The theka of Sooltaal
Each cell is one matra. Sam is highlighted; khali beats are shown softer. Read left to right, then loop back to sam.
Xdha1
dha2
2dhin3
ta4
3kita5
0dha6
4tita7
kata8
5gadi9
gana10
About Sooltaal
Sooltaal divides ten matras into five even vibhags of two. Like chautaal it is a pakhawaj taal from the dhrupad tradition, with a firm, striding theka.
Its balanced structure makes it a clear cycle to count while still carrying the gravity of dhrupad. Tirkit offers a Default and two faster variations.
How to count Sooltaal
Sooltaal runs over 10 beats grouped as 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2. Keep the cycle by marking sam on beat 1 and khali (the empty section) on beat 6. Everything you play resolves back onto sam.
- Sam — beat 1, the start and resolution of the cycle.
- Khali — beat 6, marked with a wave rather than a clap.
- Vibhags — 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 beats.
Practise Sooltaal in Tirkit
Play the Sooltaal theka at any tempo from 30 to 160 BPM, in any key, with a tanpura underneath. Free on Google Play.
Sooltaal — questions
How many beats (matras) are in Sooltaal?
Sooltaal has 10 matras, divided into vibhags of 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2.
What is the theka of Sooltaal?
The theka of Sooltaal is: dha dha dhin ta kita dha tita kata gadi gana. Sam falls on beat 1 and khali on beat 6.
What is Sooltaal used for?
Sooltaal is commonly used in Dhrupad, Pakhawaj solo.