Glossary · glossary · 1 min read
Alap
आलाप; also alaap or alapana
Alap is the slow opening without a set rhythmic cycle in a Hindustani performance of a raga, a melodic framework. The singer or instrumentalist introduces its notes, characteristic phrases and mood before the rhythm begins.
By John, Music lover from Bangalore · Reviewed by BRR · Last reviewed 29 Sept 2026
Alap
Alap is the slow, unmetered opening of a raga performance in Hindustani music. Unmetered means there is no set rhythmic cycle. A raga is a melodic framework for creating music and inventing melody during performance.
The singer or instrumentalist unfolds the raga note by note, before the rhythm begins. You hear its characteristic phrases, the notes that receive attention, and its mood. The first minutes of most vocal recordings of Raga Yaman are an example of alap.
Where you will hear it
You will hear alap, the slow opening without a fixed beat, at the start of a raga performance in the Hindustani tradition of Indian music. A singer or instrumentalist introduces the raga before the rhythm begins.
In khayal, a vocal style, alap is usually short, sung on vowels or words from the composition. In dhrupad, another vocal style, it can last twenty minutes or more, moving through low, middle and high pitch ranges. In Carnatic music, the equivalent is called alapana.
Keep going
- What is a raga? A plain-language guide for listeners · A raga is a melodic framework in Indian classical music for creating pieces and inventing melody during performance. Listen for four things: which notes appear, how the melody moves, where the musician lingers, and which short phrases return.