Editing Kanjira (section)

==Play==
The ''kanjira'' is a relatively difficult Indian drum to play, especially in South Indian Carnatic music, for reasons including the complexity of the percussion patterns used in Indian music. It is normally played with the palm and fingers of the right hand, while the left hand supports the drum. The fingertips of the left hand can be used to bend the pitch by applying pressure near the outer rim. It is not tuned to any particular [[pitch (music)|pitch]], unlike the mridangam or the [[ghatam]].<ref name="Requires">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/02/08/stories/2008020850790700.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212044254/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/02/08/stories/2008020850790700.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-02-12 |title=Requires judgment and expertise |date=2008-02-08 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2015-03-24}}</ref>

Normally, without tuning, it has a very high pitched sound. To get a good bass sound, the performer reduces the tension of the drumhead by sprinkling water on the inside of the instrument.<ref name="Requires"/> This process may have to be repeated during a concert to maintain a good sound. However, if the instrument is too moist, it will have a dead tone, requiring 5–10 minutes to dry. Tone is also affected by external temperature and moisture conditions. Performers typically carry a couple of ''kanjira''s so that they can keep at least one in perfectly tuned condition at any given time.

Depending on dexterity, surprising [[glissando]] effects like on the Tabla are possible.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indian-instruments.com/|title=Indian Musical Instruments|last=Siebenkaes|first=Marie-Luise|website=Indian-instruments.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-05|archive-date=21 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321132948/https://www.indian-instruments.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref>