Tanpura & riyaz
Every classical musician practises (riyaz) against a tanpura drone, which constantly sounds Sa so you can tune each note against it. Pick your Sa and press play.
Tanpura drone
Sa = C · Pa – Sa
Your Sa (tonic)
Men often sing around C–D, women around G#–A# (an octave higher).
First string
Daily alankar exercises
Start the tanpura, then play each exercise and sing it back. Exercises use the Bilawal (major) scale with Sa = A.
Sargam
The basic ascending and descending scale.
Pairs (S R, R G…)
Two-note steps to strengthen pitch accuracy.
Triplets (S R G, R G M…)
Three-note groups for agility.
Skips (S G, R M…)
Leaps of a third to train interval memory.
Long Sa (kharaj)
Hold low Sa for breath and voice stability.
Riyaz tips
- Begin with long, steady Sa for 5–10 minutes — listen for it merging with the drone.
- Practise morning ragas (Bhairav, Todi) in the morning and evening ragas (Yaman) at dusk.
- Pick a raga, open its page, switch to Student view and sing its pakad over the tanpura.
- Record yourself and compare with masters linked on each raga page.