The Shimmer of Sindhu Guitar Lessson - Introduction and Chords

The Shimmer of Sindhu - Introduction

The Shimmer of Sindhu is a beautiful instrumental track from the 2016 Bollywood film Mohenjo-Daro, composed by A.R. Rahman. The song captures the mystical essence of the ancient Indus Valley civilisation through its soothing and reflective melody. Unlike typical Bollywood songs, this piece relies entirely on instruments—featuring ethnic strings, flute, and minimal percussion—to create a serene and immersive soundscape. The composition feels like a journey through time, evoking images of flowing rivers and ancient ruins.

The track stands out for its simplicity and emotional depth. Rahman’s signature style shines through in the way he blends traditional Indian instruments with contemporary arrangements. The gentle progression of notes gives the song a meditative quality, making it perfect for relaxation or deep listening. Though it doesn’t have lyrics, the music tells its own story, painting vivid imagery of the lost world of Mohenjo-Daro.

The Shimmer of Sindhu Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson breaks down how to play "The Shimmer of Sindhu" on guitar. The song is in the key of D major, with a chord progression that includes D, Em7, Bm7, and A. These chords give the track its dreamy and reflective mood. The Em7 and Bm7 add a soft, melancholic touch, while the D major brings warmth and resolution.

The main melody is played slowly, with each note ringing clearly. The picking pattern follows a gentle arpeggio style, meaning you pluck the strings one by one instead of strumming. This technique helps recreate the song’s flowing, river-like feel. The Bm7 to D transition is especially important—it creates a sense of movement, like water shimmering under sunlight.

For the lead parts, the song uses the D major scale (D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#). The melody moves step-by-step through these notes, with occasional slides and light vibrato to add expression. The tempo is slow, so focus on playing each note cleanly and letting it sustain. The Em7 chord adds a slightly sadder tone, which contrasts nicely with the brighter D major.

Beginners should start by learning the basic chords and practising smooth transitions between them. Intermediate players can work on the arpeggiated picking, making sure each note sounds clear. Advanced players can experiment with adding subtle embellishments, like hammer-ons or slides, to make the melody more expressive.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is used for this song?

Standard tuning (EADGBE) works —no alternate tuning or capo needed.

Q. How do I play the Em7 and Bm7 chords smoothly?

For Em7, just add your pinky to the 3rd fret of the high E string in an Em shape. For Bm7, use a partial barre at the 2nd fret (Bm shape without the barre).

Q. What’s the best way to practice the arpeggios?

Start by plucking each string slowly in order (low to high), then reverse. Use your thumb for bass notes and fingers for higher strings.

Q. How can I make the melody sound more fluid?

Let each note ring into the next—avoid muting too soon. Use light fingerpicking for a softer tone.