Top 10 Basic Tabla Lessons for Beginners (With Photographs and Clips)

By Pratham Marode | Indian Classical Tabla Player | Percussionist | Content Creator

Welcome to Pratham Marode Tabla Official, your trusted space for
learning, exploring, and experiencing the magic of Indian classical tabla.
If you're new to tabla or want to refresh your basics, this blog is just for you!
Learning tabla is a beautiful journey filled with rhythm, discipline, and expression.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the top 10 basic tabla lessons for beginners,
along with video tutorials to help you practice confidently.

 Why Learn Tabla?

Tabla is one of the most expressive percussion instruments in Indian music.

Whether you're learning for classical performance, devotional music,

or fusion projects, tabla lessons for beginners lay the foundation for

your musical growth.

Top 10 Basic Tabla Lessons for Beginners

1. Introduction to Tabla and Its Parts

Learn about the two tabla – Dayan (right-hand) called as CHATI and Bayan (left-hand drum) called as DAGGA – their construction, materials, and tuning basics.

2.Correct Sitting Position and Hand Placement

Posture is everything! This lesson helps you sit comfortably and position your fingers correctly to avoid strain and build precision.

3. Introduction to Tabla Bols (Syllables)

tabla bol for beginners

Learn the basic tabla sounds: Na, Ta, Tin, Tun, Ti, Ghe, Ke, Dha, Dhin. These bols are the alphabet of tabla.

4. Practice Lesson: Na and Tin Pattern**

 basic tabla tutorial
Focus on the right-hand bols: practice alternate

strokes

like Na–Tin–Na–Tin for 5 minutes daily.
 Daily Practice of Na & Tin

5. Practice Lesson: Dha and Dhin Pattern

 tabla video tutorial
Left-Right Hand Coordination

Now mix both hands: Dha (both hands) and Dhin (right-hand sharp tone)

for coordination.

6. Basic Taal Introduction: Teen Taal (16 Beats)

 tabla lessons for beginners

Start with the most popular rhythm cycle in Indian classical tabla – Teen Taal . Learn its structure:

Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Dhin Dhin Dha | Dha Tin Tin Ta | Ta Dhin Dhin Dha

 Teen Taal for Beginners

7. Practice Lesson: Simple Tihai (Ending Phrase)

Learn your first Tihai – a rhythmic phrase repeated

three times, landing on Sam (first beat)

8. How to Practice Tabla Daily (15-minute Routine)

 how to learn tabla, beginner tabla practice

Create a simple daily routine:

Final Thoughts

Starting your tabla journey is a big step, and I’m here to guide you. These tabla lessons forbeginnersare crafted from my personal experience as a tabla visharad and content creator.With regular practice and dedication, you’ll start to feel the rhythm in your hands and heart. Don’t forget to bookmark this post, share it with fellow learners, and leave your questions in the comments!

👉 Comment below or reach out

to me on Instagram @pratham_marode_