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Tanpura
Tambura Drone Generator

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The DroneFifthOctaveHarmonicsCalmingRaagC# G#  Surprise!

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The Indian Drone Instrument, version 2.

Back in 2014, Indian Drone was one of the first generators featured on this website. At that time, synthetic oscillators were used to recreate the distinctive sound of the Indian tanpura (or tambura). That sound became quite popular for meditation sessions.

Two years later, I am recreating the same sound, but this time from acoustic samples — sounds acquired from the real instrument. This new version sounds different — better to my ears and more realistic — but doesn't replace the original. Try combining both : they blend extremely well to create an even richer sound.

Published by Stéphane on November 23rd, 2015

User Stories

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  Try combining Tanpura with the "Dual Drones" setting on Bagpipes.

  I have a large dulcimer a friend made for me and I like to add more drone-ness to the mix by having this play in the key of "A" - it sounds great!

  Try Tanpura (default), Indian Drone (Brown) and Singing Bowls (default) - very serene.

  I recently donated a small amount of money but a huge amount on sonic material was unveiled. I am still checking different sounds, there are a lot, but for my daily work and the stress I suffer at, I have found a pretty nice combination: The base is the tampura sound but then I add Indian drone, didgeridoo and Tibetan choir, which produces a rich and relaxing soundscape. Just try your combination

  Harmonics - so powerful - I adore them. And the tanpura is the instrument that renders them the most audible. No wonder the tanpura is an essential element of Indian Classical Music. I use this for my Chi Q Gong - but I could also just listen to it all day...

  Just amazing. I use it as backing track to learn Raga every morning and evening, sometimes combined with Rain On A Tent. There is so much love inside! Thank you a lot.

  I have tried various pieces of Indian CLassical music for my Chi QiGong but this is so much better. In fact, it is absolutely perfect. I can feel the benefit almost from the first exercise. Thank you!

  This is ideal as a drone for improvising on the western six string guitar. Try tuning the guitar C# G#C# F#G# C# from lowest string to highest (DADGAD down a halfstep) and just Fly On Fly On! Beautiful.

  I use it for my yoga practice and my vedic recitation and it works great! It really helps you to capture the deepness in each practice!

  I'm an Indian classical musician with several years of training - I struggle to find Tanpura apps/products that are fun to sing with. This generator is an absolute gem, It is by far the best I've heard, and easily beats most electronic standalone tanpura products! Please do donate to Stephane if you are able, this work is brilliant! :)

  I love how the timer function fades out ever so nicely. A perfect way to signal the end of a meditation sitting.

  This is my favorite calibration, based on a randomized setting. It helps me staying calm and focused; it might as well assist me in my meditations. For any people who come here and are not a patron yet: Please pay for this site; Stéphane (the owner) is putting much effort in it and it's worth every single cent. Becoming a patron was one of the best decisions I've recently made. Love from Germany <3

  I use this to set the atmosphere for biweekly spiritual practice with toning. It helps us find our voices in our bodies. I do vary the streaming voices depending on the evening. I use Duduk and Singing Bowls as well as Overtone Voices.

  I’m playing Indian inspired jazz improvisation over this. Thank you so much.

  I've got a male Hemen tanpura. When I play it along with your generator it sounds like I'm in a room full of tanpuras. Wow!

  Combining this with Distant Thunder on a heavy rain setting. Feels like I'm on my cabin porch watching the massive rainfall while having one of those ethereal moments of great realisation. Those moments you wish would last forever.

  I combined this with Canyon and Tibetan Choir, all on animate, and now I'm lost in some exotic desert land. It's really quite amazing.

  I find this fantastic for meditating to. It is great through the headphones and for winding down to at the end of the day.

  So relaxing, it gave me chills and I can see myself finishing this project tonight.

  Great with the sub bass from Indian Drone while adding a subtle shruti box at the 5th+8ve for a full spectrum of sound.

  Putting the two together adds many layers of tonal depth. It sounds amazing and it's a great studying background track.

  This feels like a gentle caress to the ear. Incredible.