Shruti
22-Shruti Grid
The Carnatic 22-shruti system maps microtonal positions to each swara. Unlike Western 12-TET (equal semitones), Carnatic uses just intonation ratios — producing intervals that are mathematically pure but not equally spaced.
Swara Positions
Understanding the Grid
JI (Just Intonation): Positions based on pure mathematical ratios (5-limit). Sa = 0¢, Pa = 701.96¢ (3:2 perfect fifth). These are the positions Carnatic singers aim for.
12-TET (Equal Temperament): The Western system where each semitone is exactly 100¢. Used by pianos and most Western instruments. Sa = 0¢, Pa = 700¢.
Difference: The gap between JI and 12-TET. For example, Ga₃ (5:4 ratio) is 386.31¢ in JI but 400¢ in 12-TET — a 13.69¢ difference that trained Carnatic singers can hear.
★ Rāga Override: Some ragas use different intonation for the same swara. For example, Bhairavī uses a deeper Dha₁ at 792.18¢ instead of the default 813.69¢.