INDIAN MUSIC FORUM ARCHIVES: Tabla Forum: na - position of thumb

 

Author Message
tabla_ustaad
na - position of thumb Sep 01, 2003 03:58 p.m.


fundamental questions -
1. when producing the kinar 'naa' sound, where should the thumb land ?
2. and if the thumb is to land on the gajra, what part of the thumb should land on the gajra.
3. before striking,should the thumb be lifted and dropped along with the index finger ?
4. anyone know if Zakirji's thumb lands on the garjra when playing 'na' ?
5. how firmly should the ring finger be placed on the tip of the syahi.

Any pointer are appreciated

Ram
Re:na - position of thumb Sep 02, 2003 04:24 a.m.


In my opinion:

1) the thumb can land on the gajara or the leather strap just below the gajara depending on the speed of the composition/kaida

2) If the thumb lands on the gajra then it should be the bottom side and a bit if the lower face side by turning the wrist slightly inwards to prepare the index finger for a louder and clearer Na

3) Yes the thumb is lifted with the index finger but hits the gajra a fraction before the index plays the Na.

4) Zakirji's style - Pass.

5) The ring finger should never be too firm. I would say it should be resting and firm enough to only to keep in position when playing strokes and just enough to create the deliberate mute point. It should also be able to glide along the surface with ease. If it is too firm then the bol is completely lost

.

Warren Ashford
Re:na - position of thumb Sep 02, 2003 12:03 p.m.


Ram is giving the right advice.
The only thing I would add is that the thumb is not supposed to jut out. Your hand should be in a comfortable position and doesn't usually need to be hitting anything although lightly touching the gajra is okay. If you are hitting something with your thumb you need to bring it up and in more, don't relie on the thumb for your stroke, move that energy to your first finger.


tabla_ustaad (Sep 01, 2003 03:58 p.m.):
fundamental questions -
1. when producing the kinar 'naa' sound, where should the thumb land ?
2. and if the thumb is to land on the gajra, what part of the thumb should land on the gajra.
3. before striking,should the thumb be lifted and dropped along with the index finger ?
4. anyone know if Zakirji's thumb lands on the garjra when playing 'na' ?
5. how firmly should the ring finger be placed on the tip of the syahi.

Any pointer are appreciated


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