Software tanpura

klaatu

Anyone who took Stephane Wrembel's classes at Django in June will recall the "Raagini" digital tanpura that he demonstrated as an aid to practice. Someone asked if there were programs available for the PC that would provide similar functionality at a lower cost ($200+ for the Raagini), and the answer appears to be yes. I am trying out one called "RiyazStudio" from http://www.riyazstudio.com, at a cost of $39.95 for the downloaded version ($54.90 for a CD). You can get it for a free 30-day trial. There are others available as well. I'm not knowledgeable enough about Indian music to evaluate its full functionality, but as a practice aid for guitarists, it seems to fill the bill.

chip3174

Hello Klaatu,

What did Stephane say? I wasn't at Django in June. Is this a practice tool for rhythm or chords/scales? How did he suggest to practice with it?

Thanks,
Chip

klaatu

Hi Chip,

What Stephane does is to use it to create a supportive environment for practice. It helps to put you in a focused frame of mind by creating a pitched droning sound, similar to an Indian tanpura (Stephane is big on focus during practice). You could use it while practicing arpeggios, rhythms, patterns, or improvising melodies - basically just about anything. You might (for instance) set it to a pitch of D and then repetitively practice D diminished arpeggios. It is far more interesting and engaging than just doing the same unaccompanied.

It is also important to have some means of controlling your tempo. Stephane used a metronome in conjunction with the Raagini, but the software allows you to create various rhythmic patterns in the virtual tabla, which works just as well as a metronome for me. I dont know if the Raagini has a similar function.

Perhaps others who took Stephane's classes might have something to add.

Ken Bloom

I'm guessing that what this software does is do duplicate the sound of the tambura, which is the basic instrumental accompaniment of Indian classical music. Because of the unique buzzing bridge setup that is used you get a kind of sutain an carry over of each string that you often get from distortion guitars. Tamburas can be tuned a number of ways, depending on the rag you are playing. If you have a major third in the rag, then you will often find the tambura tuned 3-5-1-1-1 with the first two 1s being above the 5 and the last on being below. For rags with a minor third, flat the three. Often you will find only one and five used. The touch on the tambura is a gentle one to minimize the attack. Thus you get this sort of pulsating drone to sing against or play against.
I can see how this would liven up arpeggio practice as well as a host of other things. It would help you focus.

klaatu

Thanks for that info, Ken. That's more than I knew about the instrument (tanpura and tambura are two of many English spellings). I have tried practicing with the software, and it does indeed seem to be a help both in focusing and in sustaining your interest in playing repetitive atterns.

chip3174

Klaatu and Ken,

Thanks for all the info, I'll check it out. I tried the same idea with a Looping Station but got turned off because that is so geared to rock players. The internal metronome sound was a rock drum set...quite un-jazzy (laugh)..

Chip

P.S.: Ken we'll get together soon, I have some free time opening up in July/August

chip3174

Klaatu and Ken,

Thanks for all the info, I'll check it out. I tried the same idea with a Looping Station but got turned off because that is so geared to rock players. The internal metronome sound was a rock drum set...quite un-jazzy (laugh)..

Chip

P.S.: Ken we'll get together soon, I have some free time opening up in July/August

Ken Bloom

Hi Chip,

That's great.I'll be in and out doing gigs but I have a ton of instruments to get built so give me call and we'll get together. If anyone needs more info on Indian classical music, I studied it for about five years,mostly Carnatic but some Hindustani as well. I have found that their approach toimprovisation has helped me be a better player.

Larssen

Is that what this guy is using?:(see Technique demonstration)

http://lessons.mikedodge.com/lessons/In ... frames.htm

Anyone know if similar software available for Mac?

thanks,

Christian