tambura
Very Low Frequency / TechnicalSpecialist / Musical
Definition
Meaning
A long-necked, stringed musical instrument, primarily from the Indian subcontinent, used as a drone accompaniment.
A specific type of lute, often with four to six strings, that provides a continuous harmonic background in Hindustani and Carnatic classical music.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Not to be confused with the unrelated Balkan string instrument 'tamburica' or 'tambour' (drum). Refers almost exclusively to the Indian drone instrument.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning. The spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Connotes Indian classical music equally in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, limited to contexts discussing world music or ethnomusicology.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [singer] was accompanied by [instrumentalist] on tambura.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As constant as a tambura drone.”
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
Used in ethnomusicology papers discussing the structure of Indian raga performance.
Everyday
Extremely rare in everyday conversation outside of musicians.
Technical
Used precisely to describe the specific instrument providing the 'shruti' or pitch reference in Indian classical music.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw a picture of a tambura. It has strings.
- The sound of the tambura was soft and constant during the concert.
- Before the vocalist began, the accompanist tuned the tambura to the correct pitch.
- The performance's meditative quality was underpinned by the unwavering drone of the tambura, establishing the raga's tonal centre.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TAMing the background BURA (noise) in music — the tambura tames and structures the harmonic background.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION / SUPPORT (The tambura is the foundation upon which the melodic soloist builds).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'тамбурин' (tambourine, a percussion instrument). The Russian for 'tambura' is typically 'тамбура' but refers to a different, plucked instrument in folk music.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'tambourine', misspelling as 'tamboura' or 'tambora'.
- Using it as a verb (it is only a noun).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary musical function of a tambura?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The sitar is a melodic solo instrument with many strings and frets. The tambura is a simpler, fretless instrument used only to play a continuous drone.
Both are accepted, with 'tanpura' being a common transliteration from Hindi. 'Tambura' is a standard English spelling found in dictionaries.
Traditionally, no. Its strings are tuned to the tonic and dominant notes of the raga and are plucked in a repeating pattern to create a harmonic bed, not a melody.
Primarily in both Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) classical music traditions, both vocal and instrumental.