Carnatic Music Notes

Carnatic Music is one of the oldest classical music of India, originated way back 2500 years ago. It is based on Ragas (melody) and tala (rhythm) both these elements are the soul of this ancient music form. This ancient music has witnessed several eras and still the richness and authenticity of the music is eternal.

The notes used in Carnatic music are called Swara’s there are basically seven kinds of notes(swara's). They are Shadja (Sa), Rishabha (Ri), Gandhara (Ga), Madhyama (Ma), Panchama (Pa), Dhaivata (Dha) and Nishada (Ni). While Sa and Pa are the constant notes that remain fixed in any given pitch, the rest of the five notes have variable values of two each. These notes makes the music wholesome and melodies, all the notes are in the ascending order of their pitch. These seven notes collectively are called the Sapta Swaras.

In Carnatic music the main importance is given to the vocal part, the majority of the compositions are made to be sung. They can also be played on instrument but its real beauty is in its vocal part. The up's and down of the notes makes the song special.