A closer look at the dhol.
Guide updated
Play a free virtual dhol with bass and treble drumheads. Build rhythms using two fingers, keyboard shortcuts, and synthesized drum sounds.
Explore the contrasting bass and treble sides of a virtual dhol. This double-headed drum is heard in several South Asian musical traditions, with regional variations in style and construction.
Play your next noteHow do I play the online dhol?
In 3D view, choose Play to tap, strum, or glide across a playing surface. Hold keys or wind surfaces to sustain a note. Choose Rotate to inspect the model; scroll or pinch to zoom. Use the labeled note controls or computer keys for chords and the full range. Classic view provides the original illustrated playing surface. Tap either drumhead. Press A for bass and J for treble together, or use two fingers on a touch screen. F plays both sides with one control. Try Glasshouse Overture for a developed rhythm with separate and combined strokes.
What sounds does the virtual dhol use?
Dhol sounds use tuned membrane synthesis with distinct bass and treble resonances. This is a simplified sound model, not a recording or a reproduction of regional playing techniques.
Audio & tune creditsAnswer an open pattern with muted sounds
Play a bass-and-treble phrase, then repeat its rhythm with muted controls. This compares the available synthesized voices without claiming an acoustic stroke technique.
Starting tempo: 72 BPM. Use Keep the beat for a steady pulse.
- 1Bass (A)
- 2Treble (J)
- 3Both (F)
- 4No new strike
- 5Muted bass (S)
- 6Muted treble (K)
- 7Both (F)
- 8No new strike
- Find the matching controls
Locate Bass, Treble, Muted bass, Muted treble and Both in the labeled groups. Their shortcuts are A, J, S, K and F.
- Play the open half
Set Keep the beat to 72 BPM. Play A, J and F on the first three beats, then leave the fourth beat without a new strike.
- Answer with muted voices
Play S, K and F for the next three beats, followed by another empty beat. Keep the rhythm identical so you can compare the sound changes.
Try next: Use Soft bass and Soft treble, H and semicolon, in the second half. Compare all three versions at the same tempo.
How do I record the dhol in Resonant?
- Choose your playing controls
Choose Play in 3D view or switch to Classic. Tap a playing surface, use the labeled note controls, or press a computer-key shortcut to enable sound.
- Record your idea
Press Record above the instrument, then play your phrase. This records studio audio without using your microphone. Each take can last up to five minutes.
- Listen and keep a copy
Press Stop, open Recordings, and listen to the take. Choose Download WAV or Original audio to keep a file. Saved takes stay on this device; clearing browser storage removes them.
A few useful notes about the dhol
How do I play both sides of the dhol?
Press A and J together for bass and treble, or use two labeled note controls. In Classic view, you can also touch both drumheads directly. F plays both sides with one action. Alternate bass and treble strokes, then use Record to capture your rhythm.
What should I try after single dhol strokes?
Alternate A and J, then add F for a combined strike. Glasshouse Overture demonstrates a complete original study with contrasting bass and treble phrases, quieter strokes and rhythmic fills.