The Learn Carnatic Violin Blog
Carnatic music concepts explained simply, for students, by a practising performer.
The 5 Jāthis & 7 Thālās
In the previous blog, we saw how, why and where the concept of Jaathi emerges. We saw that Laghu being the variable, is the link that connects the world of Thaala to the concept of Jaathi. Jaathi is the factor that determines the value of Laghu.…
READ MOREWhat is Thāla, Thāla Anga & Jaathi in Carnatic music?
While Laya refers to the timing aspect of music, Carnatic music requires a tangible and structured framework to measure and organise this perceived time. That framework is called Thaala.…
READ MOREWhat is Laya in Carnatic music?
In Carnatic music, Shruthi and Laya are often compared to Pārvatī and Parameshvara, symbolising the equal importance of these two fundamental aspects of music.…
READ MOREWhat is Katapayādhi Sutra in Carnatic music?
Before trying to understand Katapayādhi Sūtra, it is strongly recommended to know about Melakartha Rāgas. You can read about them here.…
READ MOREWhat are Janya Ragas in Carnatic music?
Janya Rāgas are rāgas derived from the 72 Melakartha Rāgas. Or we could say a rāga becomes a Janya rāga if it deviates from the strict Melakartha framework.…
READ MOREWhat are Melakartha or Janaka Ragas?
Janaka, Melakartha, or Mela Rāga are all different names for the same.…
READ MOREWhat are Rāgas in Carnatic music?
A Rāga is a set of swaras that has its own rasa.A Rāga must never be defined only as a set of swaras without referring to the aesthetic identity, expression, emotion and experience it brings.…
READ MOREWhat are the 22 Shruthis in Carnatic Music? Overview Guide
Modern Carnatic performance operates within the 12 Swarasthanas. The 22 Shruthi model belongs primarily to historical and theoretical discussions.…
READ MOREWhat are the 12 Swarasthanas in Carnatic Music?
We have already discussed what Swaras are and their types. We also know now that some swaras (vikruthi swaras) have different variants. So, in an octave, we now have: S, R1, R2, R3, G1, G2, G3, M1, M2, P, D1, D2, D3, N1, N2 & N3. In total, that gives 16 possibilities.…
READ MORE
Ready to move from theory to playing?
Every concept in these articles is taught step by step in the Beginner's Course.