How to Play Bhajans on Harmonium: Step-by-Step Guide
Bhajans (devotional songs) are the soul of Indian music. For many, learning harmonium is entirely about playing bhajans during pujas or spiritual gatherings. In this guide, we'll teach you how to play some of the most popular and timeless bhajans using simple keyboard notation.
Before We Start: Understanding the Notation
We use computer keyboard keys to represent notes. This makes it incredibly easy to follow along on Web Harmonium.
- Lower case letters (e, r, t) are white keys (natural notes).
- Numbers (2, 4, 5) are black keys (sharp/flat notes).
- Play the keys in order from left to right.
- A dash (-) means hold the note slightly longer.
1. Om Jai Jagdish Hare (Aarti)
This is arguably the most famous Hindu aarti, sung in millions of homes worldwide. It is simple, melodic, and perfect for beginners.
u u u i u y t
Om Jai Jagdish Hare
u u u i u y t
Swami Jai Jagdish Hare
i o i u y t r
Bhakt Jano Ke Sankat
e r t y u i o
Das Jano Ke Sankat
p o i u y t
Kshan Mein Door Kare
u u u i u y t
Om Jai Jagdish Hare
2. Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
A favorite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi, this song has a rhythmic, marching quality. It's excellent for practicing timing and finger coordination.
u u i u y t r
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
u u i u y t
Patita Pavan Sita Ram
i i o p o i u
Sita Ram Sita Ram
u u i u y t
Bhaj Pyare Tu Sita Ram
3. Vaishnav Jan To
Another beloved bhajan from Gujarat. The melody is gentle and flows beautifully across the keyboard.
t t r t y u
Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye
u i u y t r
Je peed parayi jaane re
e r t y u i
Par dukhe upkaar kare toye
o i u y t r
Man abhimaan na aane re
Tips for Playing Bhajans
🎤 Sing Along
Harmonium is an accompaniment instrument. You should always sing while you play. This helps you internalize the melody and keeps your timing natural.
🔄 Use Transpose
If a song is too high or low for your voice, use the Transpose feature to shift the pitch until it feels comfortable to sing. Don't strain your voice!
🎹 Add Drone Notes
Once you master the melody, try holding down the root note (Sa) with your pinky or thumb while playing the melody with your other fingers for a richer sound.
🎚️ Use Reeds & Reverb
For devotional music, increase the Reeds setting to 2 or 3, and turn on Reverb. This creates a lush, hall-like sound perfect for bhajans.
Ready to Play?
Open the Web Harmonium in another tab and try playing these bhajans using your computer keyboard.
Open Harmonium →