The use of instruments in Bollywood songs has been quite widespread. These instruments have been incorporated into many different Bollywood genres and so, their usage varies from song to song. Bollywood songs with instruments are recorded in studios or home stages.
Many musicians prefer recording these instruments separately because it is easier to isolate them and they don’t get mixed up with the vocals like if they are recorded together. The incorporation of non-Western instruments has made Indian classical music more accessible to the masses while incorporating modern sounds and rhythms into popular melodies has brought some new life along with it.
In this article, we will explore five types of instruments that are commonly used in Bollywood songs and discuss their significance in Indian classical music, as well as how they can be integrated into your music.
The basics of Indian classical music
Indian classical music is the original and most enduring form of Indian art music that evolved over the centuries from the court music tradition of the Vedic Rishis. Its roots can be traced back to the Vedic Age when the sound of the Vina was used to create divine soundscapes.
The musicians within the court were highly respected and were often entrusted with the responsibility of preserving the knowledge of the Rishis. This transmission of knowledge through the centuries formed the foundation of Indian Classical Music.
The evolving styles, compositions and performance techniques are believed to be very much in sync with the Vedic form of ancient music. The music of the classical period usually has an underlying philosophy that is synonymous with the Vedas.
Indian folk music
Indian folk music is the music of the Indian subcontinent that is a form of traditional music and has its roots in the Vedic tradition of Hinduism.
The instruments of Indian folk music include the tabla, Sitar, harmonium and many more. Indian folk music is often referred to as classical or semi-classical and is also related to the classical Indian styles of Bharatnatyam and Odissi. Indian folk music has influenced other musical forms including jazz, blues and many more. Many of the common set-up techniques used in Indian folk music have been used in western folk music as well.
Classical Tala
Often called Rishabha Ganesh tala, this is a highly complex classical composition that originated in the 12th century. It consists of eight swaras and three aksharas.
The tala is also referred to as ‘raga’, which is the word used to refer to an Indian classical musical composition that has a specific mood or flavour. The moods or flavours of these ragas include such things as sweetness, love, sadness and many more.
When you want to set a romantic mood in your music, you can use ragas like Malavaiyer, Malkauns, or Kumarasam. If you want to set a happy mood, use ragas like Bilahari, Mathrubai, or Ramji. Many other ragas are popular during different seasons and festivals, which can also be used to set the mood for your song.
Western Classical Music
Western classical music is a genre of music that has its roots in European art music and developed into a distinct genre over the 18th and 19th centuries. While this genre was widely popular in the European world, it is also gaining popularity in other parts of the world, especially in Asian countries. Western classical music is often referred to as ‘serious music’, ‘serious stuff’ or ‘classical music’.
These types of music were usually performed by orchestras, concert halls and jazz clubs, and were typically accompanied by some type of literature. The instruments used in western classical music are very similar to other types of orchestral instruments as well as some types of stringed instruments.
Rhythm Guitar
The rhythm guitar is the mainstay of many Bollywood songs. It is the instrument that is usually played in the background while the lead singer performs on the lead guitar or vocals. This type of music is quite popular in the Western world, especially in the Latin and rock genres. The rhythm guitar also has a large number of variants and can be used to accompany other genres of music.
While the rhythm guitar can be used as a solo instrument in many songs, it is mostly seen accompanying singers or singers accompanied by a full band. The musical notes that are played on the rhythm guitar are used to create a strong beat in the background and are thus considered to be a percussive instrument.
Keyboards and Synths
This type of instrument is used in many types of popular music and is often associated with jazz music. As its name suggests, this type of instrument is mainly used in playing melodies on a keyboard as well as digital synthesizers. The type of music that is played on a keyboard or digital synth is often referred to as electronic music.
The synth is usually a highly portable digital instrument that can be easily played inside a home studio. These are very versatile instruments and can be used to create many different types of music. Some popular music genres that are often used to create EDM/electronic music include pop, hip-hop, rock and many more.
Bass and Drums
While the bass guitar is primarily associated with hip-hop and other types of modern music, the drums are considered to be an important part of almost all types of Indian music. The bass guitar is primarily an instrument used to create low-end frequencies while the drums are considered to be an essential part of any type of music in the Indian subcontinent.
The bass guitar is usually played while plucking the strings with the fingers while the drums are usually played using wood, clay or sometimes metal. These instruments are usually played with two hands while the melody is played with a single hand. Bollywood songs often use a combination of various instruments to create the final song product.
Conclusion
India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and has played a vital role in shaping the course of human history. India’s rich culture and traditions have been highly influential in the development of music in the world.
The music of the Indian subcontinent is often referred to as classical music and has such originality and beauty that it is considered to be one of the oldest forms of music in the world. The incorporation of these instruments in Bollywood songs has helped to bring these instruments to the forefront and make them accessible to a wider audience.
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