The Style of Playing..... Gharana's

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There are six different styles of playing the tabla, known as the Gharana's. The name Gharana derives from the city or area where the specific technique originated. Through tonal texture, certain combinations of syllables and specially composed pieces, each Gharana represents a unique style of playing and leaves its mark on the listener.

The six Gharana's are:

· Delhi Gharana
· Benares Gharana
· Lucknow Gharana
· Farukhabad Gharana
· Ajrara Gharana
· Punjab Gharana
 
Specific Aspects of the Benares Gharana

 (Because Sandip's style of playing sprang from the Benares Gharana, we will focus mainly on this style).
The Benares Gharana employs the ring-finger of the right hand in a slightly angular fashion to produce a distinct sound from the edge of the membrane. This gives another flavor to its entire repertoire.
 position of hand on dayan
 
meend position on bayan An equally important technique developed in this Gharana is the manner in which it draws 'Meend' -a near continuous sound- from the left drum, the Bayan.
As Benares is also a famous center for the older classical Dhrupad style in which the rhythmic section is played on the Pakhawaj, the double sided drum(*), the Benares style of tabla playing has adopted many 'open' sounds from the Pakhawaj.
* See photo on 'The Artist' page.

In fact this Gharana is widely known for it's use of syllables from many different rhythm instruments as well as drawing inspiration from the sounds of nature.

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