
This is a preview of what we will cover throughout the Tabla course.
Learn the variation of the note ge using a sliding palm motion across the tabla, with wrist glide, finger strikes, and practicing rhythmic patterns and syllables ga fa fa.
Learn a muted note on the tabla using the right hand's middle finger, strike the gub section, and practice the one-two-one-one-two rhythm with ba syllables.
Master a roll and ten tabla exercises to connect rhythms, practice syllables with notes, and speed up the sequence for smooth transitions.
Learn how to play laghi five on the tabla by practicing the da and ba syllables, counting to four, playing the sequence three times, and reciting the syllables while playing.
Review everything learned so far in taal kharva, follow the PDF, practice the sequence with syllables as you play the notes, and tally the rhythm after the four-count.
Explore a new variation of the note ge on tabla and practice the technique with coordinated strikes, counting aloud to four to synchronize the rhythm.
In this lesson, we will learn to play Tora 1 and introduce a new technique designed to enhance expression on the bass Tabla, also known as the Bayan. As you progress in the section of the course, you will explore new notes, techniques, and rhythms that will improve your overall Tabla skills and help you develop your unique style as a tabla player.
In this lesson, we will learn to play Laggi 1. This particular Laggi will help you achieve more consistency in your Ta sound production. We will also focus on making a clear transition from Tora 1 to Laggi 1.
In this lesson, we will explore Tora 2 and introduce a new technique that will elevate your expression on the bass Tabla (Bayan). This technique is designed to help you develop your own unique style, enhancing both your technical skills and musical expression. By mastering this technique, you'll be able to add your personal touch to every performance.
In this lesson, we will dive into Laggi 2 and introduce an exciting new technique that will enhance your expression on the bass Tabla (Bayan). This particular Laggi will not only help you improve the consistency of your Ta and Tin sounds but also guide you through a smooth transition from Tora 2 to Laggi 2, refining your rhythm control and musical flow.
Combine foundational Luggi and Tora patterns to create a seamless rhythmic sequence.
Develop precision, timing, and fluidity in transitioning between compositions.
Enhance your understanding of Taal Kharva's 8-beat cycle through structured practice.
In this lesson, you’ll learn to play Tora 3, a composition designed to enhance your ability to create fluid and dynamic transitions. This Tora introduces new rhythmic nuances and encourages you to focus on balance between precision and expression. By practicing Tora 3, you’ll continue to refine your coordination, develop a better feel for rhythm, and add a new layer of sophistication to your playing.
In this lesson, you’ll master Laggi 3, a lively composition that will elevate your coordination, precision, and rhythmic creativity. This Laggi emphasizes smooth transitions and consistent Na and Dhin strokes, making it an ideal exercise for honing technical skills while injecting vibrancy and flair into your playing.
In this lesson, you’ll learn Tora 4, a rhythmic composition that highlights precision, balance, and expression. This Tora focuses on refining your Tin and Ta strokes while introducing subtle dynamics with Ky. By mastering Tora 4, you’ll strengthen your control, enhance your ability to play with finesse, and add an elegant flow to your repertoire.
In this lesson, you’ll learn Laggi 4, a lively and expressive composition that introduces the use of repeated Ge strokes to enhance rhythmic depth and character. This Laggi focuses on refining your Ge, Na, and Tin strokes while encouraging you to explore dynamics and phrasing. Mastering Laggi 4 will elevate your technical skills, sharpen your sense of rhythm, and infuse your playing with energy and creativity.
In this lesson, we’ll combine two powerful Laggi and Tora patterns to create Sequence 2. This sequence challenges your coordination, precision, and ability to transition smoothly between compositions. It’s a fun and rewarding exercise that will refine your technique, enhance your rhythmic flow, and inspire your creativity as a tabla player
In this lesson, you’ll learn to play Tora 5, a captivating composition that emphasizes rhythmic clarity and dynamic flow. This Tora challenges your ability to maintain precision while exploring a more open and expressive style. By mastering Tora 5, you’ll deepen your connection with the rhythm, refine your technique, and continue to develop your unique voice as a tabla player.
In this lesson, you’ll master Laggi 5, a dynamic and vibrant composition designed to deepen your understanding of rhythm and enhance your sense of timing. This Laggi focuses on the Sum—the first beat of the rhythm cycle, which serves as the anchor of Indian music. By emphasizing the Sum, you’ll develop a stronger connection to the foundational pulse of tabla playing and learn to create compelling, rhythmically rich performances.
In this lesson, you’ll explore Tora 6, a modern and expressive composition that showcases the creative potential of the bass tabla (Bayan). This Tora emphasizes using both hands to produce a dynamic interplay of tones and textures. By practicing Tora 6, you'll develop a deeper understanding of how to use the tabla as a versatile percussion instrument while enhancing your rhythmic precision and expressiveness.
