Hindustani classical music, with its emphasis on improvisation and melodic ornamentation, has been a major influence on Goa trance music.

The tanpura is a stringed instrument that produces a continuous drone, providing a harmonic foundation for the music.

The sitar, with its distinctive sound and ability to produce intricate melodies, is a popular choice for creating the lead melodies in Goa trance music.

Tala refers to the rhythmic cycles that are used in Indian classical music and are characterized by their distinct patterns and variations.

Raga, with its specific melodic structures and progressions, is used to create a sense of tension and release, adding depth and complexity to the music.

Alaap refers to the improvisational sections in Indian classical music where musicians explore the melodic possibilities of a raga, and this concept is often incorporated into Goa trance music.

Samvada refers to the call and response technique used in Indian classical music, where one instrument or voice leads a phrase and another responds, creating a dynamic interplay.

The tabla, with its distinctive sound and ability to produce complex rhythmic patterns, is a popular choice for creating the rhythmic foundation in Goa trance music.

Svara refers to the individual notes of a raga, and their manipulation and exploration create melodic development and variation in Goa trance music.

Khayal, with its emphasis on improvisation and melodic ornamentation, is a vocal style that is sometimes used in Goa trance music to add a layer of depth and expression.

Laya refers to the rhythmic aspect of Indian classical music, and its manipulation and exploration create rhythmic complexity and variation in Goa trance music.

The sarod, with its distinctive sound and ability to produce intricate melodies, is sometimes used in Goa trance music to create melodic lines.

Raga, with its specific melodic structures and progressions, is used to create a sense of melodic structure and organization in Goa trance music.

The dholak, with its distinctive sound and ability to produce complex rhythmic patterns, is sometimes used in Goa trance music to create rhythmic patterns.

Svara, with its focus on the individual notes of a raga and their manipulation, is used to create melodic ornamentation and embellishment in Goa trance music.