There are no similarities in between the two said instruments. The drone sound that has been put under consideration here is produced by a tanpura. A harmonium can never do that.
The tanpura produces, when tuned finely, whole notes and a complete octave of swaras. This is not evident in the case latter. The reason behind this is that the tanpura is a shuddh instrument whereas the harmonium is flawed generically. The notes in a harmonium can not bend; they are fixed and prone to go out of tune. Also when a raga is dropped light upon, the concept of notes experiences a multitude of flux which can only be justified by the tanpura. The repeated oscillatory sound of notes that it produces helps you actuate your sense of every particular note in a certain raga which is not even remotely possible with a harmonium. This is because the harmonium produces a constant sound; inseparable Sa and Pa. To add further, as I said earlier that the notes of the harmonium are not fixed, the Sa-Pa will sound correct only from certain note combinations which is unacceptable as not everyone sings from the same scale. Also, the harmonium is tuned by the harmonium-smith but with the tanpura, you have the sole control.
These are certain things that can be said. But, to actually learn those differences one must sit before a Guru and start practising with a Tanpura in hand. Experiencing is the only way of seeking realisation of the knowledge obtained.
3.2K viewsView upvotes
7
Beverly Hills MD
Sponsored
Top plastic surgeon: How to improve your neck’s appearance.
This at home trick can take years off of your neck's appearance.
Learn More
325
Related questions (More answers below)