Swaras in Music: Carnatic and Hindustani Music Swaras

In Indian classical music, Swaras are the basic music notes or sounds from which every melody is made. The Seven Swaras — Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni — form the foundation of all ragas and songs. These Swaras, together called the Saptak, are like the musical alphabet — everything you sing or play begins here.

What Are Swaras in Indian Classical Music?

A Swara is a musical note — a distinct sound or pitch that forms the building block of melody.

In both Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions, Swaras are the essential elements that define how a raga sounds and feels.

The Seven Swaras in Indian classical music are:

Sa (Shadja), Re (Rishabh), Ga (Gandhar), Ma (Madhyam), Pa (Pancham), Dha (Dhaivat), and Ni (Nishad).

Together they create one Saptak (octave), similar to the Western Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti. When sung or played in sequence, they form scales and ragas — the very soul of Indian music.

Example: When you sing “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa,” you are actually singing the Seven Swaras in one complete octave — the foundation of all Indian melodies.

Why Are Swaras Important in Music?

Swaras are the heart of Indian music — every song, raga, or tune is a combination of these seven notes.

Here’s why learning them matters:

• Foundation of Melody: All ragas and songs are created using different combinations of Swaras.
• Universal Musical Language: The Seven Swaras are common to both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music systems.
• Emotional Expression: Each Swara carries a specific mood — peaceful (Sa), devotional (Re), joyful (Pa), romantic (Ni), and so on.
• Improves Pitch and Listening Skills: Regular practice of Swaras helps singers and instrumentalists develop Sur (pitch accuracy).
• Gateway to Ragas: Understanding the Seven Swaras makes it easier to recognise and learn ragas and songs faster.

Types of Swaras in Indian Classical Music

1. Shuddha Swaras (Natural Notes)

These are pure and unaltered notes. There are seven Shuddha Swaras:

Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni.

They form the base for most ragas and exercises.

Example: Ragas like Bilawal (Hindustani) or Malahari (Carnatic) use all Shuddha Swaras.

2. Vikrit Swaras (Altered Notes)

Vikrit means “changed.” Some Swaras can be modified to sound slightly lower (Komal) or higher (Tivra).

• Komal (Flat): Re, Ga, Dha, Ni can be lowered.
• Tivra (Sharp): Only Ma can be raised.

Example: In Raga Bhairav, you’ll find Komal Re and Komal Dha, giving it a devotional and serious tone.

3. Achal and Chal Swaras

• Achal Swaras: Sa and Pa never change — their pitch remains constant.
• Chal Swaras: Re, Ga, Ma, Dha, Ni can be Komal or Tivra based on the raga.

Example: In Raga Yaman, Ma is Tivra, giving it a luminous and serene sound.

4. Saptak (Octaves)

The Seven Swaras are spread across three ranges called Saptaks:

• Mandra Saptak: Lower octave (deep, soft sounds)
• Madhya Saptak: Middle octave (normal vocal range)
• Taar Saptak: Higher octave (bright, sharp tones)

Example: A singer may begin with Sa in the Mandra Saptak and end with Sa in the Taar Saptak — covering the full melodic range.

5. Alankar (Patterns of Swaras)

Alankars are Swara exercises or patterns used to develop control, accuracy, and agility.

Example: Simple patterns like Sa Re Sa, Re Ga Re, Ga Ma Ga are daily vocal warm-ups in Indian classical music.

The Meaning and Emotion of Each Swara

Each Swara in Indian classical music carries a unique vibration and emotion.

Example: A raga that uses Komal Ni often sounds romantic or longing, while one using Tivra Ma feels bright and spiritual.

How to Practise Swaras

Practising the Seven Swaras daily is essential for mastering pitch, tone, and control.

For Singers

• Start by singing Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa slowly, maintaining pitch accuracy with a Tanpura or Shruti app.
• Practise Alankars (patterns) every day, increasing speed gradually.
• Focus on matching your voice exactly with the reference pitch.
• Maintain correct posture and breath control while sustaining each note.
• Repeat the Saptak daily — this strengthens your vocal cords and sense of Sur.

For Instrument Players (Piano, Guitar, Keyboard, Violin)

• Identify each Swara on your instrument and practise them in ascending and descending order.
• Use a metronome to maintain rhythm and timing while playing Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa.
• Practise simple ragas like Bilawal or Yaman using Swara combinations.
• Try to hear and play Swaras by ear — a great way to improve your musical ear.

