How is Tihai played in Tabla

A Tihai is a phrase of notes repeated three times. It is used as a way of improvisation and is common to all forms of Indian music.

This video, by Sulekh Ruparell, explains how a simple Tihai is played in Tin Taal (16 beat cycle). The Tihai phrase is performed from different starting points in the rhythm and the gaps between each of phrases are manipulated such that the Tihai always ends on the first beat of a new cycle. The video goes on to introduce a more complicated phrase and notes are also played within the gaps between the phrases so as to make the Tihai sound more interesting and dramatic.

Sulekh Ruparell has created the first downloadable Tabla course for beginners available at www.tabla.co.uk. He is a professional Vocalist, Tabla accompanist and Harmonium player.

Facebook : www.facebook.com/TablaWorks
Twitter : @sulekhruparell
Instagram : @tablaworks