Raag / Melody
A phrase or a cycle of musical notes and verna, which gives a pleasing effect to the mind of listeners is known as Raag. A raag must consist of at least five musical notes. Each raag has its own mood, color or 'rasa'. Set rules about raag to be followed are indicated below. In music we use a word 'play', (we play music). So, "Music is a game, we play it by following the set rules for the particular Raga."
- Each raag must be melodious, Pleasing to the ears of listener.
- Raag is melodious, Pleasing to the ears of listener.
- Raag can be classified under a thaat or must be produced from a thaat.
- Each raag should have at least 5 musical notes (swaras). Maximum notes are seven.
- Each raag must have specific ascending and descending musical notes.
- Vadi, Samvadi swaras (Musical notes) are well defined.
- Time of singing is also specific for each raga. It is related to time theory.
- Raag has the ability to create some rasa (muse).
- A raag may consist of both the forms of swara i.e. Shuddha and Vikrit (komal/Tivra).
- Raag has specified cycle of musical notes known as Pakad (Mukhiyag).
- In aroh (ascending) and avroh (descending), it is not necessary to use swaras in continuity as in thaat.