“Taal Talk: Learning Teentaal the Santoor Way”
- Sharanya naidu
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
If you're learning the santoor and diving into the world of Indian classical music, one of the foundational concepts you'll come across is Taal — the rhythmic cycle that forms the backbone of every composition. Among the many Taals, Teentaal (or Tritaal) is the most commonly used, especially in instrumental music.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to learn and practice Teentaal on the santoor, in a simple, step-by-step approach suited for music learners just starting their rhythmic journey.
🎵 What is Teentaal?
Teentaal is a 16-beat rhythmic cycle divided into 4 equal sections of 4 beats each. It's structured like this:
Total Beats (Matras): 16
Vibhags (Sections): 4
Clapping Pattern (Tali & Khali):
1st beat (Sam): Clap ✋
5th beat: Clap ✋
9th beat (Khali - wave): Wave 🤚
13th beat: Clap ✋
So it goes:
Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Tin Tin Ta | Ta Dhin Dhin Dha
🪕 Why is Teentaal Important for Santoor Learners?
The santoor, with its delicate hammering (mezrab) technique and wide range of tonal textures, pairs beautifully with structured Taals like Teentaal. Learning Teentaal:
Helps build rhythmic control
Trains your mind to think in cycles
Gives you a strong base for playing gat, peshkar, taans, or jhala
Enables better coordination with tabla when playing in ensemble settings
🔰 Step-by-Step: Learning Teentaal on the Santoor
1. Start with Clapping & Counting
Before touching the santoor, get the taal into your body. Clap and count:
Clap on beats 1, 5, and 13
Wave on beat 9
Count all 16 beats clearly
You can chant the bols while clapping:
Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Tin Tin Ta | Ta Dhin Dhin Dha
Do this till you feel the groove in your bones.
2. Play Basic Bols on Santoor
Now translate the bols onto the santoor using basic strokes:
Dha = combination of right and left-hand stroke (usually Sa + Dha or Sa + Na)
Dhin = right-hand stroke (on tuned note like Dha or Re)
Tin = left-hand stroke (on high-pitched note like Ni or Pa)
Ta = soft right-hand stroke (can use Sa or Ma)
Start slow. Use a metronome or tabla app (like iTablaPro or Riyaz) set to Teentaal at 60 bpm. Play:
[Dha][Dhin][Dhin][Dha] | [Dha][Dhin][Dhin][Dha] | [Dha][Tin][Tin][Ta] | [Ta][Dhin][Dhin][Dha]
This will train your stroke clarity, hand coordination, and timing.
3. Practice with Tabla Loop or App
Once you’re comfortable with the bols and rhythm, practice with a tabla loop. Focus on:
Landing strongly on Sam (first beat)
Feeling the Khali (empty beat) at 9
Not rushing through the vibhags
Staying consistent with your speed
This stage is about locking in with the taal. You’ll start to notice how your playing becomes more grounded and expressive.
4. Apply to Simple Gats
Once Teentaal feels natural, start learning simple gats (melodic compositions) in Teentaal. Most beginner-level gats are 16-beat phrases, making them perfect for Teentaal practice.
Count silently or aloud while playing
Keep listening to masters like Pt. Shivkumar Sharma
Focus on starting and ending the gat on Sam
🎯 Pro Tips for Learners
Always start slow – speed comes with clarity.
Record yourself to hear your timing and stroke quality.
Don’t ignore the theka (tabla pattern) – it’s your rhythmic companion.
Learn from a guru or join an online santoor class for regular feedback.
Internalize the taal before improvising.
🎶 Final Thoughts
Learning Teentaal on the santoor is more than just repeating strokes — it’s about developing an internal rhythm that flows through your fingers and into the sound. It may feel tricky at first, but with patience, practice, and passion, you’ll start hearing and feeling the cycle naturally.
So pick up your mallets, turn on the tabla app, and let the beats of Teentaal guide your musical journey. Happy practicing! 🙌✨
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