Setar (, from
seh, meaning "three" and
tar, meaning "string") is a
Persian musical instrument used across
Greater Iran and
Central asia. It is a member of the
lute family, which is played with
index finger of the right hand. Two and a half centuries ago, a fourth string was added to the setar. it has 25 - 27 moveable frets which are usually made of animal intestines or silk. It originated in
Persia before the spread of
Islam.