Yaman
Serene, spacious and radiant — the first rāga most students learn.
The parent rāga of Kalyāṇ thāṭ, with tīvra Madhyam as its only accidental. Yaman is taught first because it is generous: every phrase sounds well, and yet it holds enough depth for a lifetime of exploration.
Ārohaṇa, Avarohaṇa & Pakaḍ
Notation key — komal swaras in lower case, tīvra Ma written M′, mandra saptak marked ˌ and tār saptak with ′.
How the Rāga Moves
Sa and Pa are used as passing notes in ascent, with the rāga leaning on Ga and Ni. The characteristic phrase begins from mandra Ni and rises through Re to Ga. Tīvra Ma is held; śuddha Ma belongs to Yaman-Kalyāṇ.
Rhythmic Cycles Used
Ae rī ālī piyā bin
X = sam · 0 = khālī · 2, 3, 4 = tālī · one cell = one mātrā · – = sustain.
Perhaps the most widely taught vilambit bandish in Hindustani music. Learn the mukhḍā precisely: it enters well before the sam and defines the whole cycle.