Learning tabla

[-Obscurity-]

Ok, as recommended by Billdrum, I made this into a new thread rather than keeping it in the percussion setup competition. It's a beginners guide to picking up tabla, which is by far the most intricate of all percussion instruments. I posted some videos to give you guys an idea of what you can do with it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAUz9LcedcA

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=294308891925967882

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdR7G_gkfdw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gTIZXM8zTI&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTD_4YiQdWg&mode=related&search=

It can be hard for a beginner to just jump right in (believe me), so I have put together some resources to help anyone who wants to get started.

First thing you'll want to get is this book here. It's pretty much the "standard" for learning tabla and will give you all the basics. It also comes with a cd so you can hear what you are supposed to be playing.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786607815/ref=s9_asin_image_1/102-7691941-0092959?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1S3EADG428JSSF6BT0FM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278240301&pf_rd_i=507846

A place for some free tabla instruction is Pete Lockett's site:
http://www.petelockett.com/lessons/detailedtablatutorials.html
He's got a PDF that will give you some basics, and downloadable video's as well.

A book that is a little more advanced and opens up the many different schools or styles of tabla is this one here. It may confuse you at first, so I recommend it after the other book:

http://product.half.ebay.com/Theory-and-Practice-of-Tabla_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ48234511

A DVD that will give you the basics on how to get proper the sounds and techniques on your strokes (which is very important) is this one here:
http://www.amazon.com/Tabla-Tutor-Production-Bols-DVD/dp/B000GGS0V4/ref=sr_1_2/102-7691941-0092959?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1191857308&sr=1-2

Then finally another good DVD that will get you playing some rythms and more advanced concepts is Aloke Dutta's DVD. He also gives some basic concepts as well. Aloke Dutta is Danny Carey's instructor, and Danny Carey actually filmed this DVD!
http://www.alokedutta.com/
(go to products, then "tabla tequniques dvd")


For purchasing tablas:
If you are in the UK, you may want to check out JAS tablas at
http://www.jas-musicals.com/sectrad/2/Tabla-cases-accessories.asp


If you are in North America I'd recommend:
http://www.kalakendar.com/index.php?cPath=40_62&osCsid=eef90e69b404c9408f9590452f94ea94
I bought a set from them and was happy with them.

[-Obscurity-]

-Obscurity-:

Is learning tabla without a teacher a realistic possibility? Or would you say a teacher is more necessary for classical study? The instrument seems so complex to just "dive" into.


It's possible to learn tabla without a teacher, to a certain extent.
If you are interested in using tabla in a western format, it is much more realistic. Alot of the guidance that comes from a guru is aimed towards taals and other aspects of Indian music theory. The most important thing you'll be missing from a teacher is the technique instruction. I wouldn't let it stop you from learning though. Get the first book I mentioned, and the DVD's, watching someone play will help you alot. Search youtube for videos, and scour the internet for information.


Also, Canadian recommendations for makes? I can order a set through the store I work at, but I am unsure of what the quality would be. I could always hit Toronto as well, but I am unsure of what to look for in terms of what defines quality tabla versus what defines poor quality tabla.


Well the site I recommended for North America is actually located in Canada. Since tablas are hand made, every drum is different. It's hard to say what makes a good tabla. The best I can do is tell you some qualities that a good set will always have, although they are not always a 100% sign of a good set. The Dayan (taller wooden drum) will be made of rosewood. The more intricate the weaving is on the pudi (head) is shows a sign of better craftsmanship and will give more accurate tuning. The Bayan (rounded metal drum) should generally be copper (brass can be ok as well, copper is preferred), and over 3k in weight. Avoid overly decorative engravings, as they are often a sign of cheap models. The heads of both drums have a circular black spot on them called the syahi, made mostly of iron paste. This spot is applied in layers of consecutively smaller rings. Anything less than 5 rings is usually a sign of rushed craftmanship. Generally, the more rings the better.




