Grahabheda in Different Music Systems

Grahabheda in Different Music Systems

Author Name : Dr. Sunil V. T.

Abstract

Grahabhēda or Modal Shift of Tonic is the technique of deriving new scales by shifting the tonic note of an existing scale. For example, take the raga Hindolam (Sa Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa), and treat the Ga as Sa, the resulting scale would be Sa Ri Ma Pa Dha Sa, thus giving the scale of Suddha Saveri. Take the raga Madhyamavati (Sa Ri Ma Pa Ni Sa), and treat the Ri as Sa, the resulting scale would be Sa Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa, thus giving the scale of Hindolam. This transformation is based on the simple mathematical relationship between the various notes in an octave. In Grahabhēda, it may be noted that there is a fundamental scale to start with. By taking various notes of the scale as the tonic note as Shadja (i.e. Grahasvara) and playing or singing the same notes of the original scale, new scales result. New scales will be heard on account of the change in the interval values of the notes consequent of the shift of the Tonic note. This process is popularly known as Grahabhēda in Carnatic music. It is also called Grahasvarabhēdam or Srutibhēdam. The use and application of Modal Shift of Tonic in different musical systems other than Carnatic music like ancient Tamil music and Greek music are dealt with in this article.

Keywords: Grahabhēda, Note, Octave, Rāga, Scale, Shadja, Tonic