The Tabla

The tabla is a set of two drums from India. One drum is small and made of wood. The other is bigger and made of metal or clay. Players sit on the floor and play the drums with their hands and fingers. The tabla makes many different sounds.

The Two Drums

The smaller drum is called the dayan and plays high notes. The larger drum is called the bayan and plays low, booming notes. Both drums have a dark circle on top called the syahi. This circle helps give the tabla its special sound. Players use both hands at the same time to make music.

Learning the Tabla

Playing the tabla takes years of practice. Each finger movement has its own name and sound. Students learn to say the names out loud as they play. This is called bols. Tabla players often play along with sitar music and Indian classical singing. The drums can play very fast and tricky rhythms.

Fun Facts

• The tabla has been played in India for over 200 years.
• Zakir Hussain is one of the most famous tabla players in the world.
• The word 'tabla' comes from an Arabic word for drum.

Did You Know?

A skilled tabla player can make so many different sounds that it almost seems like the drums are talking.