In this lesson, you’ll dive into Laggi 6, a unique composition that introduces an engaging rhythmic flow marked by strategically placed silent beats (dashes). This Laggi is designed to challenge your timing and develop your ability to maintain precision and fluidity, even with pauses integrated into the rhythm. By mastering Laggi 6, you'll enhance your coordination, refine your timing, and bring a fresh, dynamic feel to your tabla playing.
In this lesson, you’ll bring together all the skills you’ve gained so far by mastering Sequence 3, a powerful combination of Laggi 5, Tora 5, Laggi 6, and Tora 6. This sequence is designed to challenge your precision, timing, and ability to flow seamlessly between different rhythmic patterns. By practicing this sequence, you’ll refine your coordination, elevate your sense of rhythm, and develop the confidence to play complex compositions with ease.
In this lesson, you’ll dive into Tora 7, a unique and expressive composition designed to showcase the dynamic capabilities of the high tabla, or Diya. This Tora emphasizes clarity, precision, and creative articulation, giving you an opportunity to explore the rhythmic possibilities of this versatile drum. By mastering Tora 7, you’ll add an elegant and striking rhythm to your repertoire while honing your coordination and control.
In this lesson, you’ll learn Laggi 7, a dynamic composition that emphasizes rhythmic clarity and expressive playing on the high tabla (Diya). Designed to complement Tora 7 beautifully, this Laggi offers a playful and vibrant rhythm that enriches your repertoire. By practicing Laggi 7, you’ll continue to develop your coordination and explore the versatility of the tabla.
In this lesson, you’ll learn Laggi 7, a dynamic composition that emphasizes rhythmic clarity and expressive playing on the high tabla (Diya). Designed to complement Tora 7 beautifully, this Laggi offers a playful and vibrant rhythm that enriches your repertoire. By practicing Laggi 7, you’ll continue to develop your coordination and explore the versatility of the tabla.
In this lesson, you’ll master Laggi 8, a rhythmic composition that enhances precision, timing, and coordination on the tabla. This exercise alternates between strokes on the dayan (high drum) and bayan (bass drum), helping you build fluency in transitioning between different tones and textures.
In this lesson, you will master Sequence 4, a structured arrangement that combines Tora 7, Laggi 7, Tora 8, and Laggi 8 in an engaging sequence. This composition is designed to enhance your stamina, timing, and ability to transition smoothly between different rhythms. By practicing this sequence, you’ll improve your versatility and develop a deeper understanding of rhythmic patterns.
In this lesson, you’ll learn Tora 9, a rhythmic composition that blends power and precision. This Tora introduces a dynamic pattern alternating between bold Dha strokes and intricate Thit and Kit strokes, designed to enhance your timing, coordination, and ability to produce clear, resonant tones.
In this lesson, you’ll master Laggi 9, a rhythmic composition designed to refine your ability to alternate between subtle and resonant strokes. This Laggi combines the expressive depth of Dhin with the rhythmic clarity of Ta, offering a playful and dynamic practice experience.
In this lesson, you’ll learn Tora 10, a rhythmic composition that introduces intricate patterns blending the bold KiTu and ThacKu strokes with light and playful Ta accents. This Tora challenges your timing, coordination, and ability to maintain rhythmic clarity, helping you build greater dexterity and musicality on the tabla.
In this lesson, you’ll master Laggi 10, a rhythmic composition that emphasizes the interplay between bold Dhin and Ge strokes and the melodic flow of NaNa patterns. This Laggi develops your coordination, timing, and ability to create a smooth, expressive rhythm on the tabla.
In this lesson, you’ll master Sequence 5, an engaging exercise that combines Tora 9, Laggi 9, Tora 10, and Laggi 10 in a flowing sequence. This practice focuses on transitions between compositions, building your stamina, rhythmic fluency, and ability to maintain consistency throughout a dynamic arrangement.
In this lesson, we will learn Tora 11, a dynamic and expressive composition that introduces a fresh pattern to enhance your repertoire. Tora 11 uses the combination of bols KiTu, ThacKu, Thit, and kit, which challenge your coordination and bring rhythmic finesse to your playing.
To learn and practice Luggi 11, a rhythmic composition that focuses on alternating open and muted strokes, helping students improve hand coordination, tonal clarity, and rhythmic flow.
To learn and master Tora 12, a rhythmic composition that emphasizes precision, hand coordination, and dynamic control, preparing students for advanced tabla techniques.
