Q22

Role of Jod String in Alap

It is a well-known that a few decades ago, Sitar had 7 strings including 2 Jod
strings and a lower Pancham of brass. Over a period of time, 1 Jod string was
removed. This resulted into following benefits.
1) This created a greater gap between baaj string and the balance Jod
string. This facilitated stroke production without creating a jumble of sounds
from 2 Jod strings, as was experienced earlier.
2) UVK did not require a tanpura player to accompany his public Sitar
recitals (apparently as per earlier practice). However he discreetly evolved a
technique which assists in creating an atmosphere like tanpura strumming.
Details have been explained in the note on ‘Role of Chikari’.
3) It has been accepted fact that the space between two melodic phrases
should ensure that the recital does not become hasty and tense. Playing chikari
with a gliding stroke followed by pluck on the Jod string ensures that there is a
musical space is created. The speed at which alap is to be executed, would be
according to the musical temperament of the Sitar player. Thus the speed at
which alap could be executed is regulated.
One additional point. The plucking of the jod string should not be sharp but soft
and rounded- similar to the plucking of Tanpura strings which is not done with
the tip of the fingers but with the fleshy part, to achieve rounded sound merging
with the overall resultant composit musicality.