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