1. Alap -opening unmetred and improvised section, slow tempo, soloist explores notes from raga
2. Jor -second section, medium tempo with improvisation, music becomes more elaborate and rhythmic
3. Jhala -third section, lively tempo, climax and virtuoso display of improvisatory skills, also has complex rhythm
4. Gat/Bandish -final section, fixed composition with form of song (bandish) or with improvised embellishments (gat)