Helmut Rheingans

I developed the BanSitar to enable musicians of the western world to create a sitarlike sound
without actually learning to play the indian sitar.

It is based on a 5-string banjo and can be played as such.

The 5-string banjo seemed a natural choice to me, since the playing technique, especially the
"frailing"- style, is very similar to sitar playing.

The sitarist uses a fingerpick, the "mizrab", on the index finger which strikes the main string
and also the drones in an up and down motion.

Frailing the banjo is downward only, the 5th string, or "chikari", is played with the thumb.          

I prefer using my fingernail instead of the mizrab for a warmer sound and better control.