The theka of Teentaal
Each cell is one matra. Sam is highlighted; khali beats are shown softer. Read left to right, then loop back to sam.
Xdha1
dhin2
dhin3
dha4
2dha5
dhin6
dhin7
dha8
0dha9
tin10
tin11
ta12
3ta-tirakita13
dhin14
dhin15
dha16
About Teentaal
Teentaal is the most widely used taal in North Indian classical music. Its sixteen matras fall into four equal vibhags of four beats each, giving it a balanced, symmetrical feel that suits everything from slow vilambit khayal to fast drut instrumental gats.
The clap pattern is simple to internalise: a clap (tali) on beats 1, 5 and 13, and a wave (khali) on beat 9. Because sam lands squarely on beat 1, teentaal is the natural taal for a first riyaz session and the reference against which players learn every other cycle.
In Tirkit, Teentaal is available in a Default theka plus several variations and a Vilambit Gat pattern, so you can practise the same cycle from a meditative 60 BPM up to a brisk 180.
How to count Teentaal
Teentaal runs over 16 beats grouped as 4 + 4 + 4 + 4. Keep the cycle by marking sam on beat 1 and khali (the empty section) on beat 9. Everything you play resolves back onto sam.
- Sam — beat 1, the start and resolution of the cycle.
- Khali — beat 9, marked with a wave rather than a clap.
- Vibhags — 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 beats.
Practise Teentaal in Tirkit
Play the Teentaal theka at any tempo from 60 to 180 BPM, in any key, with a tanpura underneath. Free on Google Play.
Teentaal — questions
How many beats (matras) are in Teentaal?
Teentaal has 16 matras, divided into vibhags of 4 + 4 + 4 + 4.
What is the theka of Teentaal?
The theka of Teentaal is: dha dhin dhin dha dha dhin dhin dha dha tin tin ta ta-tirakita dhin dhin dha. Sam falls on beat 1 and khali on beat 9.
What is Teentaal used for?
Teentaal is commonly used in Khayal, Instrumental gats, Kathak, Tarana, Ghazal.