Posted by

Posted on

February 14, 2014

Posted under

Comments

Misra Chapu – The 7 Beat Cycle (Audio)

We’ve covered an 8 beat cycle with Adi Thalum; a 5 beat cycle with Kanda Chapu; and now we explore Misra Chapu, the 7 beat cycle. Misra Chapu, known in Hindustani Music as Rupak, is shown by a series of claps and waves: wave on beat 1; wave on beat 2; clap on beat 4; clap on beat 6. It’s recited as Ta Ki Ta Ta Ka Di Mi, which is a 3 + 4 division of 7 beats. Below I’ve recited Misra Chapu is a variety of subdivisions. Mastering these exercises will dramatically improve one’s comfort with 7/4 and will inspire new ways to view 7 (it’s not just 12 12 123 anymore)! A downloadable pdf of this lesson with notation is available at the bottom of the page, but try learning this by ear before checking that out.

Misra Chapu, 7/4 time, in Quarter Notes

Misra Chapu, 7/4 time, in 8th Notes

Misra Chapu, 7/4 time, in 16th Notes

Misra Chapu, 7/4 time, in Triplets

Misra Chapu, 7/4 time, in Quarter Note Triplets

Misra Chapu 7 beat cycle

Posted by

pintobean2885

Posted on

January 31, 2014

Posted under

Audio, Carnatic Rhythm, intermediate

Comments

Tha Din Gi Na Thom In Action

The first lesson on this site is dedicated to Tha Din Gi Na Thom, one of the fundamental rhythmic phrases in Carnatic music. Below I’ve posted a solo I took over John Scofield’s tune, “Chank,” where I’m using a range of Tha Din Gi Na Thom phrases. I found it very challenging to work these phrases into my playing initially and to do so organically, but after isolating the phrases and using them as I play scales, sticking to one phrase as I solo over simple forms, etc, I’m finding that it’s getting more comfortable and convincing. Layering them into my playing has added a new dimension of rhythmic and melodic shape to my playing and provides me with a new outlet of expression. I hope this serves as inspiration to those of you who are trying to work these new cells into your own playing and would love to hear how you are applying this new language into your own work!

Solo clip from “Chank”

Posted by

pintobean2885

Posted on

November 24, 2013

Posted under

Audio, Carnatic Rhythm, Introductory

Comments

2 Comments

Kanda Chapu – 5 Beat Cycle (Audio)

Kanda Chapu is the 5 beat thalum or cycle in Carnatic music. It can be thought of as 5/4 time. It is shown through a series of claps: Clap on beat 1; Clap on beat 3; Clap on beat 4.

Kanda Chapu can be recited using syllables Ta Ka Ta Ki Ta, a 2 + 3 beat grouping. The audio below is a series of exercises in Kanda Chapu. Each clip shows Kanda Chapu thalum while reciting Ta Ka Ta Ki Ta in different subdivisions. This is great practice for strengthening one’s time feel and getting more comfortable in 5/4 time. Try learning this material by ear. A downloadable pdf of this lesson is available at the bottom of the page with these exercises written in western notation. Have fun!

Kanda Chapu with Ta Ka Ta Ki Ta in Quarter Notes

Kanda Chapu with Ta Ka Ta Ki Ta in 8th Notes

Kanda Chapu with Ta Ka Ta Ki Ta in 16th Notes

Kanda Chapu with Ta Ka Ta Ki Ta in Triplets

Kanda Chapu with Ta Ka Ta Ki Ta in Quarter Note Triplets

Kanda Chapu 5 beat cycle

Posted by

pintobean2885

Posted on

November 10, 2013

Posted under

Audio, Carnatic Rhythm, Introductory

Comments

2 Comments

Adi Thalum – Taka Dimi Taka Junu in Different Subdivisions (Audio)

Sreenath Sreenivasan presents the phrase Taka Dimi Taka Junu in different subdivisions in Adi Thalum. Adi Thalum is an 8 beat cycle found in Carnatic Music. Adi Thalum is shown through a series of claps and waves.

To show Adi Thalum:

Clap on Beat 1; press the pinky to the palm for beat 2; press the ring finger to the palm for beat 3; press the middle finger to the palm for beat 4; clap on beat 5, wave on beat 6, clap on beat 7, wave on beat 8. Beats 6 and 8 can also be shown by clapping with the reverse side of the hand, as opposed to the palm side.

Taka Dimi Taka Junu can be understood as counting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

This lessons shows Sreenath reciting Taka Dimi TakaJunu in different subdivisions while keeping thalum, or keeping the beat. A notated lesson that covers this material can be found here. A western notation, downloadable pdf of this lesson can be found at the bottom of the page. Start slowly and recite the syllables with a smile. The feel, bounce and energy will come quicker if this is approached musically and with enthusiasm!

Taka Dimi Taka Junu in 8th Notes