How to Play Tabla: A Complete Guide – Tabla is one of the most popular instruments in the Indian tradition. It is primarily used in classical music and has a very strong melodic sound to it. It creates the pulse and drives the tempo in a song. Tabla has been around in the Indian musical scene for a very long time, and is used in every genre of music. If you want to learn Tabla, you can use this guide to learn and begin your journey of playing Tabla. This guide provides complete information on the playing of the Tabla and will provide complete guidance for you.
What do we mean by Tabla?
Tabla is played using both hands. It is an instrument that comes in pairs and has two different drums. These are named as Dayan and Bayan. Dayan is the right drum, and Bayan is the left drum. The right drum is smaller in size, and the left drum is bigger. Dayan is produced using a good quality wood, and it can produce a sound that is sharp and high in pitch. The other drum is made of copper or metal and produces a heavy sound.
Also, you might have noticed a black circle in the middle of the Tabla. It is made fromthe iron and it provides a different sound to the Tabla.
Why should you learn a table?
Learning a new musical instrument has a positive impact on the brain, and it relieves your stress and unnecessary anxiety. Whether it is a Tabla or a guitar, or any other musical instrument, it sets a task for your brain to form new neural connections and improves brain functioning. When you learn Tabla, it enhances your coordination, improves your focus, develops the timing and rhythm of both hands, opens new gates for the Indian classical music, and gives you a sense of joy and relief.
How can you start with playing Tabla?
You must have a system in place before you can begin playing Tabla
- The first thing is to set up the instrument correctly. You need to place the dayan (small drum)to your right and the Bayan (large drum) to your left.
- Now the next step is to sit nearby to the Tabla and then place your hand above it. Maintain a comfortable, somewhat curved grip with your fingers.
- You will use your fingertips to play Tabla.
- The dayan can be tuned to the “sa” musical note to provide the best sound. The other drum, that is the bayan, is not tuned to any musical note, and its bass is adjusted according to the sound produced by the dayan.
What are the different sounds that are produced by a Tabla?
We play Tabla through stroking it with the fingertips, and this stroke is often addressed as bols. The bols are different and produce a unique sound/Let’s have a look at some of them.
| Bols | Tabla sounds |
| Na/Ta | It is played with the middle finger and is played near the edge of the Tabla to make sure you get the expected sound. It is played on the dayan. |
| Tin | Keep the hand relaxed and only play using the index finger. The strike must be made on the edge of the Tabla surface. |
| Tun | This sound is produced when you strike the black spot in the middle with the index and middle fingers. It is played on a Dayan. |
| Dha | This is produced using both hands. |
| Ge/Ga | It is played by sliding or pressing the fingers to produce a heavy bass sound. You can use the middle or ring finger to produce this sound. This is played on the Bayan. |
| Te/Ta | It is played by doing a sharp touch on the Bayan’s surface, and this produces a snappy sound. |
What are the different tips you can follow to practice playing Tabla?
- Learning any musical instrument requires time and patience. Do not rush things.
- Using a relevant app or a metronome can help you learn consistently.
- You can start by practicing 15-20 minutes daily.
- The focus must be on hitting the right spot on the Tabla surface so that it produces a clear and relevant sound.
- You can listen to professional Tabla players and look for any guidance on playing correctly.
What are the basic exercises that we can follow to learn the guitar consistently?
Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Tin Tin Ta | Ta Dhin Dhin Dha
This is the basic teen taal that is used by beginners to learn Tabla. It has a total of 16 beats that are divided into 4 parts, with 4 different beats.
- Na Tin Na Tin
- Dha Ge Dha Ge
- Dha Tin Tin Na
Practice the 3 different combinations consistently and you will have more clearer idea about the sounds and how Tabla is played.
Conclusion
Tabla is a great musical instrument, and it helps you grow not only in the musical world but also helps you to become consistent, focused, improves brain functions, coordination between hands and eyes, builds patience and resilience, and more. It is a process where you learn step by step, and it improves your personality as an individual.
If you are looking for the best quality Tabla, you can get in touch with the Amnrit Music Company. It’s a professional instrument maker and offers the best quality Tabla and other types of musical instruments at reasonable prices. You can see their product brands, sizes, and other items on their website or visit their store to help guide you, and you’re able to try them out.
Frequently asked questions
Which company provides the Tabla and other musical instruments?
In India, Amrit Music has established itself among the top providers of musical instruments. They have more than 5 decades of experience and provide the highest quality and durability.
How can you maintain the Tabla?
Cover it with a soft cloth and uncover only when you are playing or practicing. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, and you can also apply oil in a small quantity to keep the surface soft.
How much time will it take to learn the Tabla?
It depends on the practice, end goals, teacher, and many other factors. Generally, you can start playing Tabla at a beginner or intermediate level in 6-8 months. The practice must be consistent; only then can you have good results.
What to keep in mind while playing Tabla?
Make sure not to use too much force or power. Make sure you tune the Tabla first, sit in the right posture, and then start learning. Learning the basics is very important, so do not jump to the next step until you master the previous one.
Should I learn from a teacher or somewhere else?
It is recommended to learn from a teacher as they can guide you correctly and point out the mistakes. You can also learn from courses or different social media platforms.
