M has 2 variations: shuddha (M1), prathi (M2).

G has 3 variations: shuddha (G1), sadharana (G2), antara (G3).

R has 3 variations: shuddha (R1), chaturshruthi (R2), shatshruti (R3).

The other five swaras, viz Rishabha, Gandhara, Madhyama, Dhaivatha, Nishadha are swaras with two or three variations each. Shadja and Panchama are achala (immovable) swaras. An octave spans all the swaras from Shadja until, but not including the higher Shadja. The frequency of higher Shadja is twice that of the Shadja. Nishada is followed again by a Shadja from the higher octave. Aarohana and Avarohana together make a moorchana. SRGMPDN, is called aarohana and the descending order, i.e. It plays a similar role to that of a ‘note’ in western music, but has a distinct character. There are seven swaras in Carnatic music: S for Shadja (sung as Sa), R for Rishabha (sung as Ri), G for Gandhara (sung as Ga), M for Madhyama (sung as Ma), P for Panchama ( sung as Pa), D for Dhaivatha (sung as Da) and N for Nishadha (sung as Ni). The ascending order of the swaras, i.e. Swara is the most fundamental concept in Carnatic music.

It also tells you the relevance and importance of practising the beginner singing lessons such as sarali varase/varisai as part of your everyday practice for singing. If you are a beginner and want to know how to sing in the carnatic tradition, these tips will definitely help you. This article introduces you to the fundamentals of Carnatic music.

Carnatic music lessons cost