Basic Strokes Of Mridangam

Basic strokes of Mridangam:

Though there are lot of syllables & Strokes in mridangam, I have mentioned basic syllables here which we learn in the beginning stage. For the benefit of students, I have demonstrated the syllables with appropriate pictures with description here. Please go through & practice carefully.

Chapu : 

Vibrating tone played with the small finger on the right hand side, between the black patch and the outer layer. The sound is tuned to the Shruthi/ tone of the tambura. This chapu is a melodic & divine naadham(tone) which has a soothing effect on a listener. The sound clarity of chapu is so important for a Mridangam player as it embellishes the song when played asthethically.  

                         

 Tha : Non Vibrating tone played at the centre of left hand side of the instrument. 

                         

Dhi : Non vibrating tone played on middle of blackspot on the right side of the instrument.

                         

 Thom: Viberating tone played on  outer side of left side of the instrument.

                             

Nam:  Vibrating tone played on the outer layer of the right hand side using index finger with the support of ring finger or middle finger on black patch ( Saadham / Karanai )  to minimize vibration of black portion. 

                      

Ghumki: Bass tone produced by playing on the inner layer of the lower end of the left hand side & simultaneously, A player should rub side of his/her thumb on the inner layer. This beautiful Sound can be produced only when there is a paste of semolina /rava / synthetic pastes. Usually ‘Ghumki’  will be taught in advance training.This is a very effective & special sound which gives ‘Bhavam’ to the song when played with suitable Nadai( Sarvalaghu/ Teka) with suitable combinations which requires rigorous practice.