Bulbul Tarang is an alternate form of Banjo, an Indian or Punjabi Banjo. It is a string instrument originally from Punjab and evolved from the Japanese Taishogoto. The name Bulbul Tarang literally translates to “Waves of Nightingales”.
Bulbul Tarang has two sets of strings, one set for drone and the other for melody. The strings run over a fretboard and there are keys above them. The keys, similar to typewriter keys are used to control the pitch by depressing them.
The two main melody strings are tuned an octave apart and the drone string tuned to the fifth. The notes are fretted with the left hand using the keys and the strings are plucked with right hand using a guitar pick. It has a range of two octaves. There are manual and electric versions (using pickup) of Bulbul Tarang. The strings pass over a bridge and there are tuning pegs to adjust the tension of the strings.
Let us now watch a video on how to play the instrument.
