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Understanding Aad Layakari in Chautaal (12 Beats)
Aad Layakari literally means to play at 1.5x speed, but the name is also used for various syncopated exercises. This guide explores a popular composition for the 12-beat Chautaal. In this variation, each beat is filled with a unique triplet-style pattern that includes pauses ('S'). Mastering this complex *prakar* (variation) is an excellent way to improve rhythmic control and your overall command of laya (tempo).
Watch a Demonstration of Chautaal
The Structure of Chautaal
Before practicing the layakari, it is essential to be comfortable with the structure of Chautaal. This 12-beat cycle is traditionally played on the pakhawaj and is a cornerstone of the Dhrupad genre.
| Beats / Matra | 12 |
|---|---|
| Divisions / Vibagh | 6 (with a pattern of 2|2|2|2|2|2) |
| Clap / Taali | 4 (On the 1st, 5th, 9th, and 11th beats) |
| Sam | On the 1st beat |
| Wave / Khali | 2 (On the 3rd and 7th beats) |
The Basic Theka of Chautaal
The standard theka (rhythmic phrase) for Chautaal is as follows:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dha | Dha | Din | Ta | Kit | Dha |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Wave) | 2 (Clap) | |||
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Din | Ta | Kat | Ta | Gadi | Gana |
| 0 (Wave) | 3 (Clap) | 4 (Clap) | |||
Chautaal Aad Layakari Variation Notation
This table shows the Aad Layakari variation, transcribed from the popular notation chart. It is played over two full cycles of Chautaal (24 beats). Each beat is filled with a three-syllable pattern, including pauses ('S').
| First Cycle (Beats 1-12) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Dha S Dha | S Den S | Ta S Ki | Te Dha S | Den S Ta | S Ti Te | Ka Ta Ga | Di Ghe Na | Dha S Dha | S Den S | Ta S Ki | Te Dha S |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Wave) | 2 (Clap) | 0 (Wave) | 3 (Clap) | 4 (Clap) | ||||||
| Second Cycle (Beats 13-24) | |||||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Den S Ta | S Ti Te | Ka Ta Ga | Di Ghe Na | Dha S Dha | S Den S | Ta S Ki | Te Dha S | Den S Ta | S Ti Te | Ka Ta Ga | Di Ghe Na |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Wave) | 2 (Clap) | 0 (Wave) | 3 (Clap) | 4 (Clap) | ||||||
How to Practice this Layakari
- Start with Recitation (Bolna): Clap the steady 12 beats of Chautaal, paying close attention to the taali and khali placements. For each beat, recite the corresponding three-syllable group from the table.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome will provide an accurate pulse. Set it to a slow tempo and practice one vibhag at a time before combining them.
- Focus on the Pauses: The pause 'S' (avagraha) is critical. Giving it the correct timing is essential to maintain the syncopated feel of the pattern.
Conclusion
This Aad Layakari composition for Chautaal is a challenging but highly beneficial exercise. It moves beyond simple speed variations to teach intricate rhythmic phrasing. Mastering this pattern will significantly improve a musician's control, confidence, and ability to handle complex rhythms in performance.