---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-a-tanpura'
title: 'What is a tanpura?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-in/user/fce96177fd193d3a'
date: '2026-10-27T19:16:05+00:00'
type: website
summary: 'A tanpura is a long-necked, unfretted lute, tuned to the tonic (Sa) and generally the fifth (Pa), that sounds a steady drone behind a singer or instrumentalist.'
tags:
  - 'Instruments & artforms'
image: 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg'
published: true
og:
  site_name: KalaSudha
  'image:url': 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg'
  'image:secure_url': 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg'
  'image:type': image/svg+xml
  'image:alt': KalaSudha
---
 

 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What is a tanpura?

 Updated 27 October 2026

 

A **tanpura** is a long-necked, unfretted lute that plays a steady drone behind a singer or instrumentalist. It usually has four metal strings, tuned to the tonic (Sa) and generally the fifth (Pa).

The tonic is the soloist's chosen base pitch, and every accompanist tunes to it. The tanpura is played to keep that pitch sounding under the melody. Each string meets a slightly curved bridge over a thin thread, and that contact makes the overtone-rich sound called **jawari**. Carnatic musicians call the instrument the tambura.



 

 Was this answer helpful? [  ](/en-in/user/login?flag_anon=faq_helpful-1326&destination=/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-a-tanpura)

 [  ](/en-in/user/login?flag_anon=faq_not_helpful-1326&destination=/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-a-tanpura)

 

 Thanks for your feedback!

 

 

## Related pages

 1 page mentions this question

 

 

###  Landing Page (1) 

- [     Indian classical music glossary KalaSudha's Indian classical music glossary gives plain definitions for newcomers, such as what a raga is and how Hindustani and Carnatic music differ.     ](/en-in/indian-classical-music-glossary)
 
  

 

 

   [     Previous question What is a tabla?  ](/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-a-tabla) [  Next question What is a tarshehnai?     ](/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-a-tarshehnai)