The Tabla

In Arabic, tabla means “drum”, this goblet-shaped drum is known and played throughout the Middle East and neighboring countries. The name is even applied to the pair of drums played in India, but that is a different instrument altogether. In fact, the tabla is often better known in Arabic countries as Darabuka, Dumbai, Darbuka; in Iran it’s called Tombak or Zarb, in Afghanistan it is known as Zirbaghali, Greek musicians call it Toumbeliki, Tamboura or Stamna.


The Tabla is a very ancient instrument, there is not a known date for its invention but its thousands of years old, and still extremely popular in the Arab world, present in every home it is never absent from any celebration, Being used in folk, popular and classical  music. The making of the original or traditional Tabla is a body of low fired clay with a thin skin attached with rope and glue.  The common material for the skin was goat or sheepskin and for the advanced players fish skin was used because of its thinness and its resonance. Nowadays, tablas are made of metal material for the body and a plastic head and mechanical tuning.  Professional tabla players may use that kind of instrument because of its consistent sound and less likely to be damaged. Plus the modern tuning system and plastic overhead are very stable, so there is no more need for heating pads or light bulbs that the players once used to keep the skin tight and keep the sharp and crispy sound of the Tabla.

The Tabla has many sizes the most common is 14 to 16 inches tall with a diameter of 10 to 12 inches the smallest are found in morocco and are played with one hand and held under the armpit. Also, a larger model of the Tabla is found in Egypt, with a low pitched sound it plays a supporting part in an Arabic percussion section.  

The Tabla is held under the arm when standing and more often, on the lap when sitting.

In an adequate sitting position the Tabla offers a wide range of tones, from a low “dum” when struck in the middle of the head to a wide variety of higher pitched “tek” sounds which is played nearer to the edge of the rim. Other specials hits include slaps, grabs and special techniques of finger snapping and finger rolling. With this tonal palette, the musician can play all sorts of sounds and rhythms from the simplest folk dances to more complex rhythm cycles used in Arab classical music called “Al Wazin”.

Today the Tabla is finding a new home in western music, world beat, jazz fusions, and players of non-Arabic background are experimenting and adding a new old sound to their music.