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Understanding Aad Layakari in Sooltaal
Sooltaal, also known as Soolfak or Shultal, is a devotional 10-beat rhythmic cycle originating from the Pakhawaj tradition, commonly used to accompany Dhrupad and Dhamar singing. This guide presents an Aad Layakari (1.5x speed) composition for Sooltaal. Practicing this variation, where each beat is filled with a triplet phrase, is an excellent way to develop rhythmic control and precision.
The Structure of Sooltaal
Sooltaal is comprised of 10 beats organized into five divisions of two beats each. The specific composition in this guide uses a clap/wave pattern common to Soolfak, a close variant of Sooltaal.
| Beats / Matra | 10 |
|---|---|
| Divisions / Vibagh | 5 (with a pattern of 2|2|2|2|2) |
| Clap / Taali | 3 (on beats 1, 5, 9) |
| Wave / Khali | 2 (on beats 3, 7) |
| First Beat (Sam) | On the 1st beat |
The Basic Theka of Sooltaal (Reference)
To fully appreciate the layakari, it is helpful to know the standard theka of Sooltaal, which has a powerful and open-bol sound.
| 1 | 2 |
|---|---|
| Dha | Dha |
| X (Sam) | |
| 3 | 4 |
| Den | Ta |
| 0 (Wave) | |
| 5 | 6 |
| KiTe | Dha |
| 2 (Clap) | |
| 7 | 8 |
| Tite | Kata |
| 0 (Wave) | |
| 9 | 10 |
| Gadi | Ghena |
| 3 (Clap) | |
Sooltaal Aad Layakari Notation
This section details the Aad Layakari notation from the image, presented over two complete cycles. Each beat is filled with a three-syllable pattern, including pauses ('S'). Note the changes in bols between the first and second cycles.
First Cycle (Pehla Avartan)
| 1 | 2 |
|---|---|
| Dha.S.Dha | S.Den.S |
| X (Sam) | |
| 3 | 4 |
| Ta.S.Ki | Te.Dha.S |
| 0 (Wave) | |
| 5 | 6 |
| Ti.Te.Ka | Ta.Ga.Di |
| 2 (Clap) | |
| 7 | 8 |
| Ghe.Na.Dha | S.Dha.S |
| 0 (Wave) | |
| 9 | 10 |
| Den.S.Ta | S.Ki.Te |
| 3 (Clap) | |
Second Cycle (Dusra Avartan)
| 1 | 2 |
|---|---|
| Dha.S.Ti | Te.Ka.Ta |
| X (Sam) | |
| 3 | 4 |
| Ga.Di.Ghe | Na.Dha.S |
| 0 (Wave) | |
| 5 | 6 |
| Dha.S.Den | S.Ta.S |
| 2 (Clap) | |
| 7 | 8 |
| Ki.Te.Dha | S.Ti.Te |
| 0 (Wave) | |
| 9 | 10 |
| Ka.Ta.Ga | Di.Ghe.Na |
| 3 (Clap) | |
How to Practice this Layakari
- Begin with Padhant: Recite the bols aloud while keeping the 10-beat cycle with hand gestures (claps on 1, 5, 9; waves on 3, 7). This builds the rhythmic foundation.
- Use a Metronome: Practice with a metronome at a slow, comfortable tempo. Focus on fitting the three-part phrase precisely into each beat.
- Value the 'S' (Pause): The *avagraha* or pause is a rhythmic placeholder. Give it its full duration to maintain the syncopated feel.
- Play with Clarity: Once confident with the recitation, play it on the tabla or pakhawaj. Concentrate on clear, powerful sound production (*nikas*) for each bol.
Conclusion
This Aad Layakari in Sooltaal is a fantastic exercise for any student of Indian classical music. It sharpens your internal clock, improves rhythmic dexterity, and deepens your appreciation for the complexities of a 10-beat cycle. Consistent and focused practice is the key to mastering this pattern.