String (bowed)
Sarangi
ਸਾਰੰਗੀ
Adopted by Dhadhi jathas in Sikh tradition
History
Although older than the Sikh tradition, the sarangi was adopted early by the Dhadhi jathas who sing the vaars of Sikh history. Its voice-like quality made it ideal for the heroic, narrative singing style of the dhadhis, and it has accompanied recitations of Bhai Gurdas ji's vaars and the ballads of the Gurus for centuries.
A short-necked bowed instrument with three main gut strings and dozens of sympathetic strings. Famously vocal in quality — said to be the closest instrument to the human voice — the sarangi is central to the Dhadhi tradition of singing vaars (heroic ballads) in Sikh history.
Tuning & playing guide
Three thick gut playing strings tuned roughly Pa – Sa – Pa around the singer's tonic, with up to thirty-five sympathetic strings tuned to the raag. The strings are stopped with the side of the fingernail or the cuticle, never the pad of the finger. The bow is held underhand. Rosin lightly and often.
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The gut strings are very humidity-sensitive — store the sarangi in a stable environment and oil the gut lightly with almond oil if it dries out. The skin belly should be kept clean and never pressed on. Sympathetic strings need frequent tuning and occasional replacement when they rust. Rosin the bow before each session and loosen the hair when done.