Hindustani Slide & Ragas: Suggested Listening
The Hindustani slide guitar is one of the most expressive instruments in Indian classical music, capable of replicating the intricate bends, glides, and vocal-like phrasing of traditional ragas. This adaptation of the guitar, pioneered by musicians like Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Debashish Bhattacharya, brings the resonance of the sitar and sarod to a fretted instrument, opening up new possibilities for melodic improvisation.
In Hindustani Slide Guitar with Fernando Perez, you’ll explore the fluid phrasing, microtonal slides, and rhythmic structures that define this style. Whether you’re a guitarist looking to bring Indian classical elements into your playing or simply want to understand the depth of ragas, this course will give you the tools to get started.
This playlist features key recordings from the masters of Hindustani slide guitar, as well as legendary instrumentalists whose phrasing and improvisational approach inform this tradition.
While the written list below features the recommended versions, some tracks on our Spotify playlist may be alternate versions due to availability.
Click here to explore the full course.
Slide Guitar Masters: Bringing Raga to the Guitar
Pioneers like Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Debashish Bhattacharya have redefined the guitar’s role in Indian classical music, modifying the instrument with sympathetic strings and applying sarod-like phrasing to achieve a deeply resonant sound.
- Vaisnava Bhajan – Vishwa Mohan Bhatt
- Dhun in Rag Pilu – Vishwa Mohan Bhatt
- Prema Chakor – Debashish Bhattacharya
- A Sunrise Serenade – Debashish Bhattacharya
Raga Bhupali: The Sound of Serenity
Raga Bhupali is a pentatonic raga with a bright and uplifting quality, often performed in the evening. Its simple scale structure makes it one of the first ragas students learn, yet its depth allows for profound melodic exploration.
- Dhun – Raga Bhupali – Vishwa Mohan Bhatt
- Raga Bhupali – Teentaal – Ulhas Bapat
- Raga Bhupali: Alaap – Arjun K. Verma
Raga Bhairavi: The Classical Farewell
Traditionally played at the conclusion of a Hindustani classical performance, Raga Bhairavi is rich with emotion, introspection, and resolution. It is one of the most flexible ragas, capable of expressing deep longing or joyous closure.
- Raga Bhairavi – Shaant Man
- Bhairavi – Anoushka Shankar
Raga Khamaj: The Raga of Romance and Playfulness
Known for its expressive, romantic nature, Raga Khamaj is frequently heard in semi-classical and folk traditions, as well as in Hindustani instrumental music. It balances lightness and depth, making it a versatile and widely used raga.
- Shankar: Raga Khamaj – Ravi Shankar
- Raga Khamaj – Utsav Lal
Raga Chandrakauns: The Midnight Raga
This raga has a deep, mysterious quality, often performed in late-night concerts. Its haunting, meditative sound lends itself to slow, expansive improvisations that gradually build intensity.
- Raga Chandrakauns – Alap – Hariprasad Chaurasia & Zakir Hussain
- Raga Chandrakauns: Tala – Teental – Shivkumar Sharma
Explore the Sound of Ragas on Guitar
This playlist offers a window into the intricate phrasing, melodic structures, and rhythmic cycles of Hindustani classical music, as played by some of the greatest slide guitarists and instrumentalists in India. Whether you’re a guitarist aiming to incorporate raga techniques or simply a listener wanting to experience these rich traditions, these recordings provide the perfect entry point.
For those ready to dive deeper, click here to start your journey with Hindustani Slide Guitar, where Fernando Perez will guide you through the techniques, ragas, and phrasing that define this remarkable style.
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