Top 5 Taals Every Tabla Beginner Should Learn
If you’re starting your journey in Indian classical music, learning the fundamental taals (rhythmic cycles) is one of the most important parts of tabla training. Mastering these taals will help you understand rhythm, structure, and improvisation — the foundation of all great tabla playing.
Whether you’re practicing solo, accompanying Kathak dance, or using a lehra app for tabla like NagmaLive, here are the top five taals every beginner should know.
🎶 1. Teentaal (16 Beats)
Structure: 16 beats — divided into 4 sections of 4
Theka: Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Tin Tin Ta | Ta Dhin Dhin Dha
Why it’s important:
Teentaal is the most widely used taal in Hindustani classical music. It’s symmetrical, versatile, and forms the backbone of many tabla solos and accompaniments. Once you can comfortably play and improvise in Teentaal, you’ll find it easier to learn others.
Practice Tip:
Start slow (60–80 BPM) and use NagmaLive’s Teentaal preset with sarangi or sitar lehra to internalize the melody and rhythmic balance.
🎵 2. Dadra (6 Beats)
Structure: 6 beats — divided into 3 + 3
Theka: Dha Dhi Na | Na Ti Na
Why it’s important:
Dadra is popular in light classical and folk forms such as thumri and ghazal. Its lilting, cyclical rhythm makes it a great starting point for understanding shorter taals.
Practice Tip:
Play along with a lehra in a slower tempo to feel its swing and natural phrasing. Gradually move from simple theka to small variations (paltas).
🎵 3. Keherwa (8 Beats)
Structure: 8 beats — divided into 4 + 4
Theka: Dha Ge Na Ti | Na Ka Dhi Na
Why it’s important:
Keherwa is used in countless devotional, film, and folk songs. It’s rhythmic, easy to recognize, and instantly rewarding for beginners.
Practice Tip:
Use Keherwa with harmonium or sitar lehra on NagmaLive and focus on maintaining consistent tone and clarity as you increase tempo.
🎵 4. Jhaptal (10 Beats)
Structure: 10 beats — divided into 2 + 3 + 2 + 3
Theka: Dhi Na | Dhi Dhi Na | Ti Na | Dhi Dhi Na
Why it’s important:
Jhaptal introduces you to asymmetrical time cycles and develops a deeper sense of rhythmic awareness. It’s often used in classical vocal and instrumental performances.
Practice Tip:
Count the divisions (vibhags) carefully as you play. Jhaptal challenges your sense of timing — so start slow and rely on a consistent lehra loop to stay anchored.
🎵 5. Rupak (7 Beats)
Structure: 7 beats — divided into 3 + 2 + 2
Theka: Tin Tin Na | Dhin Na | Dhin Na
Why it’s important:
Rupak’s unique seven-beat structure feels circular and flowing. It’s a favorite among tabla players for its beauty and slightly tricky phrasing.
Practice Tip:
Record yourself practicing Rupak with a lehra at slow speed, then listen back to see if your theka aligns correctly with the sam (first beat).
🎧 Practice These Taals with NagmaLive
A lehra app for tabla like NagmaLive makes it easy to practice these taals anytime. You can:
Choose from authentic sarangi, sitar, or harmonium lehra
Adjust tempo (BPM) and pitch instantly
Save presets for each taal and practice session
With consistency and the right tools, you’ll soon internalize rhythm and play with confidence across styles and tempos.
🪘 Start Your Tabla Journey Today
Download NagmaLive — the most authentic tabla practice app with real instrument recordings, customizable taals, and tempo control.
Perfect for students, teachers, and performers of Indian classical music.