Tabla terminology
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Words associated with the tabla:
- Ustad'- a muslim master of the tabla technique and gharānā, or school. Hindus are referred to as Pandit.
- Gharānā- any of the six schools (Punjab gharana, Delhi gharana, Benares, Ajrara, Lucknow, Farukhabad) of tabla.
- Syahi- the black spots on the tabla, also called gaab. Composed of a dried paste derived from iron filings and applied in several separate layers to the head of the drum.
- Keenar-the outer ring of skin on the head of each of the two tabla drums.
- Sun-The area between the gaab and the keenar.
- bol - both mnemonic syllables and a series of notes produced when stroked. Ex. Na, tin, Dha, Dhin, Ge, Ke, etc.
- Theka-a standard series of bols that form the rhythmic basis of tabla accompaniment for a given tala.
- Rela-a sort of rapid drum-roll
- Chutta- the cushions used when placing the tabla.
- Baj, Baaj, or Baaz- a style of playing, different from the gharānā. Two main styles developed, Purbi Baj and Dilli Baj. Dilli, or Delhi, baj is the *style of bols and playing that originated in the city of Delhi. Purbi (meaning "eastern") developed in the area east of delhi. Both have different ways to play bols.
- Lay (A.K.A "Laya")' - tempo
- taal - meter. Example: Dadra Taal, Ada Chautal, Teental
