Veena strings are attached to tuning pegs at one and the bridge at the another, allowing the player to adjust the tension of the string to achieve the desired pitch. Typically, there is not a standard tuning of the veena. The tuning pegs are traditionally made of wood, called Birudais, and there are smaller spring knobs to make minute adjustments. However, the wooden tuning pegs are susceptible to weather conditions so it’s common for veenas to use guitar tuning pegs instead, which are made of metal.
Unlike many other string instruments, the veena has unique qualities to the strings that make it stand out. The ends of the strings are curved instead of sharp and the frets are curved, more so than any other fretted instrument. Also unlike many string instruments, the strings are not pushed down to the base of the neck so the sound produced is gentler. The way the strings are designed allows the player to have continuous control over the tension of the strings.