Ethnic Rhythms to learn and practice

Now, let's start working with the Talas (rhythmic cycles).

The In this page there are some rhythms and exercises with sound samples we want to share with you.

Note that all of them are extracted from their original ethnic resources, and all are used in some of Rik Hambra Cd's compositions (see CD's).
 

Indian Talas

First of all, I'd like to say a few words for those who don't know how to read this kind of rhythms.

In Indian music notation, they use 'onomatopoeic syllables' instead of notes to write their music. In the graphics below we show a few basic strokes for Tabla, the most popular Indian percussion instrument, as well as their names and positions on the drum.

Note that the graphics on the right side are for the High pitch drum called Dayan, and  those on the left side are for the low pitch drum called Bayan:

First, you need to practice each stroke separately:

Start with the Right Hand strokes Ta, Te, Ti, Tin, as long as you need. Then with the Left Hand stroke Ge.

Take your time and you'll get it!

When you've got this strokes, then you can start combining them, and practice them simultaneously.
Please be Patient!

One of themost popular is  the amazing  Tin Tal', which has 16 beats, divided in 4 Bars. Each one of them contains 4 strokes :
Indian musicians always sing these rhythms in order to memorize them .
You can try by practicing with your voice first, and start clapping with your hands every 4 beats.

The names and simbols that you can read in the graphic below show the name of each accent  and it's graphic simbol:

Sam (+) is the principal accent , Tali (-) the minor accents, and Khali (o) is the name for the 'Empty accent '. Vhibag is the name for the Bar
( Note: this part of the rhythm practice will be explained more extensively later).

Just try to handclap on each accent while you 're singing the rhythm:

Next, let's see two more Talas to learn and practice:

Dadra Tal ( 6 beats) and Kherwa Tal (8 beats).

Use the same technique that you've been learning for the Tin Tal. Enjoy your rhythms!We hope you've enjoyed this
'Free Rhythms & exercises' page.

Please keep visiting,
Thank you!