From West to East: How the Guitar Found a Home in Indian Music
The guitar, with its distinctly Western roots, has found an unexpected but powerful home in the world of Indian music. From soulful ghazals to upbeat film songs and deeply devotional bhajans, this stringed instrument has carved out a space that feels as natural as the tabla or sitar.
At Bharata Kala LLC, we celebrate this cultural blend. Whether you’re learning chords to accompany a bhajan or strumming along to an old Hindi classic, understanding the guitar’s role in Indian music can deepen your appreciation—and your playing.
🎸 A Western Instrument in an Eastern Soundscape
Traditionally associated with rock, jazz, and blues, the acoustic and electric guitar was once seen as out of place in Indian music. But starting in the 1950s and ’60s, Indian composers began experimenting with new sounds, and the guitar was gradually introduced—first in Hindi film music, and later into devotional and classical-fusion forms.
Today, the guitar is no longer “foreign.” It’s a versatile, expressive companion used across genres to bring warmth, rhythm, and soul to Indian melodies.
🎶 Examples of Guitar in Indian Film Songs
Indian cinema embraced the guitar early on, using it for romantic interludes, dramatic solos, and soft background textures.
Here are a few iconic examples:
“Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko” – Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
The opening guitar riff is legendary, played on a steel-string acoustic. It instantly set the tone for generations of romantic songs.
“Neele Neele Ambar Par” – Kalaakaar (1983)
A blend of Indian melody and clean electric guitar picking, this song remains a favorite among guitar learners.
“Do Lafzon Ki Hai” – The Great Gambler (1979)
A beautifully arranged song using flamenco-style strumming alongside lush orchestration.
“Tum Hi Ho” – Aashiqui 2 (2013)
A modern classic where the guitar forms the emotional base of the composition, connecting directly to the listener’s heart.
🕉️ Guitar in Bhajans and Devotional Music
In devotional settings, the guitar adds a contemporary flavor without taking away the spiritual essence. Many modern bhajan singers use acoustic guitar for both rhythm and harmony.
Krishna Das – Known globally for his kirtans, Krishna Das uses guitar to lead call-and-response chanting with deep devotion and groove.
“Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” – This timeless bhajan is often performed with guitar accompaniment in yoga classes, spiritual gatherings, and indie albums.
Contemporary Bhakti Artists – Many Indian musicians now compose guitar-led bhajans, combining Indian ragas with chord-based progressions.
💫 Guitar in Ghazals and Light Classical
The guitar also found a place in ghazals, where it adds gentle textures and complements the subtle emotional depth of the poetry.
Jagjit Singh – Several of his ghazals like “Hothon Se Chhoo Lo Tum” feature soft arpeggios and background guitar harmonies.
Pankaj Udhas & Talat Aziz – Their live performances often feature classical guitarists supporting the ghazal’s flow without overpowering it.
🎼 Learning Indian Music on the Guitar at Bharata Kala LLC
At Bharata Kala, we offer a unique guitar curriculum that teaches:
Western theory (chords, scales, reading music)
Indian melody application (raag-based phrases, bhajan accompaniment)
How to accompany devotional songs, ghazals, and film songs
Strumming and fingerpicking techniques suited to Indian rhythms
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your playing into Indian genres, the guitar opens up a rich world of musical possibilities.
🌍 A Bridge Between Worlds
The guitar is no longer “Western” or “foreign” in Indian music. It’s become a bridge between cultures, a versatile instrument that adapts beautifully to the emotional, melodic, and spiritual depth of Indian traditions.
If you’ve ever felt the call to play guitar and explore Indian music, now is the perfect time to start.
📞 Ready to begin your musical journey?
Contact Bharata Kala LLC in Piscataway, NJ for personalized guitar lessons rooted in both Indian and Western traditions
Discover how the guitar became a vital part of Indian music, from Bollywood to bhajans and ghazals. Explore its role and learn how to play Indian music on guitar at Bharata Kala LLC.