For Beginners at Home

• Use a Tanpura or pitch app to find your Sa and sing along daily.
• Hum along with simple Indian songs to identify the Swaras they use.
• Repeat Swara patterns 5–10 times daily for steady improvement.
• Try identifying Swaras in your favourite Bollywood or classical song — it makes learning fun!

Common Mistakes with Swaras (and How to Avoid Them)

Learning Swaras is an enriching journey, but it’s easy to fall into habits that slow progress or affect musical expression. Here are some of the most common challenges students face — and how to overcome them effectively.

1. Singing Out of Tune (Off-Sur)

One of the first hurdles every beginner encounters is maintaining pitch accuracy. Singing slightly off-pitch may not sound wrong at first, but over time, it can affect your ability to identify and reproduce Swaras correctly. The best way to fix this is to practise daily with a Tanpura or a pitch reference app. Listen carefully and match your voice or instrument to the drone until the note feels perfectly aligned.

2. Skipping Slow Practice

Many learners rush through Swaras, believing that speed shows progress. In reality, slow, mindful practice is what builds accuracy and muscle memory. Begin with a comfortable tempo and focus on clarity and tone. As your control improves, gradually increase the speed. Remember — mastery in music always begins with patience.

3. Ignoring Komal and Tivra Variations

Swaras like Re, Ga, Dha, and Ni can sound very different when sung as Komal (flat) or Tivra (sharp). Ignoring these subtle shifts can limit your understanding of ragas. Set aside time each week to practise both Shuddha (natural) and Vikrit (altered) versions of the Swaras. This will train your ear to recognise even the smallest tonal differences — a skill every good musician depends on.

4. Neglecting Breath and Posture (or Hand Position for Instrumentalists)

Posture and breath control are often overlooked, yet they form the base of good sound production. When singing, ensure your body is relaxed, shoulders open, and breathing steady. For instrumentalists, pay attention to hand and finger placement — small adjustments can greatly improve tone and accuracy. A balanced body supports a balanced sound.

5. Practising Without Emotion or Awareness

It’s easy to treat Swara practice as a technical exercise, but true music goes beyond notes. Each Swara carries emotion — calmness in Sa, sweetness in Ga, strength in Pa. Try to feel what each one expresses as you sing or play. Connecting emotionally with your Swaras transforms simple practice into art.

Related Music Terms

• Raga: A melodic framework built using specific Swaras.
• Tala: The rhythmic cycle that supports the melody.
• Shruti: The microtones between two Swaras, the smallest unit of pitch.
• Alankar: A decorative pattern or exercise of Swaras.
• Saptak: The complete set of Seven Swaras across one octave.

Learning the Seven Swaras with Joy

The Seven Swaras in Indian Classical Music — Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni — are far more than just notes. They are emotions, energies, and living expressions that give soul to every melody. Each Swara carries its own personality — from the calm steadiness of Sa to the brightness of Pa and the longing of Ni.

When I was learning music as a child, I remember being taught Swaras as technical sounds to memorise. But over time, I realised that when you truly feel them — when you let each note resonate within you — that’s when music begins to speak back. That understanding became the foundation for how we teach at Music Pandit.

Want your child to truly understand the Seven Swaras through fun songs and engaging activities?

We believe children shouldn’t just learn Swaras — they should experience them. Through songs, stories, and interactive practice, our classes help kids live the music rather than just repeat it.

If you’d like your child to discover the joy of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni in a way that’s natural, engaging, and rooted in real understanding, explore our online music classes for children. It’s where learning becomes listening, and practice becomes play.

FAQs

Q1. What are Swaras in Indian Classical Music?

Swaras are the seven musical notes — Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni — that form the foundation of every raga and song.

Q2. How many Swaras are there in music?

There are Seven Swaras in Indian Classical Music, also known as the Saptak. They are Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni.

Q3. What are Komal and Tivra Swaras?

Komal Swaras are sung lower than the original pitch, while Tivra Swaras are sung higher.

Q4. Which Swaras are fixed?

Sa and Pa are Achal Swaras, meaning they never change their pitch.

Q5. How can I practise the Seven Swaras at home?

Use a Tanpura or pitch app to sing Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa daily, focusing on pitch and clarity.