--- title: "Learn Sitar in Bengaluru: Classical Raga Riyāz & Techniques" description: "Learn sitar in Bengaluru with expert classical training. I focus on Raga riyāz, taankari, and alap to help you master the sitar. Book your session now." canonical: https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/raga-riy-z-a-deep-dive-into-classical-sitar last_updated: 2025-09-07 --- # Raga Riyāz: Mastering Classical Sitar Techniques Tribe Verified · Traditional Guru-Shishya training in Bengaluru By [Arjun Anand](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude) · Online classes and home tuitions in Bengaluru · ₹800 per hour (estimate) Part of [Sitar Lessons](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/gallery) Explore the subtle nuances of alap, jod, and taankari. These sessions are where we find our sound, working through ragas like Bihag and Marwa to build a solid, clean foundation for your practice. ## Photos and videos - [Video: A short taan progression in Raag Bihag. We will learn how to build speed and clarity in these intricate melodic passages.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e6252719-effa-4eae-9373-5154e8601254) - [Video: Exploring the Jod section in Raag Jinjhoti. This part of a raga performance builds a rhythmic pulse after the free-flowing alap.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0e67708c-9ab5-4216-8d74-d7b26a4a7f12) - [Video: A short alap, or opening improvisation, in Raag Rageshree. This is where we introduce the mood and key phrases of the raga.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3a82d711-b6c7-4cfc-8128-f8fe686c7ba3) - [Video: Here is an alap in Raag Vrindavani Sarang, a beautiful melody often associated with the afternoon.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ad339a20-a0db-480a-a184-5f5e11167fdd) - [Video: Practicing taankari, or fast melodic runs, in Raag Desh. This technique adds excitement and virtuosity to a performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e8529abd-9488-46fa-ac9f-229ced83907f) - [Video: This is a bandish, a fixed composition, in Raag Marwa. Learning compositions is key to understanding a raga's structure and provides a framework for improvisation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2976a538-8bef-488a-9d25-2e13c989d08a) - [Video: A brief exploration of Raag Purya, an evening raga with a deep and contemplative mood.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/101a975e-65f7-482c-8fad-d0f9d7740e28) ## About Raga Riyāz: A Deep Dive into Classical Sitar Learning the sitar isn't just about reading swaralipi (notation). Whether we are working on your finger strength for fast taankari or spending an hour just getting the tuning of your taraf strings right, my focus is on the mechanics. If you aren't willing to put in the time for daily riyaaz, this path will be difficult, but if you are, we can build a sound that truly resonates. ### Building Your Foundation The sitar is a demanding instrument. In our sessions, I focus on the basics that many beginners overlook—posture (how you sit for a baithak), the correct angle of the mizrab (plectrum) on the strings, and the tension of the sympathetic strings (taraf). You cannot fake a good sound on the sitar; it comes from clean strokes and patience. ### Why Raga Riyāz Matters We don't just learn songs; we explore the soul of the raga. We will start with the alap (opening improvisation) to understand the mood, move into the jod to establish a rhythmic pulse, and eventually tackle the taankari (fast melodic runs) to build virtuosity. We will work on: * **Right-hand technique:** Mastering the Da, Ra, and Dir patterns for clarity. * **Raga Structure:** Moving through the scales of ragas like Yaman, Bhupali, and Purya. * **Ear Training:** Learning to listen to the micro-tones that define Hindustani classical music. ### Can We Mix Styles? While this cluster focuses on classical training, I am completely open to adapting these techniques to film music. If your goal is to play a soulful instrumental cover of a Bollywood track, we will use the same fundamental classical techniques to get you there. Music is about connection, whether it is an ancient raga or a modern melody. If you are serious, let's get started. ## About Arjun Anand I’m Arjun. The sitar is my way of connecting with something bigger, and my goal is to help you find that same connection. I keep the traditional lineage of my gurus alive in my teaching, but I want you to find your own voice, not just copy mine. [See all of Arjun Anand's services](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude) ## More from Sitar Lessons by Arjun Anand - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/featured) - [Sitar for the Silver Screen](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/sitar-for-the-silver-screen) - [On Stage: Concerts & Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/on-stage-concerts-collaborations) - [The Guru-Shishya Parampara](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/the-guru-shishya-parampara) - [Candid Moments](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/candid-moments) ## More services by Arjun Anand - [Live Sitar Performances](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/live-sitar-performances) - [Studio Session Artist](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/studio-session-artist) ## Similar work from other experts - [Sitar Riyaaz and Technique Demonstrations](https://mytribe.in/chintankatti/sitar-training/the-art-of-riyaaz-sitar-demonstrations) by Chintan Katti · Sitar Training · Online classes available; In-person training in Mumbai - [Mastering Indian Classical Raags: Sitar Classes with Hardik Verma](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/sitar-zitar-lessons/deep-dive-into-classical-raags) by Hardik Verma · Sitar & Zitar Lessons · Online classes globally; In-person classes in Mumbai and Varanasi - [Exploring Indian Ragas: Solo Sitar Recitals](https://mytribe.in/dhruv_bedi/music-education-workshops/exploring-raags-solo-sitar-recitals) by Dhruv Bedi · Music Education & Workshops · Online sessions available; Studio in West Patel Nagar, New Delhi; Travels across India for workshops - [Learning Sitar: The Guru-Shishya Parampara](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu/hindustani-sitar-lessons/the-guru-shishya-parampara-our-teaching) by Vijay Gonahal · Hindustani Sitar Lessons · In-person lessons in Bengaluru - [Sitar Classes & Classical Music Performances](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons/featured) by Shubhrodeep Pathak · Sitar Lessons · Online classes available; In-person at Sector 82 studio or across Delhi NCR - [Sitar and Surbahar Practice Sessions](https://mytribe.in/aniruddhasitar/live-sitar-performance/practice-sessions-riyaaz) by Aniruddha Joshi · Live Sitar Performance · Available online and travels for live performances across India ## Book To book Arjun Anand, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaskara%20Arjun%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20Raga%20Riy%C4%81z%20cluster%20and%20would%20love%20to%20know%20more%20about%20your%20sitar%20lessons.)