I know an Indian couple who are heading to India soon, and the man (he plays tabla) has said many times he'd pick me up a set if I wanted one. Good idea?

If he knows tabla, and you trust him to get a you a good set, then go for it. Nothing is better than a set hand made in India. BUT, on the other hand, nothing is worse than a poorly made set no matter where it's from. Make sure he doesn't get it from a street vendor selling gifts or cheap novelty instruments. Make sure it comes from a reputable table maker. Make sure he plays and examines it first. Your set will only be as good as your friends knowledge of tabla is. If he happens to be going anywhere near Mumbai, I can recommend you a good tabla craftsman.

[Sammy_L_D]

Thanks for the information and links -Obscurity-!

Rep added.

[CARMEN77]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EL8ti3xprJk

Thats my Tabla teacher. Just started a few weeks ago. Such an awesome instrument, Id rather play Tabla than drumset now! Been practicing 2-3 hours a day and I love it so much.

[-Obscurity-]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EL8ti3xprJk

Thats my Tabla teacher. Just started a few weeks ago. Such an awesome instrument, Id rather play Tabla than drumset now! Been practicing 2-3 hours a day and I love it so much.

Great clip! You are lucky to have access to such an instructor!

You'll find that the tabla concepts will help you on the drumset as well. For example a Rupak taal, a "time signature" composed of 7 beats, is broken down and counted as 3 +2 +2. This method can really help with deconstructing complex time signatures on your kit as well.

[Bone]

Good stuff!

It's a beginners guide to picking up tabla, which is by far the most intricate of all percussion instruments.


But lets not build too high a pedestal for it!

[-Obscurity-]

Good stuff!


But lets not build too high a pedestal for it!

That was no overstatement. Tabla is tuff stuff.

[Sammy_L_D]

That was no overstatement. Tabla is tuff stuff.

Yeah, Bone, this is probably the one instance you can actually get away with saying this in a musical instrument.

Tabla is probably the most complex percussion instrument in the world today.

[TTTSNB]

I don't think any percussion instrument can be defined as more complex then another. There are infinite possibilities, pretty much, with any instrument, many of which remain to be explored.

[-Obscurity-]

I don't think any percussion instrument can be defined as more complex then another. There are infinite possibilities, pretty much, with any instrument, many of which remain to be explored.

Im talking about within the boundaries of the established playing methods, obviously. Sure, no one has tried playing a Djembe from across the room with a slingshot yet. But to be honest, the best method for using said existing percussion instruments has already been discovered, explored, and documented. Tabla being far more difficult than anything besides the drumkit itself. And even that is due only to the sheer number of elements involved.

[TTTSNB]

So it isn't the most intricate instrument is it? You just admitted it. I'm just saying, no need to sit on your soapbox here.

[-Obscurity-]

So it isn't the most intricate instrument is it? You just admitted it. I'm just saying, no need to sit on your soapbox here.

It's rather implied that the drumkit is distinguished from "percussion" instruments such as bongos, congas, Kanjira's, tablas etc. The title of this forum even seperates the two.

[Bone]

How is the Dumbek or Darabukka any more or less complex then Tabla?

[-Obscurity-]

How is the Dumbek or Darabukka any more or less complex then Tabla?

Dumbek (etc.) has less strokes for one thing. Tabla has an alphabet of Bols, or syllables that come from each drum. These bols are combined to form phrases that must fall under the rules of the Kaida, which dictate the musical progression of the taal.

Many of the Bols have variations, and combinations of two or more sounds put together. For example, the stroke "Ge" on the Bayan (larger metal drum) can be pitch modulated in a number of fashions. That adds a multiplicity factor to the variations of every Bol containing that stroke.

Then there is tabla theory. Taals. Thekas. Complex time signatures composed of smaller groups of mantras (beats). Google it. It's overwhelming.

To name a few.

[Sammy_L_D]

Drumkit is a collection of percussion instruments played at the same time. It is not an instrument in of itself.

