Cart is empty 
Learn how to Choose the Right Instrument for Genre across Indian music styles like Carnatic, Hindustani, and fusion.
Choosing the right instrument for your music genre is a crucial step toward crafting your unique sound and developing your musical identity. Whether you’re drawn to Indian classical ragas, Western rock anthems, or contemporary fusion, the instrument you pick will influence your tone, technique, and creative flow. In India, where traditional and modern music coexist, selecting an instrument that complements your genre is both an art and a science. This guide will help you navigate through the choices with a special focus on Indian instruments, helping you find the perfect match for your musical journey.
1. Understanding Your Genre and Goals
Before buying an instrument, ask yourself what genre you resonate with the most. Are you passionate about Hindustani classical, Carnatic music, Bollywood playback, fusion, rock, EDM, jazz, or indie folk? Your musical goals—whether it’s stage performance, YouTube covers, or film scoring—also determine what instrument you should choose. For example:
- Classical lovers may lean towards sitar, veena, tabla, or flute.
- Bollywood and pop fans may go for guitar, keyboard, or harmonium.
- Indie and fusion artists may prefer cajón, electric guitar, or bansuri.
2. Instruments for Indian Classical Music
Indian classical music is deeply rooted in cultural tradition, and each instrument carries centuries of heritage. Some ideal options include:
1. Sitar – A versatile string instrument used in Hindustani music. Great for raga improvisation and traditional solos.
2. Tabla – A pair of tuned drums used across genres. Essential for rhythm in both Hindustani and Bollywood settings.
3. Veena – Perfect for Carnatic music with intricate fingering and tonal depth.
4. Bansuri (Flute) – Commonly used in Hindustani classical and light music, known for its soft, emotive sound.
5. Mridangam – A core percussion instrument in Carnatic concerts. These instruments suit genres that demand emotional expression, improvisation, and melodic precision.
3. Instruments for Bollywood and Playback Singing
Bollywood music blends Indian melodies with Western instrumentation. Here’s what works:
1. Harmonium – A staple in vocal accompaniment, especially during practice or live unplugged sessions.
2. Electronic Keyboard – Offers versatile sound presets to mimic piano, strings, tabla, and more. Perfect for arrangers.
3. Acoustic Guitar – Common in romantic ballads and indie-style compositions.
4. Cajón – Popular in live unplugged Bollywood performances for its deep bass and crisp slap tones.
5. Violin (Indian or Western) – Often used for emotional build-ups in ballads or orchestral backgrounds.
4. Instruments for Western Genres
If you lean toward rock, pop, or jazz, consider these instruments:
1. Electric Guitar – Ideal for rock, blues, and metal. Great for solos, rhythm, and effects-driven performances.
2. Bass Guitar – Provides groove and low-end support in bands and live setups.
3. Drum Kit – Best for pop, rock, or punk genres where rhythm is the backbone.
4. Piano or Synthesizer – Central to jazz, EDM, and pop compositions. Allows chordal arrangements and melodies.
5. Saxophone or Trumpet – Excellent for jazz and funk with strong melodic phrasing.
If you’re an Indian artist working in these genres, you can blend them with Indian instruments for a unique fusion.
5. Instruments for Fusion and Experimental Music
Fusion is huge in India, especially with artists mixing Indian classical with rock, jazz, and electronic genres. Instruments to explore:
1. Electric Sitar – Combines sitar’s tonal character with electric output for live or studio fusion.
2. Electronic Tabla or Cajón – Offers MIDI mapping and sampling for experimental beats.
3. Digital Flute or MIDI Wind Controllers – Allow Indian-style playability with digital sound banks.
4. Loop Stations and DAWs – Essential if you want to sample Indian instruments and create live fusion loops.
This setup suits artists collaborating across genres or creating indie experimental tracks.
6. Matching Instrument to Vocal Styles
Your voice type can also influence your instrument choice. For instance:
- A high-pitched female vocal might pair beautifully with bansuri or ukulele.
- A rich male baritone could complement well with tabla, guitar, or harmonium.
- Flexible vocalists experimenting with genres may benefit from a portable keyboard or DAW.
The right match creates a seamless blend between voice and instrument.
7. Age and Skill Level Considerations
Certain instruments are more beginner-friendly:
For Kids and Teenagers:
- Ukulele (easy to play, great for learning chords)
- Electronic keyboard (simple layout, built-in rhythms)
- Tabla with simplified teaching apps (like TaalMala or Riyaz)
For Adults:
- Guitar, harmonium, or bansuri, depending on genre preference
- Violin or sitar with formal lessons
Age and patience play a role. Choose something that aligns with your commitment level and time availability.
8. Budget and Maintenance
Indian instruments like harmoniums, tabla, and sitars need care and tuning. Western instruments like electric guitars may require amps, effects pedals, and strings. Consider:
- Entry-level tabla: ₹3,000–₹5,000
- Decent harmonium: ₹6,000–₹10,000
- Beginner keyboard: ₹4,000–₹8,000
- Electric guitar: ₹7,000–₹15,000
Also factor in accessories like cases, stands, tuners, and humidifiers (especially in humid regions like Chennai or Kerala).
9. Where to Buy in India
Buy from reputed music stores or e-commerce platforms. Options include:
- NMS Musicals (Chennai & Pondicherry) – Specializes in Indian and fusion instruments.
- Furtados – Offers online and offline options.
- Bajaao.com – Known for guitars, keyboards, and studio gear.
Test the instrument before purchase. Ask for tuning, return policies, and service support.
10. Learning Resources and Support
Once you’ve selected your instrument, learning is the next step. Choose from:
- Online Classes (Sangeethapriya, Shankar Mahadevan Academy)
- Local Gurus or Music Schools
- Apps (Riyaz, NaadSadhana for Indian styles)
- YouTube Tutorials – Ideal for quick self-paced learning
Instruments like tabla and sitar may require a traditional guru. Western instruments can be more DIY if you’re tech-savvy.
Conclusion
How to choose the right instrument for your music genre depends on your taste, goals, and cultural roots. In a musically diverse country like India, you’re spoiled for choice. Whether you want the emotional depth of a bansuri, the stage power of an electric guitar, or the rhythmic richness of tabla, there’s an instrument waiting to match your style. Consider your genre, skill level, and budget before you decide. And remember—your instrument isn’t just a tool; it’s a lifelong partner in your creative journey. Choose wisely, and let your music speak for itself.
At NMS Musicals, we offer a comprehensive range of musical instruments, including percussion, string, wind, and keyboard instruments. Our services encompass sales, expert servicing, and the manufacture of leather instruments. Explore our diverse collection and find the perfect instrument to suit your musical needs.
Visit our website to browse our offerings: nmsmusicals.in
For a closer look at our products, check out our shop page: nmsmusicals.in/shop
Stay connected with us through our social media channels:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nmsmusicalinstruments/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmsmusicals/?hl=en
- YouTube: youtube.com/@nmsmusicals
Our shop locations are:
- Puducherry: 149, Perumal Koil Street, Heritage Town, Puducherry, 605001.
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ejDwBBFEJmd3szxk7 - Chennai: No: 1, 1st Floor, Kandigai Street, TVS Nagar, Korattur, Chennai – 600076.
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7oXmB6X7KQsqeuuw9
For inquiries, contact/Whatsapp us at 9500663895 or email us at laxman.m89@gmail.com.
Discover the world of musical instruments with NMS Musicals today!
For a visual overview of our percussion instruments, watch the following video:
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment