FAQ · Instruments & artforms

How do you tune a kanjira?

Updated

A kanjira is not tuned to a fixed pitch, unlike the mridangam or ghatam, and untreated it sounds very high. Players sprinkle or apply water to the inside of the head, which reduces its tension, lowers the pitch and brings out the bass tone they favour. Players therefore judge a kanjira on its bass response after wetting.

Was this answer helpful?