Tabla

About the Sound and Character

The tabla has an astonishingly rich, “speaking” sound. Thanks to a special black spot on the membrane made of a paste of soot and rice, the instrument can produce dozens of different overtones and inflections, mimicking human speech.

Structure and Features

The right drum is carved from a solid block of wood (teak or rosewood), while the left is typically made of clay or copper. Tension is regulated using leather straps and wooden cylindrical tuning dowels.

Genres

• Hindustani classical music (solo and accompaniment)
• Thumri and ghazal vocal genres
• Ethnic fusion and world music