Co-relation between Hindustani and Western Music terms

Both the style of music uses very similar theoretical terminology, however the approach and the actual meaning of it is quite different. In this topic, we will discuss about the terms, its significance and the relationship between the two styles.

Notes

There are 12 notes in music as we know it. In Hindustani, these 12 notes are called ‘‘Swaras’’. Now, the 12 notes are divided into two. In western music, the division is known as Natural and Accidental notes whereas in Hindustani, Swaras are divided as Shudh Swaras and Vikrit Swaras. There are 7 natural and 5 accidental notes and similarly, in Hindustani music there are 7 Shudh Swaras and 5 Vikrit Swaras. However, Natural notes are not the same as Shudh Swaras and Accidental notes are not the same as Vikrit Swaras.

Natural notes in western music are all the white keys on a piano, which are A, B, C, D, E, F, G. The accidental notes are referred to the sharp and flat notes which are the black keys on the piano. Shudh swaras are referred to the notes of any major scale, any change in the note in the major scale is due to the introduction of Vikrit Swaras.

Taking best of both

Both styles have a theory that best suits their need and necessity. Hindustani students do a lot of Alankaar practice which goes something like " Sa Re Ga, Re Ga Ma, Ga Ma Pa…". Western vocal students can do the same exercise as "Do Re Mi, Re Mi Fa, Mi Fa So…".

Now if you know your chords, you will know that the major and minor chord is formed of three notes. For example ; C major scale is made up of C E G. In Hindustani the same major scale will be formed by Sa Ga Pa, so when you are singling over C major chord, you should not sing komal ga with it. However you have to start your Sargam starting in C.

Conclusion

So, from above, you can come to conclusion that both Hindustani and Western has same number of notes. But western tells you the pitch through its given notes but Hindustani music theory depends on the Swaras and the pitch is decided later. The basic difference is the influence of the region, Hindustani takes styles from their traditional culture whereas the Western takes up influences from the European countries. 

However, the notes involved are quite similar, only the execution of it is different. So there is not one style which is better, they are just influenced from two different parts of the world and thus can be heard in them. So, as a musician you should research as much as you can on both the styles and use the favourite techniques from both the styles.

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