Exploring the Scales of Indian Classical Music

What are the main scales used in Indian classical music?

Which scale is similar to the western major scale, and which scale has 72 notes compared to the 12 notes in a western chromatic scale?

The Indian classical music uses the svara scale and the melakarta scale.

The svara scale is similar to the western major scale, while the melakarta scale has 72 notes compared to the 12 notes in a western chromatic scale.

Indian classical music is known for its rich tradition and intricate melodies. One of the key elements that define Indian classical music is the use of specific scales. The two main scales used in this genre are the svara scale and the melakarta scale.

Svara Scale

The svara scale is similar to the western major scale. It consists of seven notes or svaras: Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni. Each svara represents a fixed frequency and plays a crucial role in creating melodic structures in Indian classical music. The svara scale provides a foundation for composition, improvisation, and emotional expression.

Melakarta Scale

The melakarta scale, on the other hand, is a more complex system with 72 notes compared to the 12 notes in a western chromatic scale. This scale serves as the basis for classifying and understanding ragas in South Indian classical music. Each note in the melakarta scale is further divided into smaller intervals called srutis, allowing for intricate melodic patterns and variations.

Both the svara scale and the melakarta scale are essential in Indian classical music, providing musicians with a framework for creating captivating compositions and engaging improvisations. These scales add depth and complexity to the melodic structures in Indian classical music, making it a unique and captivating art form.