Swarmandal tuning: Sa and raga note charts
A swarmandal is retuned to the raga and the singer’s Sa. Its many strings cover roughly three octaves, but there is no single fixed tuning for every performance. Use chromatic pitch and cents with your own Sa and string layout.
How to use it
- Choose the tuning, target or note convention described below. Set the reference A to match your ensemble before comparing pitches.
- Press Turn on microphone and allow microphone access. Work in a quiet place and sound one note at a time.
- Let the attack pass and compare a steady note, its octave and cents. Make a small adjustment, then repeat the measurement.
- Check the full instrument again after adjustments. Stop the microphone when you finish; reference tones and the guide remain available.
Help and explanations
Tuning and register
As equal-tempered pitch-class examples with Sa = C, Yaman uses C D E F♯ G A B, Bhairav uses C D♭ E F G A♭ B, and Kafi uses C D E♭ F G A B♭. Repeat the appropriate notes across your instrument’s register; these examples do not prescribe one physical string allocation or replace raga intonation. First mark the intended scale on a chart, then use the correct tuning key for the pins. Adjust gently and check each string independently before testing a sweeping accompaniment.
Getting a steady reading
Place the microphone close enough to hear a clear tone, without touching the instrument. Stop reference playback before listening through the microphone. A room echo, another player or a strong overtone can make the detected octave jump. Repeat a short, steady sound and compare by ear before making another adjustment.
Tips
- Match the note letter and the octave, not only the needle position.
- Use the pitch and stringing intended for your model; a chart for another size can imply a different register.
- Return to the same reference A when playing with other musicians.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to install an app?
No. The tuner works in a current browser with microphone permission. The audio is analyzed on your device and is not recorded or uploaded.
What does zero cents mean?
It means the measured pitch matches the selected reference. For a tradition with different intervals, use the intended cents offset and confirm the musical relationship by ear.
Why does the note or octave change?
The microphone can pick up an overtone or another sounding string. Isolate the note, reduce background sound and wait for a stable reading before changing the instrument.