The sitar is a classical Indian instrument which has 7 strings, 11-13 sympathetic strings and 20 frets. Unlike the guitar, Indians don't play chords but play melodies mainly on two strings, the other strings are drones tuned to the "color", main chord of the rag. While some notes are played, the corresponding sympathetic strings react to it and sound along with it, creating more sustain, a sort of a buzz and also a "natural reverb". The main "buzzing" sound which is the main characteristic of the sitar sound is produced by the bridge. The bridge is made out of bone and it is filed in an angle that will provoke that bright "buzz". When the string vibrates, it touches the edge of the bridge. Another characteristic of the sitar are the huge pitch bends ( in Indian, it is called a "mind") that you can do, up to a minor 7th !! It's the rock guitar player's dream! It allows them to play full melodies on one fret (and make a sympathetic string react on each note you reach with your band) which sounds like the human voice or gives it that "crying" sound . It is very difficult to learn the Indian classical music. There is a proverb that says a student of the sitar must spend 20 years learning, twenty years performing, and twenty years teaching the instrument to truly appreciate it. But don't worry, you can have fun playing it right away.