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Tanpura/Shruti box

Explore our online Shruti Box / Tanpura! This virtual Free Shruti Box / Tanpura is ideal for practice, composition, and musical exploration, suitable for all skill levels.

Pa · C

PaSaSaKharaj

First String

Pitch

More About Tanpura

Tanpura/Shruti box: What is a Tanpura or Shruti Box?

What is a Tanpura or Shruti Box?

In Indian classical music, the stringed drone instrument known as the Tanpura or Shruti Box is an essential tool. It is perfect for vocal and instrumental practice because of its resonant tone, which serves as a pitch reference and harmonic basis. With Artium Academy’s online tanpura tool and best-in-class learning experience, you can take your musical journey to the next level.
Tanpura/Shruti box: What Are The Benefits of Using Artium’s Online Tanpura?

What Are The Benefits of Using Artium’s Online Tanpura?

Our online Tanpura and Shruti Box is specially designed to replicate the authentic sound and feel of traditional instruments. This tool helps with improving your practice scales and ragas while setting the perfect tonal base. Suitable for vocalists, instrumentalists, and all students of classical music, this tool gives you instant access to a high-quality, traditional sound. Please note that this tool is only accessible on desktop and mobile.
Tanpura/Shruti box: How To Use An Online Tanpura?

How To Use An Online Tanpura?

To use the online tanpura effectively, start by selecting a pitch that aligns with your vocal range or instrument, such as C, D, or E. Adjust the volume and tempo to a comfortable level so that the tanpura provides a supportive drone without overpowering your practice. Begin by matching your vocal or instrumental pitch to the tanpura's drone, using it for stability as you work on scales or ragas. Additionally, the soothing sound of the tanpura can be a great aid for relaxation and meditation.
Tanpura/Shruti box: How Can You Enhance Your Singing Practice With Tanpura?

How Can You Enhance Your Singing Practice With Tanpura?

The Tanpura is essential in Carnatic and Hindustani music, providing a steady drone that supports pitch, intonation, and depth in raga practice.

For Carnatic music, tune the Tanpura to match your shruti and practice core ragas like ‘Mayamalavagowla’ and ‘Shankarabharanam’, refining your pitch accuracy.

In Hindustani music, it helps establish the scale and mood for ragas like ‘Yaman’ and ‘Bhairav’. At any skill level, the Tanpura provides a solid auditory foundation that enhances focus and intonation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Our tool is free and accessible to all. Simply choose your scale, adjust the pitch, and start practising.

You can select from multiple pitches and scales to match your range. Choose the ‘Settings’ option on the tool to adjust the pitch according to your preference.

A metronome is an instrument/tool that produces the beat for musicians to practise. A BPM (beats per minute) measures the tempo of the music, which represents beats per minute.

Yes, absolutely. Beginners can develop their sense of pitch and listening skills using a Tanpura. It creates a steady, meditative drone that helps beginners stay on pitch and understand the subtleties of Indian classical music.

While primarily used in Indian classical music, the Tanpura has found a place in other genres as well, such as in fusion and ambient music, due to its meditative sound. It’s especially useful for musicians who want a stable tonal foundation while composing music.

Set the Tanpura or Shruti Box to your pitch and listen to its drone. Start singing or playing your chosen raga, using the Tanpura’s sound to maintain your pitch and flow within the raga's structure. It’s a great tool for tuning and understanding tonal balance.