As for comparing the instruments, don't feel as if anyone is trying to one up one instrument over another. Any percussionist I have talked to would agree--tabla is a far more complex than probably any other instrument out there.

That's not to say other instruments (ie. dumbek) don't have their complexities either. But if we had to argue, tabla would take the medal.

No point in arguing this anyways. All are fantastic instruments with their own musical purpose.

[Little Android Man]

Thanks a lot obscurity. Very helpful.

Id say after i work on my set more, im definately going to look into that.

[Sammy_L_D]

Update!

Rather coincidently, just as I started thinking about this stuff, that same guy I know with the tabla has chosen me to be the caretaker of his tabla and harmonium for when they are not back here in Canada.

I've been observing a few videos, and have learned eight strokes. I'll have to order that book as well.

[Futuro]

tabla is soon to be as overblown in the western world as sitar

[-Obscurity-]

Update!

Rather coincidently, just as I started thinking about this stuff, that same guy I know with the tabla has chosen me to be the caretaker of his tabla and harmonium for when they are not back here in Canada.

I've been observing a few videos, and have learned eight strokes. I'll have to order that book as well.

Congratulations man, keep it up! That book will help ALOT if you are just starting.

tabla is soon to be as overblown in the western world as sitar

Not likely. The "western world's" fads are not based around things that take years to learn and can't be mass produced in a factory. I wouldn't even consider the sitar to be "overblown".

[Little Android Man]

Hey I have been thinking about this a lot.. i really really want to learn.. but there are a few concerns that i have.

First off i have no clue how hard this is going to be to learn this without lessons. I've heard it is one of the hardest instruments to learn without a teacher, and i need some reassurance that that isn't the case (especially with some background already in percussion.) And if it is, i need some reasurrance that it wont take me years of practice to get the basics down without a teacher..

Secondly, the price. I've looked all over the web, and these things aren't cheap. lowest i've seen one for was like 290-300 dollars. Now i don't want to go spend that kind of cash on an instrument that might not be worth it without a teacher. Should i buy the book and dvd you suggested first, then decide if it would be worth it to go for it after i take a look through both? Or do you know of a "begginer" tabla set that would be worth buying?

And to futuros comment i am not doing this for a fad. My best friend is Lebanese, and i have been exposed to a lot of arabic music. It really interests me and i think this thing is one of the coolest sounding percussion instruments out there. I know of the Durbuka, which i can tell is a lot easier to learn, but i hate the sound... so plasticy and dead sounding.

Edit- I just looked over your post again and saw the free tabla pdf so im gunna definately read through that whole thing before i do anything about buying the drums.

[-Obscurity-]

First off i have no clue how hard this is going to be to learn this without lessons. I've heard it is one of the hardest instruments to learn without a teacher, and i need some reassurance that that isn't the case (especially with some background already in percussion.)


It IS one of the hardest instruments to learn without a teacher. Mostly because it is a rather bizarre instrument and the mechanics of it are very foreign to a beginner.

And if it is, i need some reasurrance that it wont take me years of practice to get the basics down without a teacher..


It won't. Keep in mind ALOT of those years of practice are spent learning Indian music theory. Like I said earlier, if you want to apply these drums in a western format, you'll be ok. I was playing basic beats (in 4/4 of course, haha) the first month I had mine. The DVD's will help alot.



Secondly, the price. I've looked all over the web, and these things aren't cheap. lowest i've seen one for was like 290-300 dollars. Now i don't want to go spend that kind of cash on an instrument that might not be worth it without a teacher. Should i buy the book and dvd you suggested first, then decide if it would be worth it to go for it after i take a look through both? Or do you know of a "begginer" tabla set that would be worth buying?

DON'T buy a beginner set. Tablas are hand made, and if you skimp on them, they often lack in details that render them useless. The dayan is tuned to a pitch, and if the shell or head is cheap, it won't tune. If the straps pop or are too loose, you once again are screwed. If the syahi cracks and peels, you are screwed again.

