It is a rare stringed instrument of South India. It is like tambura which is supported at the neck and has four strings. The performer strikes all the four strings simultaneously with the help of two light bamboo blades held in both hands. While the left hand strikes the strings with regular rhythmic beats, the right hand plays intricate patterns that are reminiscent of the mridangam. 

It is used rarely as a secondary instrument along with the mridangam in concerts. Only very few masters of gettuvadyam are found. This instrument belongs to south India.