Original Tabla Compositions & Solos
I explore the mathematical beauty of rhythm through original compositions in Taals like TeenTaal, Rupak, and EkTaal. This is where I share my personal journey of practice and discovery.
This is a Chakkardaar composition I created in Rupak Taal, a cycle of 7 beats. A Chakkardaar is a pattern that is repeated three times, creating a complex and satisfying rhythmic conclusion.
Here I tried a Chakkardaar in TeenTaal, the popular 16-beat cycle. This video shows the full composition, including the Tihai part at the end which resolves the rhythmic tension.
Another one of my self-composed pieces in a 7-beat cycle. Composing is a way for me to express my own musical ideas and experiment with the mathematical beauty of tabla.
Trying out some complex rhythmic patterns in a 10.5 beat cycle. This is an unconventional time signature that requires a lot of practice and precision to master. Forgive any mistakes.
A freestyle improvisation in EkTaal, a 12-beat cycle commonly used in classical music. Freestyle playing allows me to spontaneously create rhythms and explore the taal in the moment.
I was obsessed with the 7-beat cycle for a while, and this is another composition that came out of that phase. It's a joy to explore the possibilities within a specific taal.
A short and sweet composition in a 7-beat cycle. Even simple compositions can be beautiful and showcase the clarity and tone of the tabla.
An atmospheric tabla piece set to the song 'Aapse Bhi Khubsurat'. The focus here is on creating a mood and feeling through the rhythm, rather than just technical complexity.
Another self-composed piece in Rupak Taal (7 beats). Each composition is like a small story told through rhythm, with a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Practicing some phrases based on the 'bol' or syllable 'Tirkit'. This is a fundamental building block in tabla playing, and mastering it is key to developing speed and clarity.
About Original Compositions & Tabla Solos
Each composition I perform here is the result of my nightly riyaaz, where I experiment with the 'bol' (syllable) clarity and rhythmic tension. Whether I am playing a 7-beat Rupak cycle or a 16-beat TeenTaal, my focus remains on the precision of the Chakkardaar and the resolution of the Tihai. If you appreciate the technical layers of Hindustani classical percussion, these solos will give you an idea of the sound I bring to my live performances and studio sessions.
Exploring the Rhythms
Tabla is 'roohani taal' (spiritual rhythm) for me. In this collection, you will see me pushing the boundaries of traditional cycles. While TeenTaal (16 beats) is the foundation of much of my work, I find myself frequently returning to the unique cycles of Rupak (7 beats) and EkTaal (12 beats) to test my own limits.
Composing is how I keep my practice fresh. A Chakkardaar, for instance, requires precise mathematical planning and the right amount of rhythmic tension that resolves beautifully into the 'sam' (the first beat). My goal with these original pieces is to demonstrate that tabla is a versatile storytelling instrument. It is not just about raw speed; it is about the emotional weight and clarity within every single beat.
My Process
My training in Gurmat Sangeet and Hindustani classical music grounds every performance. When I create a new piece, I start with a simple phrase, like the foundational 'Tirkit', and layer it until it feels right. Often, you will see me improvising in these videos—that is the beauty of live, unrehearsed practice. I believe in sharing the honest, raw version of my craft, mistakes and all.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you perform these solos live? Yes, I am available for solo percussion performances at cultural shows, private gatherings, and music festivals across Delhi NCR.
- Can you compose for my track? Absolutely. I provide custom rhythmic layers for producers, delivering dry WAV stems that offer complete flexibility during your mix.
- What is your teaching style? I conduct classes both online and offline. I focus on breaking down complex concepts like Kaydas, Parans, and Tihai patterns into manageable, practical steps for students at any skill level.
Jasmehar Singh
I am Jasmehar Singh, a tabla player based in Delhi with 13 years of dedication to this craft. I live for the rhythm, whether it is in a quiet, late-night studio session or providing live accompaniment at a Gurudwara.
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