Part of Carnatic Classical
Historical Timeline
Brij Bhushan Kabra pioneered Indian classical guitar in the mid-20th century. Originally a geologist, he discovered the Hawaiian lap slide guitar and recognised its potential for raga expression. After studying with Ali Akbar Khan, Kabra modified the instrument by adding sympathetic and drone strings.
His 1967 album Call of the Valley, recorded with Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shivkumar Sharma, achieved international recognition. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt extended the tradition, developing the Mohan Veena and winning a Grammy in 1994. These pioneers demonstrated the guitar's capacity for serious classical discourse.
1960s
Kabra's Innovation
Brij Bhushan Kabra discovers the Hawaiian lap slide guitar and begins adapting it for classical music. He studies with Ali Akbar Khan and modifies the instrument with sympathetic strings.
1967
Call of the Valley
The landmark album Call of the Valley features Kabra alongside Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shivkumar Sharma. The recording achieves international recognition and establishes the guitar's classical credentials.
1994
Mohan Veena and Grammy
Vishwa Mohan Bhatt develops the Mohan Veena, a highly modified guitar. His album A Meeting By the River with Ry Cooder wins the Grammy for best world music.
Present
Contemporary Practice
The Indian classical guitar maintains devoted practitioners while inspiring new generations interested in approaching raga through Western instrument forms.
Playing Techniques
Lap Slide Technique
The guitar is played horizontally on the lap using a metal or glass slide. This technique enables continuous pitch variation (meend) impossible on standard fretted guitar.
String Modifications
Classical adaptation includes adding sympathetic strings for resonance and drone strings for tonal reference. These modifications create the shimmering quality characteristic of traditional instruments.
Mohan Veena Design
The Mohan Veena, developed by Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, features three melody, four drone, and twelve sympathetic strings. This purpose-built design optimises the guitar for classical expression.
Journey to Mastery
Follow this structured journey to master this discipline
1
Posture and Basic Technique
Learn lap-style posture with guitar held horizontally. Master slide grip and basic pitch production. Develop right-hand picking technique.
2
Slide Intonation
Study slide positioning for accurate intonation. Learn to tune and manage sympathetic and drone strings. Develop precision across the instrument's range.
3
Ornamentation
Master meend (glissando) through controlled slide movement. Learn gamak and other ornaments adapted to guitar technique. Develop vocal-like expression.
4
Raga and Composition
Study alap development approaches suited to guitar sustain. Learn compositions (gats) adapted for the instrument. Develop repertoire across multiple ragas.
5
Performance Practice
Master complete performance format including alap, jod, jhala, and gat. Develop concert-level presentation. Study interaction with tabla accompaniment.
Past Performances