---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/faq/instruments-artforms/how-do-you-play-the-sarod'
title: 'How do you play the sarod?'
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  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/user/fdfe7927a034173f'
date: '2026-10-19T15:01:21+00:00'
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summary: 'A sarod is held in front of the body on the right thigh and plucked with a coconut-shell plectrum; its metal fingerboard allows long slides.'
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 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# How do you play the sarod?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 

The **[sarod](/instrument/sarod)** player plucks with a triangular plectrum, the java or jaba, most often of coconut shell. The V&A describes the seated position: the instrument held in front of the body with its wide end resting on the right thigh. The smooth metal fingerboard lets the player slide across many notes, which a fretted instrument such as the rabab cannot do.



 

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## Related pages

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###  Instruments (1) 

- [   Sarod A fretless plucked lute from North India, the sarod spans three octaves on a steel fingerboard with 19 to 25 strings, played in Hindustani music with a coconut…     ](/en-int/instrument/sarod)
 
  

 

 

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