117-New Carnatic Music Ragas

Is music made up of 7 full swaras?

Although it is commonly said that music is made up of seven full swaras (notes), this is only partly true. Some of the full swaras are further divided into two types-komal swaras (soft/flat notes) and teevra swaras (sharp notes)-which results in a total of 12 swaras. In Western music, these are referred to as Flat, Natural, and Sharp. These differ from one another by the sound interval of half a swara (semitone).

This system of 12 swaras is called a Sthayi in Carnatic music and an Octave in Western music. These 12 semitones are what appear as the black and white keys on the harmonium and electronic keyboard.

From these 12 swaras, selecting only 7 swaras gives rise to a complete raga containing seven notes. Choosing ragas in such a way that they contain seven notes, with a balance of full and half swaras and without the presence of vivadi swaras (unpleasant or harsh combinations, as if 3 or 4 notes occur together), results in pleasant music. Such a complete raga with seven swaras is called a Melakarta or Mother Raga.

This book, "117 - New Carnatic Music Ragas," is based on 117 new Melakarta raga structures.