---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-the-difference-between-a-guitar-and-an-indian-slide-guitar'
title: 'What is the difference between a guitar and an Indian slide guitar?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/user/fce96177fd193d3a'
date: '2026-10-19T14:55:28+00:00'
updated: '2026-10-28T01:08:44+00:00'
type: website
summary: 'An Indian slide guitar is a modified archtop guitar with a drone string and raised nut, played flat on the lap with a bar.'
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  - 'Instruments & artforms'
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---
 

 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What is the difference between a guitar and an Indian slide guitar?

 Updated 28 October 2026

 

An **[Indian slide guitar](/en-int/instrument/indian-slide-guitar)** grew from the Hawaiian lap-slide tradition: Brij Bhushan Kabra modified a Gibson Super 400 archtop [guitar](/en-int/instrument/guitar) with a drone string and a high nut that lifts the strings off the fretboard. He played it seated and flat, with fingerpicks and a bar. He also added more chikari (high drone strings) and tarab (sympathetic strings).



 

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