resonantthe instrument studio

THE OPEN MUSIC ROOM

Play tabla online.

Touch
Soft sounds warmer. Bold sounds brighter.

Choose Play to tap or glide across the instrument. Choose Rotate to change your view. Use Play close-up for larger playing surfaces. The note controls below also work with your keyboard.

Your keys. Your rhythm.

Press keys together to combine strokes.

Bayan · left handBass strokes
Both drumsOne key, two hands
Dayan · right handTreble strokes
←→ switch instrumentesc stop sound
Playing preferences

Try a tune

Hear it on tabla, then make it your own.

Keep the beat

Set your tempo and play along.

The click is for practice and is not included in recordings.
PLAY. EXPLORE. REPEAT.

A closer look at the tabla.

Guide updated

Play a free virtual tabla with dayan and bayan sounds. Explore ten bol controls and combine strokes using multiple touches or keyboard keys.

Explore a virtual dayan and bayan through ten labeled bol controls: Na, Tin, Tun, Ge, Ke, Dha, Dhin, Ta, Te, and Ti. Layer strokes with multiple fingers or computer keys.

Play your next note

How do I play the online tabla?

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. Press A for Ge and J for Na together to combine a bass and treble stroke. On a touch screen, use one finger on each drumhead at the same time. A and S control the left bayan; J, K, L, and ; control the right dayan. D (Dha) and F (Dhin) each play both drums with one key or click.

What sounds does the virtual tabla use?

Tabla tones use tuned membrane synthesis. They are simplified approximations of the bols, without the hand technique or pressure control of an acoustic tabla.

Audio & tune credits
TRY IT. LISTEN. MAKE IT YOURS.

Compare separate strokes with combined bols

This original studio pattern moves from single virtual strokes to combined controls. It is an exploration of Resonant sounds, not a traditional taal or hand-technique lesson.

Starting tempo: 60 BPM. Use Keep the beat for a steady pulse.

  1. 1Na (J)
  2. 2Ge (A)
  3. 3Na (J)
  4. 4Dha (D)
  5. 5Ke (S)
  6. 6Na (J)
  7. 7Ge (A)
  8. 8Dha (D)
  1. Identify the two sides

    Use J for Na and A for Ge. The labeled groups separate Dayan, Bayan and Both drums. D plays the combined Dha sound with a single action.

  2. Follow the eight strokes

    At 60 BPM, play one bol on each beat. Dha closes each four-beat group. Compare those combined attacks with the single bass and treble controls around them.

  3. Compare a paired action

    Pause the metronome. Press A and J together, then press D alone. Compare triggering Ge and Na yourself with the single combined Dha control.

Try next: Open Learn & create, choose Learn, and try Dadra at 50% Speed with Learn at my pace. That existing lesson is a separate simplified traditional cycle.

How do I record the tabla in Resonant?

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 tabla

Can I play both tabla drums at the same time?

Yes. Use separate fingers on the labeled bol controls, or choose Classic view to play both drumheads directly. On a computer, hold A and J together for Ge and Na. A mouse has one pointer, so use the Dha or Dhin control, or press D or F, for a combined stroke with one action.

Can I practice a tabla rhythm and save it?

Start the metronome under Keep the beat, then press Record above the drums. Play your rhythm and stop the recording when finished. Open Recordings to listen and export a WAV. Recordings can last up to five minutes.

Tap or press a key to enable sound