In a vocal concert, normally the Vocalist will be accompanied by a Violinist (A string instrument), Mirdagamist (A percussion instrument) and a Tambur (A string instrument). If the Vocalist is lucky, Ghatam (A pot like Percussion Instrument), Ganjira (A percussion instrument) and Morsing (A string instrument) will also be there. In old days, Veena was used instead of Violin. After sometime, Violin was made to suit to play Carnatic Music with some modifications.

All the accompaniments will be set accordingly to the correct pitch of the Vocalist. Here Tambur plays a vital role. It plays whatever pitch U want. Once it is set and started to tune to a correct pitch, the same will be retained and all other accompanists will set their instruments according to the pitch of Tambur. Vocalist then have to sing equal to the pitch given by the Tambur. If he doesn't match, then it will sound very odd and really unpleasant to hear. In Carnatic, the pitch is called as "Sruthi".

Audible frequency ranges from 25 Hertz to around 8000 to 10,000 Hertz. Audible range is divided into Octaves. Musical term for Frequency is "Tone" or "Pitch" or "Sruthi".