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An Introduction to Tihai in Teora Taal
A Tihai is a rhythmic phrase repeated three times, concluding on the 'Sam' (the first beat). Teora Taal, with its unique 7-beat cycle (3-2-2), is a perfect canvas for learning how to construct and play various Tihais.
In this guide, we will explore some essential Tihais for Teora Taal, including the 6-Beat Bedamdar, the complex 5-Beat (in both Layakari and Damdar forms), and the concise 3-Beat Tihai.
The Basic Theka of Teora Taal
Before diving into the Tihais, it is essential to be familiar with the structure of Teora Taal.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dha | Dhin | Ta | Tit | Kat | Gadi | Gan |
| X (Sam) | 2 (Tali) | 3 (Tali) | ||||
The Simple 2-Step Method to Create Any Teora Taal Tihai
You can create any Tihai by following these two simple steps.
Step 1: Find Your Starting Beat
To build these Tihais, remember this simple rule:
Example: For a 6-beat Tihai, the start beat is 8 - 6 = Beat 2.
Step 2: Find Your Phrase Length
Here, you must ask: "Is my Tihai's total length divisible by 3?"
Case A: If YES (e.g., 6 or 3 beats)
This is the easy path. Your Tihai will be Bedam (gapless). Simply divide the total length by 3.
Case B: If NO (e.g., 5 beats)
The easiest solution is to make a Damdar (gapped) Tihai.
Your goal is to choose a 'Gap Length' (like 1 beat) that makes the number inside the brackets `[ ]` divisible by 3.
The Essential Tihais Explained
1. The 6-Beat Tihai (The Standard Bedam)
This Tihai fills the cycle from the 2nd beat. Since 6 is divisible by 3, its calculation is simple.
- Starts On: Beat 2 (8 - 6)
- Phrase Length: 2 Beats (6 ÷ 3)
A 2-beat phrase like "Dha Tirekite" is repeated three times.
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dha Tirekite | Dha Tirekite | Dha Tirekite | |||
2. The 5-Beat Tihai (The Complex Rhythm)
Since 5 is not divisible by 3, this Tihai teaches us how to handle complex rhythms.
- Starts On: Beat 3 (8 - 5)
Advanced Method (Layakari)
Phrase Length: 1 ⅔ Beats (5 ÷ 3). This means we play 5 bols in Tigun (triple-speed).
A common 5-bol phrase is "Dha Tirekite Dha". Playing this three times fills the 5-beat space.
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dha Tirekite Dha) (Dha Tirekite Dha) (Dha Tirekite Dha) | ||||
Easier Method (Damdar - Gapped)
Instead of Layakari, we can add 1-beat gaps ('Dam') to make it simpler.
- Calculation: [5 Total Beats - (1 Beat Gap x 2)] ÷ 3 = 3 ÷ 3 = 1-Beat Phrase.
Phrase: A 1-beat phrase ("Dha") repeated with 1-beat gaps.
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dha | (rest) | Dha | (rest) | Dha |
3. The 3-Beat Tihai (The Concise Pattern)
This concise Tihai uses a simple 1-beat phrase repeated three times.
- Starts On: Beat 5 (8 - 3)
- Phrase Length: 1 Beat (3 ÷ 3)
A 1-beat phrase like "Dha" is repeated three times.
| 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Dha | Dha | Dha |
Conclusion and Practice Tips
Mastering these Tihais in Teora Taal is a fantastic way to improve your command over rhythm. Practice each of these variations slowly, focusing on clarity and perfect timing. Always use 'Padhant' (reciting) before playing to internalize the rhythm.