My first 'Hello' to all of you. Good to see the active forum like this so that we can share.
This topic may already have been discussed. But bear with me.
Here's my question:
While creating Dha or Ga sound in the tal (like tin tal Dha Dhin Dhin Dha . .), which finger(s) should we use? Is it always alternative with middle + Ring finger and index finger? what is better technique for clarity and speed? I would appreciate your opinion.
patience (Feb 04, 2004 10:40 a.m.):
My first 'Hello' to all of you. Good to see the active forum like this so that we can share.
This topic may already have been discussed. But bear with me.
Here's my question:
While creating Dha or Ga sound in the tal (like tin tal Dha Dhin Dhin Dha . .), which finger(s) should we use? Is it always alternative with middle + Ring finger and index finger? what is better technique for clarity and speed? I would appreciate your opinion.
Patience,
I like your username.
The current advise that's being given is to use only one finger at a time on the baya. That is alternating index and middle fingers for each stroke. If you were to number the fingers of the left hand from the thumb as 1, to the pinky as 5, that would be alternating fingers 2 and 3. There may be differing opinion regarding with which finger to begin. I think it's best to be flexible in that regard.
I agree with Aannadha - common practice is to learn to alternate fingers 2 and 3 (I normally refer to them as fingers 1 and 2). You should be able to start on either finger, depending on the desired effect. For a basic tintal, I like to play finger 3 as a high pitch, and finger 2 as a low pitch, so beginning with 2 or 3 will have quite a significantly different effect.
Dear Patience,
I would also add that I sincerely urge you to seek a reputable teacher and that you should follow his or her advice about fingering even if it is contrary to ours.
You cannot expect to progress by teaching yourself no matter how much advice from a variety of sources you may gather. This is not simply my opinion, as most of us here would agree, it is an integral facet of the tradition of Indian Classical Music, and, as such, essential to learning anything at all about tabla.
Best wishes,
Aanaddha
I am planning to go to a teacher from next month. I bought a tabla last year and started learning it with help of book/CD/Video. Initially I did not know anything about different gharanas/styles/techniques. After going through it, it showed various perspectives and a need for a teacher at the same time. So I am with you. Thank you.
