Tabla is one of the major percussion instruments in Indian classical music.
With its roots tracing back to ancient India, it has long been used as a key traditional instrument in Hindustani music due to its rich rhythmic variations and versatility as both a solo and accompanying instrument.
Needless to say, over time, it has adopted various styles of playing from some of the renowned gharanas and tabla learning schools in India.
One such house is our Sri Veena Vani Music School in Bangalore, which offers the best tabla classes to students and performers alike.
Our tabla classes Bangalore include comprehensive and online tabla learning through basic and advanced courses depending on your age and skills.
Before we get into that, let’s first understand a Tabla set.
Understanding the Tabla Set
A Tabla set comprises two separate wooden tabs or drums of a smaller and bigger size. Hence, the name “tabla!”
While the smaller drum is positioned on the right and is called “Dayan,” the larger one is placed on the left and is called “Bayan.”
Learn how to sit while playing Tabla
Similar to most traditional Indian instruments, a tabla is also played sitting.
As such, the right posture is quite crucial whether you play or are learning it.
Apart from the comfort, a proper sitting posture allows you to play your tabla techniques more effectively.
That said, here’s how you should sit when playing tabla:
1. Sit cross-legged on the floor.
2. Maintain a straight back and relax your shoulders.
3. Place the tabla set in front of you with the smaller tab on the right and the larger one on the left.
4. Make sure that both the drums are easy to access.
5. Maintain a steady and symmetrical hand position without twisting or resting your wrists.
Those having trouble sitting on the floor can also use a chair, stool, or tabla stand.
Practice hitting the Bayan
Being the bigger drum, Bayan is used to produce lower-pitched bass sounds.
Positioned on the left and made of wood, it is played with your left hand with the palm slightly curved and free fingers for better mobility and flexion.
Defined by their basic “Bol” strokes, it can produce various resonant and closed sounds through the slide of your wrist and fingers.
Position your hand on the Dayan, the smaller drum on the right
Dayan, on the other hand, produces higher-pitching treble and tonal sounds for being smaller.
Placed on the right, it is played with your right hand and is usually made of metal.
To hit it correctly, place your wrist on the edge of the drum and your fingers close to the head to be able to strike with control.
Aim for the center part of the drumhead for the best sound.
Basic Tabla Techniques for Beginners
While each part of the tabla can be used to produce a wide range of sounds, it all depends on how well you understand the different types of strokes.
Some of the common and basic strokes that you can learn in our online tabla classes include:
1. For Dayan- Na, Tin, Ta.
– Na is played with finger strokes.
– Tin is a lighter touch of fingers.
– Ta is played with the tip of your fingers.
2. For Bayan- Ghe, Ke, Ka.
– Ghe is produced by striking the ring finger near or at the center of the drumhead.
– Ke is a muted bass sound produced by hitting the drum with your whole hand and lifting it immediately.
– Ka is a soft closed sound played using the outer edge of your palm.
3. For Both- Dha, Dhin, Ga, Ge.
Dha, Dhin, Ga, and Ge are common sounds that you can learn by a combination of strokes on both drums.
Importance of Practice & Discipline in Learning Tabla
As important as it is to have the right posture and stroking techniques, consistent practice or riyaz of your tabla lessons is also quite crucial.
As an experienced tabla music school, our tabla classes will help you develop a flexible practice routine in no time.
Some of the major benefits of regularly practicing our tabla drum lessons include:
- Finger dexterity and strength.
- Better rhythm and taal.
- Muscle memory.
- Sound clarity and tonal control.
Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
As easy as it may sound, tabla for beginners can be especially challenging.
Be it due to boredom or fatigue, some of the common mistakes that you should avoid are:
- Unclear sounds due to over-striking.
- Bad hand posture as it leads to strain and fatigue.
- Going for speed instead of mastering the techniques.
- Ignoring rhythmic cycles or taals.
That said, to maintain a steady rhythm or taal, whether you are playing at home or in our tabla lessons online, you might want to use a metronome or lehra.
Conclusion
As a leading Indian classical instrument, tabla learning can be a great way to start your musical journey, whether as a career or for personal satisfaction.
Curated for both noobs and professionals alike, our tabla classes are a perfect way for you to start playing tabla at your convenience.
All our tabla lessons online and offline are conducted from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, so you can join us from anywhere.
Enroll in our tabla learning course to start learning this fascinating instrument.