The Mathematics of Music
The Anatomy of Taal
A Taal is a repeating rhythmic cycle. Each beat (matra) carries a syllable (bol). Press Play on any circle to watch the cycle revolve, and drag the tempo slider to change the laya.
Teentaal
तीनताल16 matras·4 + 4 + 4 + 4
Tempo (BPM)120
VilambitMadhyaDrut
The absolute king of rhythmic cycles. Highly symmetrical and deeply mathematical, providing a massive 16-beat canvas for complex percussive improvisations.
Bhajani
भजनी8 matras·4 + 4
Tempo (BPM)100
VilambitMadhyaDrut
A steady, rolling rhythm widely used in devotional music. Its clean, even split creates a comforting momentum that naturally loops back onto itself.
Dadra
दादरा6 matras·3 + 3
Tempo (BPM)90
VilambitMadhyaDrut
A lively, syncopated cycle divided into two equal halves. It swings like a waltz and is the backbone of light semi-classical forms like Thumri.
Sam · सम — the downbeat, beat 1 (anchor of the cycle)Khali · खाली — the "empty" beat (wave instead of clap)Matra · मात्रा — every other beat in the cycle