Raga Explorer

What is a raga? A raga is a melodic framework in Indian classical music — a specific set of notes with rules about how to ascend (aroha) and descend (avaroha), characteristic phrases (pakad), and an emotional essence (rasa). Each raga is traditionally associated with a time of day or season.

What is the Time Wheel? The Time Wheel shows all 25 ragas arranged around a 24-hour clock, according to their traditional performance time. Drag the needle or tap "Now" to see which ragas are appropriate for the current hour.

How do I use the Tanpura? Tap the TANPURA toggle in the raga detail view to start the drone. The tanpura plays continuously in the background, providing the harmonic foundation (Sa) while you explore the keyboard. Adjust the volume with the slider beside it.

What are PHRASE / LISTEN? Each raga includes up to 3 characteristic pakad phrases — short melodic motifs that define its identity. Tap LISTEN to hear the current phrase; the keyboard keys illuminate as each note plays so you can follow along. The phrase cycles automatically.

What do ↕ bend and ↔ slide do on the keyboard? The keyboard supports two expressive techniques: ↕ bend applies a pitch bend (like a meend/glide between notes), and ↔ slide lets you slide between keys while holding. These mimic ornamental techniques in Hindustani performance.

What is Chromatic / Scale mode? In Scale mode the keyboard only shows the notes of the selected raga's aroha/avaroha, making it easier to play in tune. In Chromatic mode all 12 semitones are available.

Does the app work offline? Yes — Raga Explorer works entirely offline. All audio, ragas, and theory content are built into the app. No internet connection is required.

Does the app collect any data? No. Raga Explorer collects no personal data of any kind. See our Privacy Policy for details.

What are Hindustani and Carnatic? Hindustani and Carnatic are the two main traditions of Indian classical music. Hindustani developed in North India (influenced by Persian/Mughal music) while Carnatic is the South Indian tradition. Raga Explorer includes ragas from both.

What is Rasa? Rasa (Sanskrit: "essence" or "juice") is the emotional quality that a raga is said to evoke — Peace, Love, Heroic, Wonder, Joy, Pathos, Anxiety, or Fury. The raga detail page shows the rasa for each raga along with the characteristic colour.