Tabla

Introduction
Welcome to the Tabla pages. Somebody who knows more than I do about the Tabla can write this intro.

The Tabla
The Tabla is actually a set of two drums, the Tabla and the Bayan (or Dugga). The Bayan is placed on the left under the left hand, and the Tabla goes under the right hand. The drums should touch each other, and this point between the drums should be on your body's centreline. Sit in half-lotus position. While this may be uncomfortable at first, the player will find that this position actually keeps the back straighter than plain crossed legs. It means you can play longer and with less back pain... though your foot may fall asleep.

Each drum sits on a cloth ring to keep it stable. The Bayan should be more or less flat, with its head parallel to the ground. The Tabla should be tilted slightly forward, so it is easier for your hand to rest while playing.

Diagrams for ease in learning
I've put together a couple diagrams of the drum heads to better show where given notes are placed.

PLEASE: if you know Devnagari, correct these charts!

And here are some hand placement diagrams for the specific hand positions.