The Samavadi is the second-most prominent (though not necessarily second-most played) note of a
raga
A ''raga'' or ''raag'' (; also ''raaga'' or ''ragam''; ) is a melodic framework for improvisation in Indian classical music akin to a melodic mode. The ''rāga'' is a unique and central feature of the classical Indian music tradition, and as a ...
in
Indian classical music
Indian classical music is the classical music of the Indian subcontinent. It has two major traditions: the North Indian classical music known as ''Hindustani'' and the South Indian expression known as '' Carnatic''. These traditions were not ...
.
The primary note of the raga is the ''
vadi''; the vadi and samvadi are in most cases a
fourth or
fifth apart.
A ''samavadi'' is a note of special significance. It is like the ministry to the monarch. A performer will typically try to emphasize the ''samvadi'' along with the vadi when improvising on a certain raga. The ''vadi'' and ''samvadi'' can be crucial in defining the raga at hand, and in some cases two ragas with the same
arohana
Arohana, Arohanam or Aroha, in the context of Indian classical music, is the ascending scale of notes in a raga.''Ragas in Carnatic music'' by Dr. S. Bhagyalekshmy, ''Glossary'' pages, Pub. 1990, CBH Publications The pitch increases as we g ...
and
avrohana can be distinguished only by the prominence of their sonant and consonant notes.
References
{{reflist
Hindustani music terminology
Carnatic music terminology