Web Harmonium Notes — Complete Sargam Notation Guide
The definitive reference for Sargam notation, Vikrit notes, and the 10 Thaat parent scales of Indian classical music — with keyboard mappings for Online Web Harmonium.
The Seven Shuddha Swar (Pure Notes)
Sargam is to Indian music what Solfège (Do Re Mi) is to Western music. These seven pure notes form the foundation of every raga.
Vikrit Swar — Altered Notes
Beyond the seven pure notes, Indian music uses five altered notes (Komal and Tivra). These correspond to the black keys on a keyboard.
The 10 Thaat System — Parent Scales
A Thaat is a parent scale from which ragas are derived. The Bhatkhande system classifies all Hindustani ragas into 10 Thaat families, each with a fixed arrangement of pure and altered notes.
| Thaat | Mood / Time |
|---|---|
| Bilawal | Bright, morning |
| Khamaj | Romantic, light |
| Kafi | Devotional, monsoon |
| Asavari | Serious, contemplative |
| Bhairavi | Devotional, closing |
| Kalyan | Serene, evening |
| Marwa | Late afternoon |
| Poorvi | Sunset |
| Todi | Morning, meditative |
| Bhairav | Majestic, dawn |
How to Practice web Harmonium Notes
Start with Sa and Pa
These two notes are fixed (Achal Swar) and never change between ragas. Play Sa–Pa–Sa repeatedly to train your ear for the perfect fifth.
Learn the Bilawal Scale
Bilawal (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni) equals the C Major scale. Ascend and descend smoothly until it feels automatic.
Add Komal Notes
Once comfortable with Shuddha notes, introduce Komal Re and Komal Ga. Explore the Kafi scale to hear the mood shift.
Explore Tivra Ma
The Kalyan Thaat uses Tivra Ma (F#). This single change transforms the mood from earthy to serene and transcendent.
Play Simple Compositions
Find a bhajan or folk melody that uses 5–7 notes and play it slowly, focusing on smooth key transitions.