Teentaal
4 + 4 + 4 + 4
Clap map
x · 2 · o · 3
A foundational 16-matra cycle for khayal, instrumental practice, and many teaching exercises.
One bol sketch
Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Tin Tin Ta | Ta Dhin Dhin Dha
Time · taal
Let the cycle carry the phrase
Taal is a repeating architecture of beats. Learn where the cycle begins, where its sections change, and how a phrase can lean into sam without becoming mechanically square.
A practical cycle map
Clap markers use x for sam, o for khaali, and numbers for the remaining tali points.
Jhaptaal
2 + 3 + 2 + 3
Clap map
x · 2 · o · 3
A ten-matra cycle whose uneven vibhag lengths make the return to sam especially valuable.
One bol sketch
Dhi Na | Dhi Dhi Na | Tin Na | Dhi Dhi Na
Ektaal
2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2
Clap map
x · o · 2 · o · 3 · 4
A twelve-matra cycle often heard in slower, spacious presentations.
One bol sketch
Dhin Dhin | DhaGe Tirakita | Tu Na | Kat Ta | Dhin Na | Dhin Dhin
Rupak
3 + 2 + 2
Clap map
o · 1 · 2
A seven-matra cycle that begins with khaali; let that opening colour shape the phrase.
One bol sketch
Tin Tin Na | Dhin Na | Dhin Na
Dadra
3 + 3
Clap map
x · o
A compact six-matra cycle used in light-classical and lyrical settings.
One bol sketch
Dha Dhi Na | Na Ti Na
Kehrwa
4 + 4
Clap map
x · o
An accessible eight-matra cycle for relaxed groove, folk-connected phrases, and beginner practice.
One bol sketch
Dha Ge Na Ti | Na Ka Dhi Na
Speak first
Say the bols or count aloud before adding a melody. The mouth can learn the cycle before the hand or voice decorates it.
Mark sam
Make the first beat physically clear. A phrase can play with the cycle only after its landing point is known.
Then use playback
Open a sheet and follow the highlighted beat while you clap. Slow tempo is a feature, not a failure.