Master percussionist Pete Lockett presents a complete method to getting started on one of the most intriguing and complex instruments in the world with Tabla: A Beginner’s Guide. Lockett covers all the basics of these drums and the underlying Indian rhythmic system to give you insight into how to get started and reveal, as he puts it, the “mysteries and marvels” of tabla and the Indian system of percussion.
Starting with background and explanation of the drums themselves, the book then proceeds to the basic vocalizations and an explanation of rhythms and compositions that create the “language” of tabla within the greater Indian system. This is followed by a detailed section on the proper technique for playing the drums. From there, Lockett presents a full package of rhythm themes and constructions, with new strokes and syllables added you go along. An easy-to-read grid system presents the compositions (along with the text and audio) such that reading normal music notation is not necessary for learning the concepts.
Dozens of concepts, patterns and compostions create a complete course of study for anyone wanting to start learning tabla. Along the way, Lockett teaches the complexities of Indian rhythmic composition in his trademark clear yet engaging style, opening doors to a larger understanding of some of the most sought-after and complex percussion concepts ever created. The book concludes with a section on other playing techniques, tuning and maintenance of the instrument.
The book comes with a complete set of audio examples that demonstrate the syllables and the drum patterns at various tempos.
eBook | 131 Pages | 135 Audio Files
Pete Lockett is also the author of Indian Rhythms for Drumset; Kanjira: A Beginner’s Guide; Bars, Beats and Building Blocks; and Symmetrical Stickings, all available here at Hudson Music.
