Mata structure
Mata (also written Mata Taal) has 18 matras grouped into vibhags of 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2. An eighteen-matra taal in nine pairs, with waves on matras 3, 9 and 17. A theka is the bol pattern played over the cycle.
Bol patterns vary by teacher and tradition. Follow your teacher’s version for class.
Sam, tali, and khali
- Sam · matra 1
- The first matra and the cycle’s return point. Mark it with a clap.
- Khali · matras 3, 9 and 17
- Wave at the start of the vibhag; keep counting every matra.
- Tali · matras 5, 7, 11, 13 and 15
- Clap on the first matra of each of these vibhags.
Mata theka
Priyanka’s recorded theka, with each bol placed on a matra:
- Matras 1–2Dha · Hold
- Matras 3–4Gi · Da
- Matras 5–6Na · Ga
- Matras 7–8Gi · Da
- Matras 9–10Na · Ga
- Matras 11–12Ti · T
- Matras 13–14Ka · Ta
- Matras 15–16Ga · Di
- Matras 17–18Ga · Na
Hold matra 2 after Dha. The ऽ keeps its place in the count without a tabla stroke.