Solkattu Manual. David P. Nelson

and tāḷa are synchronized, a large repertoire of processes can be applied to the phrases: they may be sped up or slowed down, or expanded, contracted, or otherwise altered. The internal pulse grouping of beats in the tāḷa may also temporarily change to accommodate these processes. This series of lessons introduces some basic phrases and a simple tāḷa, along with exercises that demonstrate some of the fundamental processes.

      Here are some basic phrases, from one to nine syllables in length; many others are possible. Where more than one example has been listed, they are separated by commas. (01-001)

      one syllable: ta, di, tom, nam, jem, tām

      two syllables: ta ka, di mi, jo ṇu

      three syllables: ta ki ṭa