🪕 Online Tanpura
A steady tanpura drone for riyaz. Pick your Sa, press Play, and practise singing or playing in tune.
C♯
Sa = C♯3 · Pa – Sa – Sa – Sa
A steady tanpura drone for riyaz. Pick your Sa, press Play, and practise singing or playing in tune.
The tanpura (also tambura or tanpuri) is a long-necked string instrument that plays a continuous drone behind Indian classical music. It doesn't play the melody. Its four strings are plucked over and over in a gentle cycle, and the curved bridge (jawari) gives each note a shimmering buzz. That steady sound marks Sa, the tonic, so singers and instrumentalists can hear every note against it.
| String | Default note | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pa (lower octave) | The fifth: strengthens the tonal centre. Change to Ma or Ni for ragas that leave out Pa. |
| 2 | Sa | The tonic. |
| 3 | Sa | The tonic, doubled for a fuller sound. |
| 4 | Sa (lower octave, kharaj) | A deep base that grounds the drone. |
Pick the scale where you can sing from lower-octave Pa up to upper-octave Sa comfortably, without strain. As a rough starting point, many male voices practise with Sa around C to D and many female voices around G to A, but your teacher's advice and your own comfort matter more. Use Fine tune to match a harmonium or another instrument that isn't exactly at standard pitch.
Not sure which piano key matches your Sa? Find it on our Online Piano with Sargam labels. For rhythm practice, set a taal on the Online Metronome.
Does it keep playing if I switch apps?
Many phones pause browser audio in the background to save battery. Keep this page open on screen while you practise.
Is this the same as a real tanpura?
It's an electronic approximation, made from synthesised plucks with a jawari-style buzz. A real tanpura or a high-quality recording has a richer sound, but this is perfect for daily pitch practice.