Drone
Tanpura
ਤਾਨਪੁਰਾ
Classical North Indian tradition
History
The tanpura is the soul-drone of Indian classical music and has accompanied Gurbani kirtan for centuries, holding the singer in tune and outlining the tonic and fifth of the raag. The continuous shimmering wash creates the meditative space in which a shabad unfolds.
A long-necked plucked drone with four (or five) strings tuned to the tonic and fifth. It is not played melodically — its continuous shimmering drone establishes the sa of the raag and holds the singer in tune.
Tuning & playing guide
Four strings tuned (low to high) Pa – Sa – Sa – Sa̱ for most raags, or Ma – Sa – Sa – Sa̱ for raags that emphasise the fourth. Sa is set to the singer's tonic. Pluck each string slowly and evenly in sequence. A thin cotton thread under each string at the bridge (the jawari) creates the buzzing overtones; adjust it carefully until the drone 'opens up'.
Hear how it sounds
Explore on YouTubeCare
Never lay the tanpura flat on its strings — rest it upright in a stand or on a soft cushion. The gourd (toomba) is hollow and cracks under impact, so keep it away from edges. Check and replace the cotton jawari thread under the bridge to keep the buzzing drone alive. Loosen the strings a little when storing for long periods.