Mastering the Art of Veena Tuning: A Must for Music Learners
If you're a music enthusiast learning to play the veena, you've likely realized the crucial role tuning plays in creating beautiful melodies. The veena boasts seven strings, with four main strings and three accessory strings. Each of these strings must be tuned perfectly for the instrument to produce a harmonious sound. In this blog, we will delve into the essential aspects of veena tuning, guiding you through the process to ensure your melodies are a treat to the ears.
The first step in tuning the veena is to focus on the string closest to the player, known as the sarani or adhara shadjam. This string serves as the foundation for the instrument's tuning. Depending on your preferred base shadjam, such as madhya sthayi or mantra sthayi, the sarani string needs to be tuned accordingly. When you pluck the veena without using your left fingers, you produce the adhara shadjam, setting the tone for the entire instrument.
Traditionally, tuning the veena was done by ear, as nothing can beat the accuracy of the human ear. However, for those who are not yet familiar with the nuances of music, there are several apps available that can assist in veena tuning. These chromatic apps provide a visual representation, allowing you to pluck the veena while your mobile device analyzes the pitch. This simplifies the process and ensures accurate tuning.
The general pitch used for playing the veena is often D sharp or E. D sharp is a popular choice as it allows for versatility in playing both transversely and laterally. The veena's unique design enables you to glide along the strings and adjust the pitch by pulling the strings inward or outward, producing neighboring frets and tones. Therefore, tuning your veena to D sharp or E will provide a solid foundation for your musical journey.
To achieve the desired tuning, you must consider the relationship between the strings. Once you have tuned the sarani string to D sharp, the subsequent strings can be tuned in relation to the first string. Let's explore the specific tunings for each string:
Sarani (adhara shadjam): D3 sharp (or E3)
Panchama Kambi (second string): A2 sharp (or B2)
Mantra Sthayi (third string): D2 sharp (or E2)
Anumatra Sthayi (fourth string): A1 sharp (or B1)
Additionally, the tala strings, which play a vital role in rhythmic accompaniment, should also be tuned. The top tala string is tuned to the lower sa (D3 sharp or E3), the middle string to the higher madya sthayi pa (A3 sharp or B3), and the bottom string to the thara sthayi shadjam (D4 sharp or E4).
Traditionally, veena strings were adjusted using wooden pegs by tightening or loosening them in an anti-clockwise direction to increase or decrease the pitch, respectively. Nowadays, guitar keys are often used as a convenient alternative to wooden pegs, simplifying the tuning process. These keys allow for precise adjustments and are worth considering if you want a hassle-free experience.
In some cases, you may need minor adjustments to fine-tune the veena without disrupting the overall tuning. For such adjustments, small beads beyond the bridge on the right-hand side can be used. Moving these beads to the right increases the pitch, while moving them to the left decreases it. These adjustments should be made sparingly and with caution, as they are intended for minor tweaks.
By following these guidelines, you can master the art of veena tuning and embark on a melodic journey filled with joy and satisfaction. Remember, the process may seem intricate at first, but with practice and patience, you'll develop a keen ear and a deep understanding of the instrument. So, grab your veena, embrace the world of tunings, and let your melodies resonate with the beauty of this magnificent instrument