To learn and practice Luggi 12, a rhythmic composition that emphasizes the interplay of open and closed strokes while developing control, precision, and the ability to maintain rhythmic flow
To practice and master Sequence 6, a combination of Luggi 11, Tora 11, Luggi 12, and Tora 12 in a structured sequence. This exercise enhances your ability to transition seamlessly between compositions while maintaining clarity and rhythm.
To explore and master Tora 13, engage with a captivating rhythmic composition that showcases a distinctive blend of bols (strokes). This piece not only challenges your technical skills but also encourages the development of your versatility and coordination abilities, making it an enriching experience for tabla players. Embrace the intricate patterns and elevate your playing to new heights.
To master and refine your skills with Luggi 13, a captivating rhythmic composition, focus on enhancing your precision, achieving tonal clarity, and cultivating balanced coordination between the bayan and the dayan. This piece serves as an excellent tool for developing your understanding of rhythm while honing the intricate interplay between the two drums, allowing for a richer and more expressive performance.
To learn and master Tora 14, a rhythmic composition designed to improve coordination, precision, and tonal clarity through a series of intricate bols and transitions.
To learn and practice Luggi 14, a captivating rhythmic composition that highlights the importance of clear tones, seamlessly fluid transitions, and meticulous timing in musical expression.
Sequence 7 combines Luggi 13, Tora 13, Luggi 14, and Tora 14 into a structured arrangement. The sequence challenges you to maintain consistency, timing, and tonal clarity as you transition between the compositions. Playing these patterns in succession will solidify your understanding of their individual nuances while preparing you for longer, more complex sequences.
To learn and master Tora 15, while introducing a new technique that replaces the Ky note with a flicking motion on the bass tabla (bayan). This technique, common in folk rhythms, enhances the versatility of your playing.
To learn and master Luggi 15, focusing on the balanced interplay between Dha, Thitkit, Ta, and Tin. This lesson emphasizes rhythmic clarity and maintaining consistent flow across alternating bols.
To learn and master Tora 16, a rhythmic composition that combines single and compound bols to develop precision, timing, and dynamic variation.
The beauty of this Laggi 16 is highlighted in the pause before the second beat, where the Ge stroke is introduced. This unique pause brings a joyful flow to the rhythm. In this lesson, you will learn and master Laggi 16, focusing on the clear articulation of the Dha, Ta, and Tin bols, while refining your coordination and rhythmic flow.
In Sequence 8, we will focus on playing Luggi 15 three times, followed by Tora 15 once, Luggi 16 three times, and then Tora 16 once. This sequence brings together previously learned compositions and helps to solidify the connections between different rhythmic patterns. It encourages greater control and fluency while moving between various rhythmic ideas. This exercise also strengthens the ability to maintain rhythm consistency over multiple repetitions of a pattern, and prepares you to play these compositions in various musical settings, either solo or with a group.
To learn and practice Tora 17, focusing on the interplay of tonal bols like TaTa and non-tonal bols like ThiTu. This Tora emphasizes a balanced rhythm with repeated patterns and subtle variations.
To learn and practice Laggi 17, focusing on the dynamic interplay between tonal bols like Dhin, Na, and Tin, and the rhythmic energy created by ThiTu and TaTa. This Laggi enhances your coordination and precision.
To learn and master Tora 18, focusing on the seamless interplay between Too, NaNa, Thit kit, and TaKu. Special emphasis is placed on the muted Ky strokes, which add texture and rhythmic depth to the composition.
To master Laggi 18, focusing on the new technique for playing the Thack stroke while maintaining rhythmic clarity and flow. This lesson emphasizes precision and control in producing a sharp, muted sound using the Thack stroke, commonly found in folk rhythms.
To strengthen your rhythmic flow and control by combining previously learned Laggi and Tora compositions into a sequence. This lesson emphasizes transitions between compositions, ensuring smoothness and consistency across different rhythms.
The goal of this lesson is to practice integrating tonal and non-tonal bols in a rhythmic cycle, focusing on the smooth interplay between Dha, Toon, and ThicKu Thacku. By mastering this Tora, you will improve your ability to transition seamlessly between strokes and add dynamic expression to your playing.
To develop your rhythmic precision and dynamic control by practicing the interplay between Ge, Ta, and Tin, with a focus on the rests and the subtle accent of Ky. This Laggi will help refine your ability to maintain balance between tonal bols and the space created by the rests.
To practice maintaining steady rhythm and dynamic control with a focus on alternating tonal and non-tonal bols. This lesson introduces a repeating Na pattern, complemented by muted Ky strokes, which provide a subtle yet distinct texture to the rhythm.
