I just started (learning) tabla with the help of Dr. Courtney's book. I'm a little confused about Na and Tin though. I understand that they are open strokes, but it seems to state that the ring and little finger of the right hand needs to be touching the head lightly. I'm finding this significantly changes the sound; if I keep them off the head when I strike, the sound is very open, but keeping them there lightly dampens it. What should I be doing?
If you want to learn the na or the tin, then you must watch people play these notes live or at the very least on video. Then will you understand the tin and the na.
David's book is excellent. However, I too suggest that you supplement David's book by with Alla Rakha's videotape and see the technique demonstrated. See my reply to another posting on this site for details about this tape.
Ah yes the ring finger. . .therein begins the difference between learning tabla and learning bongos
No.8 (Apr 16, 2003 06:21 p.m.):
Hello everyone,
I just started (learning) tabla with the help of Dr. Courtney's book. I'm a little confused about Na and Tin though. I understand that they are open strokes, but it seems to state that the ring and little finger of the right hand needs to be touching the head lightly. I'm finding this significantly changes the sound; if I keep them off the head when I strike, the sound is very open, but keeping them there lightly dampens it. What should I be doing?
The ring finger should apply pressure on the edge of the gab (black spot) to partially mute the sound but still allow the stroke to resonate. This controls the sound but does not completely mute it. It will take a while before you will be able to make a loud, satisfying na or tin, and private instruction helps a great deal. Of course, that isn't always an option. .
