---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/faq/instruments-artforms/how-do-you-tune-a-kanjira'
title: 'How do you tune a kanjira?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/user/fdfe7927a034173f'
date: '2026-10-19T15:15:38+00:00'
type: website
summary: 'A kanjira has no fixed pitch; players wet the inside of the head to lower its tension and bring out the bass tone.'
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 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# How do you tune a kanjira?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 

A **[kanjira](/instrument/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.



 

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## Related pages

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###  Instruments (1) 

- [   Kanjira The kanjira is the South Indian frame drum of Carnatic music, played beside the mridangam: a wooden frame with metal jingles and a lizard-skin or goat-skin…     ](/en-int/instrument/kanjira)
 
  

 

 

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