To develop clarity and coordination between tonal bols (Ge, Ta, Tin, Dha) and the precise placement of the Ky stroke. This Laggi focuses on alternating repetition and pauses to create a dynamic rhythmic pattern.
To practice combining Laggi 19, Tora 19, Laggi 20, and Tora 20 into a cohesive sequence. This lesson aims to enhance your ability to maintain rhythmic consistency while transitioning seamlessly between different Laggi and Tora compositions.
Welcome to The Ultimate Beginner Tabla Course!
Ever dreamed of playing tabla? This course is your pathway to mastering one of the world’s most dynamic percussion instruments! Whether you're starting from scratch or refining your skills, this course is designed to fast-track your learning, helping you progress quickly and confidently.
My name is Mendi Singh, a professional tabla player with over 40 years of experience teaching and performing globally. I’ll guide you step-by-step through every lesson, ensuring you gain the skills needed to play tabla like a pro, no matter your starting point.
This course is carefully structured for beginners, with clear instructions and easy-to-follow steps. Learn at your own pace and see results fast!
What You Will Learn:
Contemporary & Traditional Rhythms: Master essential rhythms used in both modern music and traditional folk styles.
Proper Hand Positions & Techniques: Learn how to use both Dayan (high tabla) and Bayan (bass tabla) to create beautiful sound.
North Indian Notation: Understand the traditional system for counting and reciting rhythms.
Terminology & Rhythmic Language: Master the terminology used in North Indian music.
Coordination & Timing: Develop your coordination and timing to seamlessly combine notes on both drums.
Tabla Tuning: Learn how to tune your tabla to achieve the perfect pitch and sound.
You'll receive PDF files for every lesson, so you can keep practicing and improving at your own pace.
Why This Course Is Perfect for You:
Clear & Structured: Each lesson is designed to build upon the last, ensuring steady progress. You’ll always know exactly what to focus on.
Fast Results: By following the step-by-step approach, you’ll see real progress quickly, no matter your experience level.
Master Tabla Techniques: From traditional rhythms to modern techniques, you’ll unlock the full potential of your tabla.
No-Fail System: Follow the lessons in order and practice regularly, and you’ll succeed!
Lifetime Access: Review lessons as often as you need—perfect for beginners who want to ensure mastery.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: No risk, just rewards! If this course isn’t for you, get your money back, no questions asked.
What Will You Achieve?
By the end of this course, you will:
Master both traditional and modern rhythms used in North Indian music and beyond.
Have the skills to perform confidently on stage or jam along with friends and family.
Discover your unique tabla style, combining techniques you’ve learned throughout the course.
Unlock your full potential as a tabla player, creating dynamic rhythms with precision and expression.
Gain the ability to creatively experiment with rhythms, adapting them to suit your personal playing style.
Student Testimonials:
"I really like the short lessons with clear explanations and demonstrations. It makes it easy to learn, as tablas are unlike other drums I play."
— Christopher Mauro
"Mendi’s teaching style is amazing. The course has helped me understand the intricacies of the tabla in a way I never thought possible. I now feel confident playing traditional and contemporary rhythms. Highly recommend this course!"
— Rajeev Sharma
"This is hands down the best online tabla course I’ve found. The explanations are clear, and the lessons are structured in a way that makes it easy to understand the rhythms. Mendi’s approach has helped me improve so much, I can’t wait to learn more!"
— Priya Kapoor
"I was unsure at first because I’ve never played a percussion instrument before, but Mendi’s course is so beginner-friendly. It’s really helping me get a solid foundation in tabla, and I’m already feeling more comfortable playing!"
— David Williams
"Guruji, thank you for this wonderful course! Your style of teaching tabla is relaxed and easy to understand. My learning of tabla is going well."
— Anil Kumar
"Greatly appreciate the PDF printouts! Teaching a single note with rhythm right away is energetic and not boring! Love the upbeat style!!"
— Jordan Goodman
"Clear, simple, and precise. Although e-learning, I can almost feel the tutor’s presence. Really helpful and engaging!"
— Jason
"Amazing course! I love it. The delivery of the lessons is exceptional. I previously completed the beginner course and am glad that I did. I'm ready to continue this amazing journey. I would without hesitation recommend this course to everyone who wants to learn to play the Tabla! I found it the best online resource for learning the Tabla. Thank you, Mendi Ji!"
— Zoe Ball
"I feel this Tabla course is taking my Tabla playing to another level. I am practicing the techniques demonstrated and feel so inspired as I am seeing amazing results. Thank you, Mendi Singh, for such an awesome course!"
— Anna Gill
Start Playing Tabla Today!
Ready to start your tabla journey? Click “BUY NOW” and join thousands of students who are mastering this incredible instrument. With 30 years of experience, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.