# 1. Basics — Set up to sing

The full note system (swaras, saptak, komal/tivra, Bilawal as a thaat) lives on
[**Theory**](/theory/eastern/) / [`theory.md`](theory.md). This page is only what you need
to **start the drone and sing**. Interactive version: [`ready.html#basics`](ready.html#basics).

> **Need the ideas first?**
> [Swara](/theory/eastern/#swara) · [Saptak](/theory/eastern/#saptak) ·
> [Komal & tivra](/theory/eastern/#shuddha) · [Bilawal / thaat](/theory/eastern/raga.html#thaat) ·
> [Vāyu (breath)](/theory/eastern/#vayu). Then come back here.

## Quick map — sargam

You will sing **Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni** (sargam). **Sa** is whatever pitch you choose
as home — not a fixed piano key. Full names and the 12-note chart:
[Theory → Swara](/theory/eastern/#swara) ·
[Śuddha / komal / tivra](/theory/eastern/#shuddha).

**Saptak:** mandra (low, dot below) · madhya (plain) · taar (high, dot above).
Detail: [Theory → Saptak](/theory/eastern/#saptak).

**Accidentals:** komal = lowercase + underline (*re*…); tivra Ma = vertical stroke above.
Detail: [Theory](/theory/eastern/#shuddha).

## Choosing the note you sing as Sa

Step one of every session: pick Sa and drone it.

1. **Voice type (rough start):** many adult men around **C or C#**; many adult women /
   children around **G, G#, or A**. Find yours by ear.
2. **Comfort:** a Sa where you can reach an octave down and up without strain.

In the interactive guide: set **Sa** in the bottom bar, press **▶ Drone**, and under
**More → Drone** pick **Strings** (Sa+Pa / Sa+Ga / Sa+Ni). Leave it on — warm-ups and
alankars retune to that Sa.

The **swara reference keyboard** on Practice plays a Bilawal octave (tone follows
**Tone** in the bottom bar). Green underline = fixed (Sa / Pa).

**Mic pitch meter:** the strip above the bottom bar on Practice compares your voice to
the last harmonium / swara note (or Sa when idle). Enable the mic; headphones help when
the reed is loud.

## Sing Bilawal (your first scale)

All-natural scale — same intervals as Western major when Sa is the tonic.
Why it is called Bilawal thaat: [Theory → Thaat](/theory/eastern/raga.html#thaat). Warm-ups and
alankars on Practice use it.

```
Aroha (ascending):    Sa  Re  Ga  Ma  Pa  Dha  Ni  Sȧ
Avaroha (descending): Sȧ  Ni  Dha  Pa  Ma  Ga  Re  Sa
```

Play buttons and speed (BPM / Note / Dotted) live on
[`ready.html#bilawal`](ready.html#bilawal). Match the drone on sargam, then on “aa”.

## Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing

Steady airflow from the **diaphragm** — the body side of
[vāyu](/theory/eastern/#vayu) on Theory.

**How to find it:**

1. Lie on your back, one hand on your belly, one on your chest.
2. Breathe in slowly through the nose — the **belly hand should rise**, the chest hand
   should stay almost still.
3. Breathe out slowly and evenly — the belly falls. Chest stays quiet.

**Standing/sitting (daily):**

- **Sit tall or stand relaxed**, spine long, shoulders down, jaw and throat loose.
- **In (4 counts):** low, silent breath into the belly.
- **Hold (2–4 counts):** stay relaxed, don’t lock the throat.
- **Out (8+ counts):** release on a steady hiss “sssss” — long, even, no wobble.

**Golden rules:** Support from the belly, stay open in the throat. Never crane the neck
for high notes. Never sing on empty — take a low breath before each phrase.

## Quick self-check

- [ ] Name Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni up and down (review: [Theory](/theory/eastern/#swara))
- [ ] Explain that **Sa is any pitch you choose**, and Sa & Pa never move
- [ ] Pick a comfortable **Sa** and start the drone
- [ ] Take a low belly breath and release a steady 8-count hiss

## Notation key (for Practice)

- **Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni** — sung names
- **Komal** → lowercase + underline: <u>re</u> <u>ga</u> <u>dha</u> <u>ni</u>
- **Tivra** Ma → vertical stroke above
- Octave: plain = madhya; **dot above** = taar; **dot below** = mandra

Full 12-note chart: [Theory → Śuddha, komal, tivra](/theory/eastern/#shuddha).

Once those feel comfortable, go to [`warmups.md`](warmups.md) /
[`ready.html#warmups`](ready.html#warmups).