Indian classical instruments you can play online
HarmonyHub has four instruments from Indian classical music: the tabla, sitar, Saraswati veena and bansuri (bamboo flute). The notes are named in sargam, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni, and the key layouts follow the swaras, so you can practise ragas and taals on a laptop or phone.
Both great traditions are here: the sitar and tabla from Hindustani (North Indian) music and the Saraswati veena from Carnatic (South Indian) music. The veena and flute can also be chosen in live music rooms, so you can play along with friends.
Virtual Tabla
Play a free virtual tabla online with your keyboard or touchscreen. Dayan and bayan strokes on six keys, plus Teen Taal and Raag Yaman guides.
- A, S and D play the dayan (right drum): main stroke, edge and centre.
- F, G and H play the bayan (left drum): main stroke, edge and centre.
Virtual Sitar
Play a free virtual sitar online. Seven main strings named Sa to Ni on your number keys, four sitar styles and a Raag Yaman guide. No download needed.
- Number keys 1–7 play the main strings: Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni.
- Click the strings, body or soundhole with the mouse or tap them on a phone.
Virtual Veena
Play a free virtual veena online: Saraswati, Rudra, standard and modern veenas, swaras Sa to Ni on Q to U, with drone and sympathetic strings.
- Q W E R T Y U play Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni.
- Click or tap the strings to play with the mouse or on a phone.
Virtual Flute
Play a free virtual flute online: Indian bansuri with sargam notes, pan flute, Native American flute and concert flute. Use your number keys to play.
- On the silver, alto and bass flutes and the piccolo, number keys 1–6 play the six finger holes (C5 to A5).
- On the concert flute, bansuri, pan flute and Native American flute, keys 1–8 play a full scale; the bansuri shows sargam names Sa to Sa.
Sargam: the Indian names for the seven notes
Indian music names the seven notes of the scale Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha and Ni, much like do, re, mi in Western solfège. Sa is the tonic and can be set to any pitch, which is why the virtual sitar and veena label their strings and keys in sargam rather than letter names.
Ragas and taals to start with
- Raag Yaman: an evening raga often taught first, with guides on the sitar and veena.
- Teen Taal: the 16-beat rhythm cycle most tabla students learn first, with a basics guide on the tabla.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play Indian instruments online for free?
Yes. The tabla, sitar, Saraswati veena and bansuri are free to play in your browser with your computer keyboard or touchscreen, with no download or sign-up.
What is the difference between Hindustani and Carnatic music?
They are the two classical traditions of India. Hindustani music, from the north, uses instruments like the sitar and tabla; Carnatic music, from the south, centres on the voice and instruments like the veena.
Which Indian instrument is quickest to start on a computer keyboard?
The tabla uses six keys (A to H) and the sitar seven (1 to 7), so both are quick to learn. The veena puts the seven swaras on Q to U.
Is there a virtual harmonium?
Not yet. For harmonium-style melodies, the virtual piano with note labels is the closest instrument on HarmonyHub.