Theka
Theka plays along with melodic instruments in a continuous loop. This is useful when you want to try a customized taal pattern that is not available in the predefined taal list.
Write your custom pattern in a [theka] row using VM tabla tokens. The example below pairs a 16-beat theka with lyrics and notation rows.
[melody start]
[1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16][lyrics]
[D1|D2|D2|D1|D1|D2|D2|D1|D1|T2|T2|T1|T1|D2|D2|D1][theka]
[S2|R2|G2|m2|P2|D2|N2|S2|S1|N1|D1|P1|m1|G1|R1|S0][notations]
[melody end]Lehera
Lehera plays along with tabla in a continuous loop. It provides a melodic cycle that supports tabla practice over repeated avartans.
Write repeating melodic phrases in a [lehera] row and combine them with tabla rows for single-speed, double-speed, variation, and tihai practice patterns.
[melody start]
[S1|S1|S1|D0 S1|R1|- S1|g1|- S1][lehera]
[G1|R1|S1|R1|S1|D0|P0|D0 P0][lehera]
[D1|D2|D2|D1|D1|D2|D2|D1][tabla]
[D1|T2|T2|T1|T1|D2|D2|D1][tabla]
[D1 T4 D1 G1|D2 N1 D1 T4|H1 N1 D1 G1|T2 N1 K1 N1|T1 T4 T1 K1|T2 N1 D1 T4|H1 N1 D1 G1|D2 N1 G1 N1][tabla]
[D1 T4 D1 G1|D2 N1 D1 T4|H1 N1 D1 G1|T2 N1 K1 N1|T1 T4 T1 K1|T2 N1 D1 T4|H1 N1 D1 G1|D2 N1 G1 N1][tabla]
[melody end]Usage tips
- Use Theka when melody is primary and you need a custom looping taal bed.
- Use Lehera when tabla is primary and you need a looping melodic guide.
- For token lookup while writing percussion rows, refer to Tabla bols map.
Example
Use Player to view and play. Use Script to edit the Vishwamohini text, then return to Player to render your changes.
Top bar Play All and Stop controls work with this example.