The Instruments That Speak Persian
Persian musical instruments are among the oldest and most sophisticated in the world. Many instruments now found across Central Asia, the Middle East, and even Europe trace their ancestry — or at least their influence — to Iranian musical traditions. Three instruments stand at the very center of the Persian classical music tradition: the tar, the setar, and the santur.
The Tar (تار)
The tar is arguably the most important instrument in Persian classical music. Its name simply means "string" in Persian, and its influence on musical culture across the region is immense.
Construction and Design
The tar features a distinctive double-bowl body carved from mulberry wood, covered with a membrane of stretched animal skin. It has a long neck with movable frets — a key feature that allows the performer to adjust intonation to play the microtones essential to Persian music. A standard Persian tar has six strings arranged in three pairs (courses).
How It's Played
The tar is played with a small metal plectrum called a mezrab, held between the thumb and index finger. The right hand plucks the strings while the left hand presses the frets. It is capable of extraordinary expressiveness — from delicate, whispered passages to bold, driving rhythmic phrases.
The Setar (سهتار)
The setar — meaning "three strings" — is the tar's quieter, more intimate cousin. Despite its name, modern setars typically have four strings.
Character and Use
The setar is smaller and more delicate than the tar, producing a softer, more meditative sound. It is traditionally associated with solo and private music-making, spiritual practice, and Sufi contexts. Many great masters of Persian music have had a deep personal relationship with the setar precisely because of its intimate, voice-like quality.
How It's Played
Unlike the tar, the setar is played with the fingernail of the index finger rather than a plectrum — giving it a more organic, natural tone. This directness of touch connects the player to the instrument in a very immediate way.
The Santur (سنتور)
The santur is a hammered dulcimer — a trapezoidal wooden box strung with numerous metal strings, played by striking the strings with light wooden mallets called mezrabs.
Construction
A Persian santur typically has 72 strings arranged in groups of four (called courses), giving it a full, ringing sound. The instrument rests on a stand or on the player's lap. The bridges dividing the strings can be moved to adjust tuning.
Sound and Role
The santur's cascading, crystalline sound is immediately recognizable. It excels at both lyrical melodic lines and rapid ornamental passages. The great master Faramarz Payvar is largely credited with elevating the santur to the forefront of Persian classical music performance and composition in the 20th century.
Comparison at a Glance
| Instrument | Type | Playing Method | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tar | Long-neck lute | Metal plectrum | Bold, expressive, central |
| Setar | Long-neck lute | Fingernail | Delicate, meditative, intimate |
| Santur | Hammered dulcimer | Light mallets | Bright, ringing, cascading |
Where to Start Listening
To appreciate these instruments, seek out solo recordings by recognized masters. Listen for the microtonal inflections, the rhythmic interplay between melody and pulse, and the way each instrument creates its own unique emotional atmosphere within the same musical tradition.