Complex Gamakas

Applying multiple embellishments and ornamentations in phrases

Gamakas (embellishments) are essential to Carnatic music. This guide shows how to notate complex gamaka patterns using the Notations DSL.

Basic Gamaka Syntax

Gamakas are applied using parentheses with the tilde (~) operator:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) S [ R ~G/ M ] P

Kampitam creates a vibrating effect on a note:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) S R [ ~ G ] M , P D N S.

Jaru creates a smooth glide between notes:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) S R G M , [ P ~/ D ] N S.

Combining multiple gamakas in a musical phrase (from Raga Shankarabharanam):

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) [S ~/ R] [ ~ G ] M , [ P ~D/ ~ N ] S. , [ S. ~/ D ] N P , ~ M G R S

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) N ~ S. ~ M ^ 2 G , M ^ 2 ~P/ D N , S. ~\ D N P , M ^ * G M ^ * ~ P D

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) S ~/ R G ~/ M , P ~/ N S. , R ~ G M P , ~ D N S