What is shruti, and how to choose the right pitch

What shruti means

In Indian classical music, shruti is the base pitch a performer sings or plays against. Every note in the performance is measured from it.

Why it matters when you buy

Several instruments are built around one pitch. A tanpura provides the drone at that pitch, a shruti box holds it during practice, an electronic shruti box lets you set the pitch exactly, and a mridangam is tuned to match.

Buying at the wrong pitch means the instrument will not suit the player.

How to decide

Ask the teacher. A singer's shruti depends on their voice, and instrumentalists often choose a standard. Tell us the shruti when you call or visit, and we will show you instruments that fit.