How to Tune your Tabla

When to Tune

Tuning is part of the regular care of your drum. A drum left alone will generally go out of tune, especially if exposed to change of temperature or humidity. If your tabla (smaller drum) isn't making an even tone or poor tone when you play it, it may simply need to be tuned.


How to Tune

Tuning Hammer

It takes an attentive ear to hear the notes produced on the tabla. Each tabla was made for a certain musical key i.e. C, B, G etc. You may know which key your drum was when it was first made and tune to that pitch. Or you may have to use a tanpura program or keyboard to find a close pitch.

When tuning, use a tanpura or a keyboard to create a drone sound in the proper pitch. This way it will be easier for you to match the drum pitch as you tune around the edge of the tabla.

The general idea is to create an even tone along the entire tabla head for each stroke. The tabla is tuned  by hitting "na" and rotating the drum while using your tuning hammer to tap the pegs and top edge of the tabla. Pegs can be used to increase or decrease tension. You should do this with care, as too much or uneven tension can break your drum head or make the sound even worse.

Tuning the Baya

Pegs used to create tension

The Baya (larger drum) doesn't necessarily need to be tuned to a certain pitch, but should have an even pitch on all sides. Pegs can be used to increase or decrease tension. 

Use caution!
If you feel unsure or have never tuned before, it may be best to have an experienced tabla player help you to tune your drums. If you are taking tabla lessons, bring your drums to your teacher regularly for help. Improper tuning can lead to your tabla head or strap breaking, so use care!