Musical Instrument Analogy: Finding the Pattern

This question asks us to find a word that fits the pattern established by the sequence: Sitar, Guitar, Tanpura, ? The key is to identify the common characteristic shared by the first three words.

Identifying the Category

• Sitar: A plucked string instrument, typically found in Hindustani classical music.
• Guitar: A plucked or strummed string instrument, common in many genres of music worldwide.
• Tanpura: A drone string instrument, used to accompany vocal and instrumental music in Indian classical music.

All three instruments – Sitar, Guitar, and Tanpura – are primarily categorized as stringed instruments. They produce sound through the vibration of strings.

Analyzing the Options

Now, let's examine each option to see which one is also a stringed instrument:

• 1. Trumpet: This is a brass instrument, known for its distinct sound produced by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece. It does not use strings.
• 2. Violin: This is a stringed instrument played using a bow. It belongs to the same primary category as the Sitar, Guitar, and Tanpura.
• 3. Harmonium: This is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by air flowing through reeds, activated by a hand-operated or foot-operated bellows. It is not a stringed instrument.
• 4. Mridanga: This is a percussion instrument, specifically a type of hand drum integral to Carnatic music. It produces sound when struck, not via strings.

Conclusion

Comparing the options with the established category (stringed instruments), the Violin is the only instrument that shares this characteristic with the Sitar, Guitar, and Tanpura. Therefore, the Violin is the missing word that fits the pattern.