Shruti
A free tanpura drone for singers and instrumentalists, in your browser with no sign-up. Install it and the drone plays offline. Set your Sa, add Pa, and let the drone run while you practice. The shimmer toggle layers a slow Sa-Sa-Pa-Sa pluck pattern on top.
How to use Shruti
- Pick a shruthi (your Sa) that sits comfortably with your voice.
- Toggle Pa to enrich the drone with the perfect fifth.
- Turn on shimmer to add a slow Sa-Sa-Pa-Sa pluck pattern.
- Leave it running while you sing, play, or practice riyaaz.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a tanpura drone?
- A tanpura is a stringed drone that provides the tonal foundation for Indian classical music — a continuous Sa with its overtones to lock the ear into the key.
- Why add Pa?
- Pa (the perfect fifth) thickens the drone and is the default companion to Sa in most ragas. Some compositions in raga Hindolam or Madhyamavati prefer Ma instead.
- Does the drone keep playing if I switch tabs?
- On a laptop, yes. On a phone it depends on the system: a call or a lock screen can pause it, and the tool resumes the drone when you come back. Installing Shruti and keeping the screen on gives the steadiest result.