---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/faq/instruments-artforms/can-a-piano-play-the-microtones-of-indian-classical-music'
title: 'Can a piano play the microtones of Indian classical music?'
author:
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  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/user/4add8741a490747f'
date: '2026-11-06T00:10:50+00:00'
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summary: 'Not exactly: a piano locks each note to equal temperament, while a raga can shade a note away from it.'
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 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# Can a piano play the microtones of Indian classical music?

 Updated 6 November 2026

 

Not exactly: a **piano** locks each note to equal temperament, while a raga can shade a note away from it. Bhairavi's komal gandhar sits a shade below E-flat, and Yaman's tivra madhyam a shade above F-sharp.

Pianists still play ragas within those limits. Some choose ragas that suit the fixed grid, and others let the piano's sustain carry the line.



 

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