TAMBOURA

also spelled tambura long-necked, fretless lute that supplies a drone accompaniment in Indian music. Resembling the tanbur, the Middle Eastern lute from which it derives, it usually has four metal strings tuned (relative pitch) cccg or cccf. Precision tuning is achieved by inserting bits of wool or silk between the strings and lower bridge and by adjusting small beads attached to the strings. The tamboura is essential to provide a tonal framework within which a singer or instrumental soloist develops the raga, or melodic mode.