$300 is about the bottom line for a set. I even had a set custom made in India for me recently, and although they are cheaper over there, the shipping over here brought the price right back up slightly over $300.


And to futuros comment i am not doing this for a fad. My best friend is Lebanese, and i have been exposed to a lot of arabic music. It really interests me and i think this thing is one of the coolest sounding percussion instruments out there. I know of the Durbuka, which i can tell is a lot easier to learn, but i hate the sound... so plasticy and dead sounding.

It definitely has a sound and world of it's own. For years before I started playing I heard that modulating bayan sound from time to time in various recordings and wondered what the heck it was. One day I stumbled upon a clip on Steve Smith's myspace of him playing along with Pete Lockett on tablas and was extatic. I started playing right after that. If your lebanese friend can happen to play sitar or sarangi, you are golden. Get something like that going and people's jaws will drop.



Edit- I just looked over your post again and saw the free tabla pdf so im gunna definately read through that whole thing before i do anything about buying the drums.

:thumb:

[Little Android Man]

Ok thanks a lot man. I have no intention of applying any real indian music theory to these.. gunna keep it westernized.
As for the price i guess ill have to suck it up and pay for a good one. Gunna mean no more upgrades on the kit for a long time but i think im fine for now.

As for my friend playing sitar or sarangi, unfortunately no.. he's a bassist.

But yeah it looks like right now im gunna be reading through all this free info and probably get the dvd before i make my decision.

[-Obscurity-]

But yeah it looks like right now im gunna be reading through all this free info and probably get the dvd before i make my decision.

Even the DVD's are both around the $50 range, so if you are still unsure about taking up playing or not, you may just want to search around on youtube first since it's free. You won't find very reliable instruction, but you will find enough to give you an idea, as well as some awesome performances. `

[Little Android Man]

Even the DVD's are both around the $50 range, so if you are still unsure about taking up playing or not, you may just want to search around on youtube first since it's free. You won't find very reliable instruction, but you will find enough to give you an idea, as well as some awesome performances. `

Ok now to think of it that sounds smarter.

So how about this for a set?
http://www.kalakendar.com/product_info.php?cPath=40_62&products_id=164&osCsid=eef90e69b404c9408f959%20%200452f94ea94
it has the rosewood dayan like you said was the right wood, and a lightweight metal for the bayan for good resonance. Even though it says begginers set it has pretty much perfect reviews and it look good to me.

Also, for the dvd links you posted, you only gave the 2nd lesson video. is that because the first isn't worth getting or did you mean to put in both?

[Futuro]

Not likely. The "western world's" fads are not based around things that take years to learn and can't be mass produced in a factory. I wouldn't even consider the sitar to be "overblown".lol ok sure, sure. lemme guess danny carey is teh bezt tablaist evar

[-Obscurity-]

Ok now to think of it that sounds smarter.

So how about this for a set?
http://www.kalakendar.com/product_info.php?cPath=40_62&products_id=164&osCsid=eef90e69b404c9408f959%20%200452f94ea94
it has the rosewood dayan like you said was the right wood, and a lightweight metal for the bayan for good resonance. Even though it says begginers set it has pretty much perfect reviews and it look good to me.

Well, that is probably the best deal you will find on a set. It's not pro by any means, but I think it might be good enough to get you started. Strange as it sounds, lightweight Bayans don't resonate as much as heavier ones do, and although the dayan is rosewood, it is "seasoned" which is a lower quality. Don't let this scare you away though, the reviews are solid and the company is reputable. It will tune and give you a means to start playing. You will need a better set later on down the road though.

If you have any questions, just drop them an email. The tabla guy's name is Mickey, and he's a friendly guy. One thing you will HAVE to find out is if a tuning hammer is included. You will absolutely need one if it isn't.


Also, for the dvd links you posted, you only gave the 2nd lesson video. is that because the first isn't worth getting or did you mean to put in both?

