Page 3 - Carnatic Beginner Vol2 - preview

Concept of Sthaayi or Octave

Any song comprises of a variety of notes . You would’ve often heard

the terms high pitch and low pitch being used . This is where the

concept of sthaayi comes into picture.

In simple terms, an octave or sthaayi refers to basic set of frequencies

or swaras spanning from the lower Sa , Ri , Ga , Ma ………. Till we

reach the upper Sa. On touching the upper Sa, we span to the next

higher sthaayi. Similarly, when we sing swaras which are lower than

the initial Sa, it is referred to as the lower octave.

In Carnatic music, theoretically speaking we have five sthaayis

(explained in the next page). The standard sthaayi in which a musician

sings is called the Madhyama sthaayi. . There are two sthaayis each

below and above the central Madhyama sthaayi.

An ideal vocal range usually spans from the the ‘Pa’ of the lower

sthaayi (Mandrs Sthaayi) to the ‘Pa’ of the upper sthaayi (Tara

sthaayi).