Tuning a Sarode

Sarode is tuned around the key of "C" , I say 'around' because in Indian music the exact tuning can vary. So we have 4 strings pressed with the left hand, these are the main playing strings. They are tuned C,G,C,F. The chickari and jawari strings which are struck with the right hand are 'chichari' high 'C'. jawari,'C,E,D,B. Those 4 jawari are subject to different tunings for different compositions. The 'Tarib' strings or sympathetics, are tuned from low to high, thus.

A,B,C,DEb,E, F,F#,G,A,Bb,B,C,D,E, there are 15 Tarib strings usually, also these tuning can vary.
This is the tuning structure for the Hemen Sarode.

Where does a Sarode come from?

The Indian Sarode comes orgininally from the Afghan Rabab.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0RsE7W6omk&feature=related
This link gives a good illustration of the Rabab.

back in the mists of time

1974, long hair,strange clothes, and this http://www.zshare.net/download/973550074c0d083d/

Should be confusing

Asavari is one of the 10 Thats that were compiled by V.N.Bhatkandi in the 1850's as he tried to make sense of the Indian Raga system. Until then it was a family affair(still is) but each family had different idea's about how to play any one Raga. Now there are about 75,000 Raga's and millions of compositions in each Raga. Anyway Asavari is also Raga Asavari which has a ascending and descending scale as thus: CD(Eb)FG(Ab)(Bb)C  C(Bb) (Ab)GF(Eb)DC. The brackets are just to help tp identify the flat notes. Here is a fusion piece from the Album TAKITA with guitar,tabla, Sarode. playing in this That.
 http://www.zshare.net/audio/973081070f20fa45/

Plinky plonk

That's the sound of a Sarode player warming up. I have a new music hosting site.
http://www.zshare.net/audio/972919204d04f2a4/
I've been attempting to do this for a long time so I'm happy with the result so far.

Diwali and more

I loved the rehearsals leading up to the Diwali festival at TRU in Kamloops.
Very interesting playing with the piano. It's not an instrument that naturally goes with the Sarode but we seemed to make it work.

Taste

If you listen to music, don't be surprised if your favourite piece is not appreciated by everyone. My dog doesn't like anything I like. Being a Sarode player is like anything else that is off the radar for the majority of people. You can tell people endlessly about what you do, but it seems to be an exercise in futility. A Sarode is not a Sitar, and, no I'm not a member of the Hari Krishna movement. Also my musical tastes do not preclude that I'm a socialist.
So...... I keep playing my Sarode and try to focus on the enjoyment I get from 40 years of dedication and practice. It's not easy but niether is playing the classical guitar.