What Is Naad In Music
Definition of Nada: Naad is the foundational element of Indian classical music. It refers to a specific kind of musical resonance generated through vibration. When the strings of an instrument like the tanpura or sitar are plucked, they begin to vibrate, creating a resonance known as Naad. This resonance has unique qualities that make it both enjoyable and suitable for musical expression.
“The sweet sound used in music is called naad”
Types of Naad
Naad is divided into two main types:
- Aahat Naad
Anahat Naad
Aahat Naad (Struck Naad)
- Definition: Aahat Naad is the resonance produced when one object strikes another, creating a vibration through an external impact. When the strings or surface of an instrument are played with the hand, a pick, or other objects, the resulting vibrations produce a resonance known as Aahat Naad.
- Examples: Resonances produced by instruments like the sitar, tanpura, tabla, harmonium, and pakhawaj are examples of Aahat Naad. Playing these instruments requires some form of impact or plucking to generate vibrations and produce naad. Aahat Naad is perceptible and widely used in music.
- Characteristics: The form, intensity, and quality of Aahat Naad depend on the object producing the resonance. Instruments made of different materials—such as strings, leather, or wood—generate distinctive Aahat Naad qualities.
Anahat Naad (Unstruck Naad)
- Definition: Anahat Naad is a naturally occurring resonance that arises without any external impact. Known as the “inner naad” or “divine resonance,” this type of naad is experienced internally, especially in meditation and spiritual practices. Scriptures describe it as the “universal naad” present throughout the cosmos.
- Examples: Resonances experienced in yoga and meditation, such as the chanting of “Om,” are considered examples of Anahat Naad. Unlike physical vibrations, Anahat Naad is an internal experience, attained through deep meditation.
- Characteristics: Anahat Naad does not require any external object or impact. It symbolizes completeness and is said to be present at the core of one’s soul. Experienced through meditation, Anahat Naad guides one towards peace and spirituality.
Characteristics of Naad
The Three Main Characteristics of Naad
- Pitch of Naad
- Timbre or Quality of Naad
Loudness of Naad
1. Pitch of Naad
- Definition: The pitch of naad refers to its frequency, indicating how “high” or “low” a sound feels. It represents the intensity of naad.
- How It Occurs: When singing or playing, each note varies in pitch. In music, there are twelve notes like ‘Sa’, ‘Re’, ‘Ga’, ‘Ma’, etc., where ‘Re’ is higher than ‘Sa’, and ‘Ga’ is higher than ‘Re’. This means that the vibration frequency of ‘Re’ is higher than ‘Sa’ and that of ‘Ga’ is higher than ‘Re’. When frequency increases, the sound appears higher, and when it decreases, it sounds lower.
- Scientific Basis: Pitch directly relates to a sound’s frequency. Higher frequencies produce higher pitches, while lower frequencies result in lower pitches. This variation in pitch distinguishes different notes and brings depth and diversity to music.
- Example: When a sitar string is plucked quickly, the pitch rises, producing a sharp and high sound. Conversely, if the string is plucked slowly, the resulting sound is lower in pitch.
2. Loudness of Naad
- Definition: Loudness of naad refers to its intensity—how far and to what extent it can be heard. This depends on the amplitude of the string’s vibration.
- How It Occurs: When an instrument’s string is plucked gently, the resulting naad is soft and can only be heard at a short distance, known as “soft naad.” Conversely, when the string is plucked forcefully, the naad produced is louder and can be heard over a greater distance, known as “loud naad.”
- Scientific Basis: The amplitude of a string’s vibration determines the loudness of the naad. Greater amplitude causes the string to vibrate more widely, making the sound louder and clearer. When the amplitude is lower, the resulting sound is softer and audible only within a limited range.
- Example: When the string of a tanpura or sitar is plucked gently, the amplitude (vibration) is low, producing a soft naad. If the string is plucked forcefully, the amplitude increases, resulting in a louder naad.
3. Timbre or Quality of Naad
- Definition: Timbre, or the quality of naad, is the characteristic that differentiates the sound of one instrument from another. Known as timbre, it makes each instrument’s naad unique.
- How It Occurs: The sound produced by various instruments differs. For instance, the sound of a sitar differs from that of a violin, and a violin’s sound is different from a harmonium’s. This uniqueness depends on the number, order, and strength of the accompanying overtones of each instrument.
- Scientific Basis: According to scientists, no naad exists alone; it is accompanied by additional overtones. These overtones are associated with the primary naad and determine its timbre. Each instrument has a unique set of overtones, in number, order, and strength, making its sound distinct.
- Example: When a sitar is played, it produces several overtones that give its sound a unique identity. Due to these overtones, one can recognize the instrument without seeing it. The same principle applies to other instruments like the harmonium, sarod, or violin, each with its unique sound.
These three characteristics—pitch, loudness, and timbre—combine to create a distinctive and impactful sound for each instrument. Together, they enhance our experience of various notes and sounds in music.
Dear Friends – We Need Your Support 🙏
At this time, we are in need of financial assistance. Even a small contribution from you can make a significant difference for us. If you’d like to support us in this journey, please consider offering your help.
Below, we’ve provided a QR code and UPI details for your convenience. You can take a screenshot of the QR code and use any UPI app to make a payment.
Every contribution, big or small, is invaluable to us. We will be deeply grateful for your support. 🙏
UPI ID – COPY & PAY
Sanatanseva@upi
