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Glite Dictionary
🎶 A drone instrument 🎵 A folk instrument
tambura

tambura

9.6
A long-necked string instrument that plays a constant background sound in Indian classical music
  • noun
  • /tæmˈbʊərə/
translation icon : tambura
  • The tambura creates a soothing sound.

Examples

  • She learned to tune the tambura before her first music lesson.

  • A tambura is often used to create a rich background drone in Indian classical performances.

  • The musician played a gentle melody on the tambura during the concert.

  • Have you ever played the tambura?

  • The musician played the tambura to create a soothing drone that filled the room.

  • During the concert, the tambura provided a continuous drone, enhancing the performance of the vocalists.

  • In South Asian classical music, the tambura is essential for establishing a musical atmosphere with its rich sound.

Surface Forms

tambura singular
tamburas plural

Etymology

Tambura comes from older words like tanbur and the Indian tanpura, names for long-necked lutes brought into South Asia from Persia and Central Asia. Because of that history, a tambura in Indian music is a long-necked instrument that makes a steady 'drone' or background sound.