Hi,
Will you please tell me the position of muting the right hand ring finger (Dayan) over the drum while playing NA, TIN, TI TE and TUN?
Whether the ring finger should be stretched or bend while playing these strokes?
See David Courtneys link https://chandrakantha.com/tablasite/bsicbols.htm it explains and displays in good detail.
My preference is to keep the ring finger between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock on the sihai with minimum pressure.
On small tabla heads I tend to bend the ring finger a little and turning the slightly to its lower side. More importantly, the little finger should be resting down next to it and not up in the air as this impedes playing at higher speed and playing other bols.
Generally, repetitive and regular practice will ease and settle the hand and fingers more naturally but you will need expert supervision from a teacher to get the basics correct. All the best!
Hi Ram,
In some website I read that postion of right hand ring finger (Dayan) is generally slightly angular in Benaras Gharana, is it so? If yes how do other Gharans are being played?
Please explain me the position of right hand little finger?
Abhi, I'll expand on my last thread, for me the key point is to comfortably snuggle the ring finger so that it is prepared for the next bol depending on the speed and intensity. By this I mean slightly "Turning" the finger to its side without it ever leaving the Surface and Spot. I suppose it is normal to slide a little as long as it returns to its consistent spot.
By Angular, I mean the angle bend at the 2nd joint from the tip of the finger. The variation in angular change is very little
OK, Lets assume you are playing Na Ti Tin Na (1,2,1,1) at very fast tempo. Here, the wrist moves in sideways and perpendicular in motion however little/more.
Prior to playing Na, the ring finger slightly 'Turns' on its lower right side say maybe a quarter or less and pointing to between 10/11:O'Clock. The index finger (1) is raised, the angular position decreased (minimum). As soon as Na is played the 'Turn' is returned to normal position and points to between 11/12:O'Clock in preparation to play Ti and Tin, where the angular is now increased (Maximum) to 'walk' the index and second fingers (1 and 2) forwards without moving the finger from the pivotal mute spot.
At lower tempo, the 'Turn' and the angular position also decreases.
I'm not aware of different styles/preferences by Gharanas except I have seen many players play brilliantly with the Little finger up in the air all the time. I can't do this. I have been taught to rest the little finger very close to the ring finger.
Also, I'm not sure whether the size and shape of hands and fingers have anything to do with technique and preference.
I'm not sure if I have explained this properly, I hope it helpsbut please refer to your teacher for clarification.
