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Understanding Layakari
Layakari means playing rhythms at different speeds. In singing or playing music, artists vary the tempo. Layakari brings changes in different rhythms to the beat and also adds an element of fun and complexity.
Types of Layakari
- Ekgun layakari: Playing one bol per beat is called ekgun.
- Dugun layakari: Playing two bols per beat is called dugun.
- Tigun layakari: Playing three bols per beat is called tigun.
- Chaugun layakari: Playing four bols per beat is called chaugun.
The Structure and Characteristics of Sooltaal
Sooltaal (also known as Sultaal or Shooltaal) is a rhythmic cycle of 10 beats (matras). It is divided into 5 equal divisions (vibhags) of 2 beats each. This taal is commonly used in Dhrupad gayaki and is known for its majestic and solemn character.
| Beats (Matra) | 10 |
|---|---|
| Divisions (Vibhag) | 5 (with a pattern of 2|2|2|2|2) |
| Clap (Taali) | 3 (On 1st, 5th, and 7th beats) |
| Wave (Khali) | 2 (On 3rd and 9th beats) |
| First Beat (Sam) | On 1st beat |
Sooltaal Layakari Examples
Below are the standard layakari variations for Sooltaal, presented clearly for practice.
1. Sooltaal Ekgun Layakari (Base Speed)
| 1 | 2 |
|---|---|
| Dha | Dha |
| X (Sam) | |
| 3 | 4 |
| Din | Ta |
| 0 (Wave) | |
| 5 | 6 |
| Kit | Dha |
| 2nd Clap | |
| 7 | 8 |
| Tit | Kat |
| 3rd Clap | |
| 9 | 10 |
| Gadi | Gan |
| 0 (Wave) | |
2. Sooltaal Dugun Layakari (Double Speed)
| 1 | 2 |
|---|---|
| Dha Dha | Din Ta |
| X (Sam) | |
| 3 | 4 |
| Kit Dha | Tit Kat |
| 0 (Wave) | |
| 5 | 6 |
| Gadi Gan | Dha Dha |
| 2nd Clap | |
| 7 | 8 |
| Din Ta | Kit Dha |
| 3rd Clap | |
| 9 | 10 |
| Tit Kat | Gadi Gan |
| 0 (Wave) | |
3. Sooltaal Tigun Layakari (Triple Speed)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dha Dha Din | Ta Kit Dha | Tit Kat Gadi | Gan Dha Dha | Din Ta Kit |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Wave) | 2nd Clap | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Dha Tit Kat | Gadi Gan Dha | Dha Din Ta | Kit Dha Tit | Kat Gadi Gan |
| 3rd Clap | 0 (Wave) | |||
4. Sooltaal Chaugun Layakari (Quadruple Speed)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DhaDhaDinTa | KitDhaTitKat | GadiGanDhaDha | DinTaKitDha | TitKatGadiGan |
| X (Sam) | 0 (Wave) | 2nd Clap | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| DhaDhaDinTa | KitDhaTitKat | GadiGanDhaDha | DinTaKitDha | TitKatGadiGan |
| 3rd Clap | 0 (Wave) | |||
Conclusion
Sooltaal, with its 10 beats, and its layakari in Indian Classical Music, adds a deep and solemn feeling to a performance. Mastering these layakari variations helps performers to feel a close bond with their audiences and showcase their rhythmic expertise.
Note: The notation of the taal is written according to the Bhathkhande Swarlipi method. 'Sam' is shown by an (X), 'Khali' is shown by a (0), and subsequent 'Taalis' are shown by their respective numbers (2, 3, etc.).
