Alankars — 10 Essential Practice Patterns
Alankars are structured practice patterns that build finger speed, independence, and coordination. These are the core of daily riyaaz (practice) for every harmonium student.
What is an Alankar?
The word alankar comes from Sanskrit meaning "ornament" or "decoration." In practice, alankars are systematic sequences that move through the saptaka (octave) in a fixed pattern. Regular alankar practice is the single most effective thing you can do to improve your harmonium playing.
How to Practice Alankars
- Start very slowly — slower than you think you need to
- Use a metronome or tabla track at 60 BPM initially
- Each note should be equal in duration and volume
- Increase speed only when the pattern feels completely natural
- Practice each alankar ascending and descending
The 10 Alankars
Ascending Scale
Sargam Pattern
S R G M P D N Ṡ
Keyboard Keys
A S D F G H J K
The foundation. Play each swara clearly and evenly. This trains even finger pressure and basic coordination.
Descending Scale
Sargam Pattern
Ṡ N D P M G R S
Keyboard Keys
K J H G F D S A
The reverse of Alankar 1. Many beginners find descending harder — focus extra attention here.
Pairs Ascending
Sargam Pattern
SR RG GM MP PD DN NṠ
Keyboard Keys
AS SD DF FG GH HJ JK
Two consecutive swaras played as a unit. Builds smooth finger transitions.
Pairs Descending
Sargam Pattern
ṠN ND DP PM MG GR RS
Keyboard Keys
KJ JH HG GF FD DS SA
Descending version of Alankar 3.
Triplets Ascending
Sargam Pattern
SRG RGM GMP MPD PDN DNṠ
Keyboard Keys
ASD SDF DFG FGH GHJ HJK
Three-note groups. This is where speed and coordination really begin to develop.
Triplets Descending
Sargam Pattern
ṠND NDP DPM PMG MGR GRS
Keyboard Keys
KJH JHG HGF GFD FDS DSA
Descending triplets. Practice this at the same tempo as Alankar 5.
Tetrachords
Sargam Pattern
SRGM RGMP GMPD MPDM PDNṠr
Keyboard Keys
ASDF SDFG DFGH FGHJ GHJK
Four-note groups. One of the most important alankars for building true playing speed.
Skip Pattern (Sa-Ga)
Sargam Pattern
S G R M G P M D P N D Ṡ
Keyboard Keys
A D S F D G F H G J H K
Skipping every other note — trains finger independence and expands keyboard familiarity.
Turn Pattern
Sargam Pattern
SRS RGR GMG MPM PDPDDNṠNṠ
Keyboard Keys
ASA SDS DFD FGF GHG HJH JKJ
Moving forward and backward like a turn/trill. Develops fine motor control.
Full Octave Jump
Sargam Pattern
S Ṡ R Ṙ G Ġ M Ṁ P Ṗ D Ḋ N Ṅ
Keyboard Keys
A K S L D ;
Playing each swara and its upper octave equivalent. Develops large position jumps and octave awareness.