In fact a kind of electric guitar designed to mimic the sound of the traditional sitar. Such instruments bear varying degrees of resemblance to the traditional sitar. Most resemble the electric guitar in the style of the body and headstock, though some have a body shaped to resemble that of the sitar (such as a model made by Danelectro).

The instrument was developed in the late 1960s, when many western musical groups began to use the sitar. The sitar is generally considered a difficult instrument to learn, but by contrast the electric sitar, with its standard guitar fretboard and tuning, is easy for a guitarist to get to grips with.

In addition to the 6 playing strings, most electric sitars have sympathetic strings, typically located on the left side of the instrument. These strings have their own pickups (typically lipstick pickups are used for both sets of strings), and are usually tuned with a harp wrench. A unique type of "buzz bridge" helps give the instrument its distinctive sound. Some electric sitars have drone strings in lieu of sympathetic strings.