Online Tanpura
Drone for riyaz in any key
About the Online Tanpura
A tanpura drone for riyaz, right in your browser. Choose your Sa (from G♯ to E, shown with Kali and Safed names as on a harmonium), the first string (Pa for most ragas, Ma for ragas without Pa such as Malkauns, or Ni), and the speed of the plucks. Each string is synthesised with the jawari buzz that gives the tanpura its shimmering sound. Switch to Shruti box for a steady reed drone of Sa, Pa and the notes you choose.
- Choose your Sa: C♯ (Kali 1) is common for men, G♯ or A for women.
- Choose Pa, Ma or Ni for the first string and set the speed.
- Press Start and sing or play along. Fine tune in cents to match your instrument.
Frequently asked
Which scale should I choose?
Pick the Sa you sing in comfortably. Many male singers use C♯ (Kali 1) or D, and many female singers G♯ (Kali 4) or A (Safed 6). If your harmonium's Sa is a particular key, choose that key.
When should I use Ma or Ni instead of Pa?
Use Ma for ragas without Pa, like Malkauns and Bageshri. Use Ni for ragas like Marwa and Puriya where Ni is important and Pa is weak or absent.
What's the difference between tanpura and shruti box?
The tanpura plucks four strings in a cycle, so the drone pulses and shimmers. The shruti box is a small harmonium-like reed box that holds the notes steadily, popular for Carnatic music and devotional singing.
Is what I type sent to a server?
No. The tool runs entirely in your browser and there's no server behind it, so what you type never leaves your device and nothing is stored. You can check: it keeps working if you go offline after the page has loaded.
More from the Music drawer
Other tools kept in this drawer, plus a few favourites from the bench.