What is the Difference Between Tambura and Veena?

The tambura and veena are both plucked stringed instruments used in Indian classical music, but they have distinct differences in their construction, playing style, and the music they are associated with.

Tambura:

• Also known as Tanpura, it is a long-necked plucked lute with a gourd resonator.
• It has no frets, unlike the veena.
• The tambura is used as a drone instrument, providing a continuous harmonic background to support the melody of another instrument or singer.
• It is available in different sizes, with the Tanjore style and Miraj style being the most common.
• The tambura is used in both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music.

Veena:

• The veena is a more ancient version of the violin and has a simple construction with a gourd at its base and a long neck.
• It is used in Carnatic music, a South Indian classical music tradition.
• There are various varieties of veena, such as Rudra Veena, Saraswati Veena, and Raghunatha Veena.
• The veena is played with a plectrum, unlike the tambura, which is played with the fingers.

In summary, the tambura is a drone instrument used to provide a harmonic background, while the veena is a melodic instrument used in Carnatic music. They have different construction features, such as the presence or absence of frets and the use of a plectrum or fingers for playing.

Comparative Table: Tambura vs Veena

Here is a table comparing the differences between the Tambura and Veena:

Both the Tambura and Veena are used in Indian classical music, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. The Tambura is primarily used as a drone instrument to support the main performer, while the Veena is a primary instrument in Carnatic music, capable of producing pitches in a full three-octave range.