Tabla Riyaaz: Proper practice and how to do it!

Dinesh Hansraj
May 19
3 min read

The tabla is more than just a percussion instrument—it’s a voice, a storyteller, and a gateway to India’s rich musical heritage. For musicians drawn to its rhythmic charm, learning to play the tabla well requires more than passion alone. It demands a thoughtful, consistent, and disciplined approach to practice.

In this post, I will present some crucial advice and tips that I have learned from my Guruji and various teachers over the years.

We explore why proper practice is crucial, and how you can structure your sessions to build lasting skill and expressive power.

📌 Why Proper Practice Matters

Too often, students equate practice with only repetition. But correct practice is about deliberate improvement. Here’s why the quality of your practice matters just as much as the quantity:

Builds Strong Technique: Consistent, mindful practice helps you develop proper hand positioning, stroke clarity, and control. This is essential for producing clean, resonant sounds.
Refines Tone and Expression: The difference between a beginner and a seasoned tabla player often lies in tone. Practicing with attention to sound quality deepens your musicality.
Develops Rhythmic Precision: The tabla and its compositions are built on rhythm and cycle. Practicing with clear focus strengthens your internal timing and helps you stay confidently within the tala.
Prevents Bad Habits: Without proper guidance from a teacher and self-awareness, it’s easy to reinforce errors. Good practice creates good habits.
Unlocks Creative Freedom: Once your fundamentals are solid, you’re free to explore improvisation, composition, and advanced repertoire with confidence.

How to Practice the Tabla Effectively

Here are foundational principles and methods to help you make the most of your time with the tabla:

1. Begin with a Warm-Up Routine

Just as an athlete warms up their body, a percussionist must prepare their hands. Spend 5–10 minutes playing basic strokes slowly and evenly.

Focus on key bols and small phrases: Na, Tin, Ghe, Tite, Tirkit, etc.
Aim for relaxation, evenness, and clarity of sound.

2. Set a Fixed Practice Schedule

Consistency beats intensity. Practicing every day—even for a shorter period—is more effective than occasional long sessions.

Choose a time when you’re alert and free of distractions.
Begin with 30–45 minutes and extend as your stamina grows.
Pay attention to your tabla instructor! They can offer guidance for your improvement and personal growth. They might identify weaknesses you aren't aware of and suggest the best path forward for enhancement. Adhering to their instructions will only be beneficial for you.

3. Use a Metronome or Lehra (Accompaniment) App

Rhythmic consistency is at the heart of tabla playing. Practicing with a metronome or lehra (a repeating melodic phrase) helps internalize the beat.

Always start slow and increase speed gradually. Do NOT jump speeds when practicing something new!
Make sure accuracy and tone are never sacrificed for speed.

4. Practice Individual Strokes with Intention

Each stroke on the tabla has a unique character. Don’t rush to complete compositions. Instead, isolate and repeat individual strokes to refine their sound.

Listen critically: Is your Na crisp? Is your Ge resonant? Is your Tin correct?
Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to evaluate your technique.

5. Apply the “Slow-Fast-Slow” Method

Speed should emerge naturally from control. The best way to build speed without losing clarity is to alternate tempos.

Begin slowly to learn the phrase accurately.
Increase to medium or fast speed while maintaining control.
Return to a slow tempo to reinforce clean technique.

6. Stay Engaged: Combine Structure with Exploration

While structured practice is essential, make space for exploration.

Try improvising within a taal after your technical exercises.
Listen to recordings of great tabla players and try to understand their phrasing and tone.
Write down ideas or variations you come up with—this builds your compositional skills.

7. Reflect and Track Your Progress

Growth comes from awareness. Keep a simple journal of what you practiced, what felt strong, and what needs improvement.

Track which compositions or bols you’re working on.
Set small weekly goals—like increasing clarity at a certain tempo or learning a new kayda.

🎓 Final Thoughts: Practice as a Path, Not a Task

Tabla isn’t learned in a day—or even a year. It’s a lifelong journey. But with proper, consistent, and thoughtful practice, you’ll not only improve faster—you’ll enjoy the process more deeply.

Approach your practice with respect and curiosity. In time, the tabla will become an extension of yourself and your imagination.