Instruments

The voice and the instruments of a Carnatic concert, with the role each one plays. The instruments module shows how they fit together.

Voice

• The voice — The centre of most concerts: it carries the melody and the words.

Drone

• Tambura — Sounds a continuous drone, usually on Sa and Pa, throughout a concert.

String instruments

• Veena (Saraswati veena) — A melodic instrument, often played solo.
• Violin — The usual melodic accompaniment to a singer, and also a solo instrument.

Wind instruments

• Venu (flute) — A melodic instrument used for solos and as accompaniment.
• Nadaswaram — A loud ceremonial wind instrument for temples and weddings.

Percussion

• Tavil — The usual drum partner of the nadaswaram.
• Mridangam — The main rhythmic accompaniment in a Carnatic ensemble.
• Ghatam — A supporting percussion instrument played alongside the mridangam.
• Kanjira — A small frame drum that supports the mridangam.
• Morsing — A small jaw harp that follows the mridangam's rhythms.