrum, or mezrab, made of wood or ivory.

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To begin playing the tar, you’ll need to learn some basic techniques. One of the most important techniques is the use of the left hand. The left hand is used to press down on the strings to change the pitch of the notes. The fingers are numbered one through four, with the index finger being number one and the pinky being number four. Each finger is used to press down on a specific fret on the neck of the tar. You’ll need to practice moving your fingers up and down the neck to produce different notes.

Another important technique is the use of the right hand. The right hand is used to pluck the strings of the tar with the plectrum. The plectrum is held between the index finger and the thumb, and the other fingers are used to support the hand. You’ll need to practice plucking the strings with different levels of force to produce different dynamics and tones.

While it’s possible to learn how to play the tar on your own, the best way to perfect your skills is to take lessons from a maestro. A maestro is a master musician who has dedicated their life to playing and teaching Persian classical music. Maestro Ahadi is one such musician, and he offers online tar lessons for students of all levels.

Maestro Ahadi’s online tar lessons are designed to help you learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. You’ll receive personalized instruction and feedback to help you perfect your technique and develop your own unique sound. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Maestro Ahadi’s online tar lessons are a great way to take your playing to the next level.

In conclusion, learning to play Persian tar can be a rewarding and enriching experience. With dedication and practice, you can master the intricacies of this beautiful instrument and create your own unique sound in Persian classical music. So why not take the first step and begin your tar journey today with Maestro Ahadi’s online lessons?

References:

  1. Sadeghi, H. (1999). Persian music: A beginner’s guide. KETAB Corp.
  2. Tar. (n.d.). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/art/tar-musical-instrument
  3. Hedayat, S. (1999). A history of Persian music. Mage Publishers.
  4. Ahadi, A. (n.d.). Maestro Ahadi — Tar. Retrieved from https://www.ahaditar.com/

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