Well the first video just covers very basic things, which you can find elsewhere for free. At $50 a dvd, you may just want go for the second one which will help alot in getting the strokes down properly. The David Courtney book should give you the basics and is alot cheaper than the first DVD. I'd consider that book pretty much a necessity for you. You can get it brand new for $13 right here:
http://product.half.ebay.com/Learning-the-Tabla_W0QQprZ2684412QQtgZinfo

[-Obscurity-]

lol ok sure, sure. lemme guess danny carey is teh bezt tablaist evar

Um...if you like sampled tablas perhaps. His instructor Aloke Dutta on the other hand is a great player.

Check out the videos I linked to in my first post for some other great players. You might want to learn what you are talking about before you go making rediculous statements.

[CARMEN77]

Here is something my teacher wrote...

http://www.angelfire.com/music3/tabla/karmaker.htm

:chug:

[Little Android Man]

Thanks a lot dude i finished up th free pdf, and i've looked at maybe10 or so ifferent solo/lesson youtubes.. and i've pretty much made up my mind this is something that i really want to learn.

I'll send them an email asking about the tuning hammer. That i pretty much going to be the ones i wil get. My lebanese friend i told you about though, after telling him about this, told me he might be able to arrange for some relatives to pick me up one from Lebanon because they are coming down smetime soon. It will probably be a lot cheaper than tis and be better quality straight from lebanon too.
But we'll see, i doubt things will work out for some reason... so i am probably going to go with the one i posted.

[Little Android Man]

Here is something my teacher wrote...

http://www.angelfire.com/music3/tabla/karmaker.htm

:chug:

Thanks for that man it looks like it is another great resource to get me started.

[-Obscurity-]

Thanks a lot dude i finished up th free pdf, and i've looked at maybe10 or so ifferent solo/lesson youtubes.. and i've pretty much made up my mind this is something that i really want to learn.

I'll send them an email asking about the tuning hammer. That i pretty much going to be the ones i wil get. My lebanese friend i told you about though, after telling him about this, told me he might be able to arrange for some relatives to pick me up one from Lebanon because they are coming down smetime soon. It will probably be a lot cheaper than tis and be better quality straight from lebanon too.
But we'll see, i doubt things will work out for some reason... so i am probably going to go with the one i posted.

Well you might want to be careful about that, Lebanon is not known for making great tablas. The only chance you'd have is if it's a reseller in Lebanon who got them directly from India. Unless the person bringing you the tablas is a tabla player themself and can vouch for the quality, you may want to just go with model you found online.

[Futuro]

Um...if you like sampled tablas perhaps. His instructor Aloke Dutta on the other hand is a great player.

Check out the videos I linked to in my first post for some other great players. You might want to learn what you are talking about before you go making rediculous statements.murk loar nub


and tbh just seeing the word "TABLAS" makes you guys look like nubs

[TTTSNB]

Um...if you like sampled tablas perhaps. His instructor Aloke Dutta on the other hand is a great player.

Check out the videos I linked to in my first post for some other great players. You might want to learn what you are talking about before you go making rediculous statements.
I don't think you understand Futuro, :lol:.

[Amit]

lmfao didn't i make this thread like two years ago

oh well it's good that white people are getting more interested in this stuff maybe i won't be the only tabla player on mx anymo

[-Obscurity-]

murk loar nub


and tbh just seeing the word "TABLAS" makes you guys look like nubs

hey its another iliterate with n insanely hi postcount now thers 2 of them mayb theyr lovers


lmfao didn't i make this thread like two years ago


If you want to link it, or if you have anything to add to this one go ahead.

[CARMEN77]

Alot of foolish people posting very foolish things in this thread. Why post if you do not contribute a thing to the discussion in general? :confused:

[Amit]

hey its another iliterate with n insanely hi postcount now thers 2 of them mayb theyr lovers

the funny bit is that his point completely flew over your head; looks like it's just another ignorant white guy trying to be special by superficially raiding through another culture's treasures

what a disappointment

[Little Android Man]

Alot of foolish people posting very foolish things in this thread. Why post if you do not contribute a thing to the discussion in general? :confused:

I agree.

