Glossary · glossary · 1 min read
Taan
तान; a fast run of notes
A taan is a fast, improvised run of notes in Hindustani music, sung to a vowel or the words of a composition. You will hear taans late in khayal, a form of Hindustani singing, after the slow development.
By John, Music lover from Bangalore · Reviewed by BRR · Last reviewed 29 Sept 2026
Taan
A taan is a fast, improvised run of notes in Hindustani music. The singer sings it to a vowel, usually “aa”, or to the words of the composition.
Speed is only part of it. A taan must follow the raga, the melodic framework that guides the music. Every note must belong to that raga, and its phrases must remain recognisable even at speed.
A straight run up or down the scale is called a sapat taan. A run sung to the composition’s words is called a bol taan.
Where you will hear it
You will hear a taan, a fast improvised run of notes, late in khayal, a form of Hindustani singing. Taans follow the slow development. They show the singer’s speed while keeping to the raga, the melodic framework guiding the performance.
A straight run up or down the scale is called a sapat taan. A run sung to the composition’s words is called a bol taan. Taans can also be sung to a vowel, usually “aa”. The words or vowel give you another detail to listen for besides the notes.
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.