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Rhythm reference · Hindustani

Taal library

A taal is a repeating rhythmic cycle. Learn 6 common Hindustani taals: count the matras, find sam, and follow the claps (taali) and waves (khali).

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Start with six thekas

Matra-by-matra bols with sam, taali and khali markers.

Open printable six-taal review worksheet →

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Hindustani16 matras · 4 + 4 + 4 + 4

Teentaal

Teentaal has sixteen matras divided into four equal groups of four. Mark sam at matra 1, clap again at matras 5 and 13, and wave at matra 9 as the theka repeats.

foundationOpen profile
Hindustani12 matras · 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2

Ektal

Ektaal has twelve matras in six groups of two. Clap at matras 1, 5, 9 and 11, and wave at matras 3 and 7; compound bol tokens such as DhaGe and TirKit each occupy one matra in this chart.

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Hindustani14 matras · 3 + 4 + 3 + 4

Deepchandi

Deepchandi has fourteen matras arranged 3 + 4 + 3 + 4. In Gangolli’s chart, clap at matras 1, 4 and 11 and wave at matra 8, while continuing to count the silent matras 3, 7, 10 and 14.

intermediateOpen profile
Hindustani7 matras · 3 + 2 + 2

Rupak

Rupak has seven matras grouped 3 + 2 + 2. Its first matra is both sam and the khali hand gesture, so start with a wave and clap at matras 4 and 6; NIOS still marks the written sam with ×.

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Hindustani6 matras · 3 + 3

Dadra

Dadra has six matras arranged in two groups of three. Clap on matra 1, the sam, and show khali with a wave on matra 4 while repeating the six-bol cycle.

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Hindustani8 matras · 4 + 4

Keharwa

Keharwa has eight matras in two groups of four. Clap on the first matra and wave on the fifth, then repeat the cycle; the NIOS practical book uses Ke at matra 6.

foundationOpen profile