And wtf is there no plural of "tabla" futuro? Am i missing something?
And btw i am a noob on this subject.. that is pretty much the point of this thread.

[Amit]

tabla = dayan (the little drum; daya = "right") + bayan (big drum; baya = "left")

now it gets confusing because sometimes the dayan by itself is also called the tabla

tablas refer to more than one set of tabla

unless you're durga or nata-raja shiva or something and have like 14 arms i highly doubt anyone here (or anywhere) plays "tablas"

lolol

[Little Android Man]

Ok thanks i was unaware.

[Amit]

np

it's cool that you're interested in learning such a magnificent instrument

[Little Android Man]

The pure sound of it just allures me... just so different.
And it also looks incredibally fun to play once you get the basics down.

[-Obscurity-]

tablas refer to more than one set of tabla


Danny carey has stated in interviews that some of his samples are of him playing, and some are of Aloke playing. Thus, various tablas have been sampled. What's the issue here again?

the funny bit is that his point completely flew over your head; looks like it's just another ignorant white guy trying to be special by superficially raiding through another culture's treasures


hey are you being racist

[Futuro]

Unless the person bringing you the tablas is a tabla player themself and can vouch for the quality, you may want to just go with model you found online.OH YEAH I SEE NOW

[Amit]

that's not the only time whitey has made the mistake in this thread either lolollll

[-Obscurity-]

that's not the only time whitey has made the mistake in this thread either lolollll

hey ur not white stop using computers ur raiding my cultures treasures

[Futuro]

fayle

[Amit]

hey ur not white stop using computers ur raiding my cultures treasures

umm indians invented computars

[Panopticon]

indians of the asian variety....

NOTE: by asian i meant chinese, japanese, korean, whatever...

[We_Love_Lime]

Indians from Asia?

[Flamacue]

Yeah, bill gates stole the idea from ghandi.

[-Obscurity-]

Yeah, bill gates stole the idea from ghandi.

Lol!

[TTTSNB]

the funny bit is that his point completely flew over your head; looks like it's just another ignorant white guy trying to be special by superficially raiding through another culture's treasures

what a disappointment
Lol @ troll.

[Super Cameron II]

I attended a tabla clinic by Sandip Burman a couple of years ago. Yesterday I played tabla with my friend who has a sitar. It was terrible, tbh but a lot of fun. My own set is on its way in the mail.


Oh man I just read all these posts above mine. Now I remember why I don't post here anymore. Bye.

[Panopticon]

peace homie

[-Obscurity-]

My own set is on its way in the mail.


Where did you get it from? (If you are still around)

[Little Android Man]

K bump.

Im just about ready to buy... but the one i want doesn't include the hammer.

I emailed and they said it did not come with it... but is it really neccesary to have a tuning hammer? it doesn't look like it has any unique qualities to it that i can't do with a rock that i picked up from the ground.

[Win A Rabbit]

one time I played tablases and it was like "doonk doonk pwonnnng".

lol am i cultured now?

[Amit]

lolyuh

[Win A Rabbit]

alrite ill make a thred about it now, ok?

[-Obscurity-]

K bump.
I emailed and they said it did not come with it... but is it really neccesary to have a tuning hammer?

YES. The hammer is designed to do specificaly three things without damaging the drum.

1. Strike the gajra from above (between the straps) to raise the pitch of the drum. The front face of the hammer is rounded so you don't strike the shell of the drum by mistake and crack it, or hit the skin and ruin it.

2. Strike the gajra from below with the opposite (pick) end of the hammer to lower the pitch of the drum. The pick end is once again designed to deliver a strike to the underside without hitting the shell by mistake.

3. Move the gatta up and down the shell to increase/decrease tension of the straps.

I know it doesn't look like much at first glance, but the hammer is very necessary. You WILL damage your drum by trying to use anything else to tune it. For $15-20, that's not something I would overlook.