How is Indian classical music different to its Western counterpart?

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Indian music and Western music vary greatly, even to the common listener.  Two of the main differences between these styles are the tuning and scales used.  Western music traditionally uses tonal harmony.  Music is written in a specific key and utilizes notes of a scale.  Its complexity is derived from its counterpoints to harmony.  In contrast, Indian music features a single voice or instrumental melody sometimes accompanied by drone and procession.  Indian classical music’s unique sound is in its melodies and rhythms.  Furthermore, Western music relies mostly on major and minor scales.   Indian music features a variety of interval patterns which often comprise of a varied relationship between the notes.  The differences of Indian classical music create a unique sound that is exotic to the Western ear. 

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