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Tuning Schemes of the Tanpura

 

Tanpura tuning is pretty simple, as the general rule will be the same.

 

Every tanpura must have at least four strings. There is no such tanpura under four strings. Some people may own a five, six, or even a seven stringed tanpura, but the general procedure holds true on how to tune.

 

First: Decide what key you are going to tune your tanpura to. This is important, because your tanpura has a limited range of what key it can play. Over-tightening your tanpura will either result in the breaking of the string, damage to the bridge, or excessive weight that can actually puncture the tumba on a gourd tanpura. Since the bridge is the cause of the buzz on the tanpura, improper tuning methods can destroy the bridge or destroy the sound.

 

TUNING FOUR STRINGED TANPURAS

 

There are three classes of tanpuras.

 

Male Range: B below middle C to D# above middle C

Female Range: F above middle C to A# above middle C

Instrumental Range: B above middle C to C# one octave above middle C.

 

If you are planning to sing in the key of A# and you have a male tanpura, then you will have to find alternative solutions, which will be presented later. Nonetheless, identify what key you will tune to and see if it is acceptable with your tanpura.

 

Given that it is, look at the following chart.

The fourth string (far right) is tuned to Pa below Sa. The second and third strings are tuned to Sa on the middle range. Thus, the second and third strings should sound exactly the same. The first string (far left) will be tuned to Sa below the mid-range octave.

 

Depending on some models of the tanpura, the order of the strings shown above maybe reversed.

 

TUNING TANPURAS BEYOND FOUR STRINGS

 

The first three strings will follow the exact same format as the four-stringed model of tuning shows. The last two strings on the five string can be tuned to Pa with Ma in whichever order is acceptable. More strings to the tanpura can allow combination, but it has to fit with the raga.

 

The rule of thumb in tuning a tanpura will remain common, that the last three strings be tuned to S, S, and 'S respectively (Sa in the mid-octave, Sa in the mid-octave, and Sa in the lower octave). However, even in the four stringed model, there will be exceptions

 

PA TUNING

As shown in the diagram, which most ragas will use.

 

MA TUNING

Some ragas like Malkauns, Lalita, and Ragesri lack a 5th note (Pa) or emphasize the ma strongly. Therefore, the first string is tuned to suddha ma.

 

NI TUNING: (MALE TANPURAS)

In male tanpuras, tuning the first string to suddha Ni is acceptable when

1) It is evening

2) The raga lacks suddha ma AND Pa

3) If the vadi/samvadi pair is suddha Ga and suddha Ni

 

Since the pitch is low, it blends well with the tonic.

 

MISCELLANEOUS TUNING: (FEMALE TANPURAS)

 

For ragas that lack suddha ma and Pa, female tanpuras should tune to the note closest to suddha ma or pa based on the raga being played. It is always good to check if your tanpura can go as high as Ni. If it can, use that. Otherwise, find the note and tune to that.

 

WHAT IF YOUR TANPURA CANNOT REACH THE DESIRED SA?

 

It is very possible that your tanpura cannot hit a certain pitch. The best solution is use Sa-Pa to Sa-Ma conversions.

 

Find your current Sa and current Pa notes.

 

Let your current Pa be equal to your new Sa

Let your current Sa be equal to your new suddha ma.

 

It might sound awkward at first, but it definitely works out. The frequency of your Sa and Pa are untouched, but just transposed on a more user-friendly scale for your tanpura.

 

UPDATED: June 15, 2010