User Manual
30 A User’s Guide to Garritan World Instruments
e Music and Instruments of India
With well over one billion people and ancient roots, India is profoundly endowed with a multiplic-
ity of musical traditions, the product of numerous ethnic groups, dialects, cultures and peoples. An
almost endless palette of types and forms and genres, the music of India includes folk, popular, Indi-
pop, traditional and, recently, Bollywood-style music. India’s rich classical music tradition, spanning
thousands of years, continues to this day to inspire students, composers, and listeners worldwide. e
array of instruments in India is equally varied. Some instruments are used in North Indian music
(Hindustani) and some are used in the music of Southern India (Carnatic). ere are also various
instruments used in Indian folk music.
Perhaps the most familiar form of Indian music is the Raga. A that is a seven-note interval pattern
based on twelve notes to the octave, although tuned dierently that the western chromatic scale.
Because of the uneven intervals, each that has a dierent feeling and avor. A single line melody is
established using a raga, which governs which notes from the that are used in the song and how scales
ascend and descend. A tala or rhythm is established to accompany the melody. e skill of a musician
is demonstrated by an ability to improvise on melodic ideas from the raga.
ere is a traditional system often used for the classication of Indian instruments. e ve classes of
instruments, including some representative instruments included in Garritan World Instruments, are:
• Wind Blown (Sushir): Bansuri, Harmonium, Nadaswaram, Pungi Snake Charmer, Shenai,
Shiva Whistle
• Non-Membranous Percussion (Ghan): Chimta, Chippli, Ghatam, Ghungharu, Hatheli, Khartal,
Maneera, Murchang