Bootstrapping - Guru Garjana Academy

Join Guru Garjana – Your Journey Starts Here! 🥁🎶

Learn. Practice. Serve. Celebrate.
How It Works?
We will follow this process for bootstrapping

1
Start with Basics
Start with online lessons and self-practice at home. Use your lap (for Dhol) or any sticks (for Tashya) to get started.
2
Practice for 3 Weeks
Follow structured lessons, practice regularly, and join online practice sessions for support.
3
Join In-Person Review
Once ready, attend an in-person session for review by an instructor. If approved, you’re ready to perform!
4
Get Your Instrument
After passing the review, you can purchase your own Dhol or Tashya to continue your journey with us.
Dhol Lessons
Building Your Foundation

Understanding key beats:
Ta Thapi side → Left head for right-handed players (soft, melodic tones).
Dhin Thoka side → Right head for right-handed players (deeper, resonant tones).
Dha Strike both heads together → (full, powerful sound).

Puneri Taal/Haath/Hand

Taal 1
The bol/notes
1️⃣ Ta Dhin Dha

Taal 2
The bol/notes
2️⃣ Ta Dhin Dha, DhinTa… Dhin Dha

Taal 3
The bol/notes
3️⃣ Ta Dhin DhinDhin, Dhin_Ta_DhinDhin Dha

Taal 4
The bol/notes
4️⃣ Ta Dhin, Dhin, Dhin Ta_DhinDhin Dha

Taal 5
The bol/notes
5️⃣ Ta Ta Dhin Ta DhinDhinTa Dhin Ta

Taal 6
The bol/notes
6️⃣ Dhin Ta Dhin Dhin Ta DhinTa DhinDhin Ta

Taal 7
The bol/notes
7️⃣ DhinDhin Ta Dhin Ta Dhin Ta DhinDhin Ta

Gavathi

Taal 8 (Slow)
The bol/notes
8️⃣ Dhin Dhin DhinDhin Dhin Ta

Taal 8 (Fast)
The bol/notes
8️⃣ Dhin Dhin DhinDhin Dhin Ta

Taal 9
The bol/notes
9️⃣ Dhin DhinDhin Dhin Ta
Tashya Lessons
Precision & Energy

For right-handed players:
1 → Right stick
2 → Left stick

Taal 1
1️⃣ 1-2
Repeat for a minimum of 10 minutes

Taal 2
2️⃣ 11-2
Repeat for a minimum of 10 minutes

Taal 3
3️⃣ 1-8
First beat louder, next 7 are low (repeat for both hands)

Taal 4
4️⃣ 1-3
Set of 1-2-3, alternating between right and left hand
Zanj Lessons
Light, Rhythm, and Impact

Understanding the Basics
Zanj (cymbals) bring crispness, control, and choreography to every Dhol-Tashya rhythm. Mastering Zanj is not just about sound — it’s about movement, grace, and precision.
Posture is key: Slightly bent knees keep you grounded for sharp, quick movements.
Zanj playing is foot-driven: Most beats are choreographed with deliberate steps — alternating, pivoting, or shifting weight.
Each beat = motion + sound: You don’t just play the Zanj — you embody the rhythm.

All 7 taals are in the video below (8th Taal is coming soon)

🔰 Zanj Beat Movement Guide

Taal 1
Basic Grounded Strike
Movement: Bend both knees slightly to ground yourself in position.
Beat: 1 clean, powerful Zanj strike (on the count of 1).

Taal 2
Power in Three
Movement: Bend rhythmically on a 3-count – soft dip on each beat.
Beat: 1 – 2 – 3 (three consecutive beats, matching each knee bend).

Taal 3
Flow and Alternation
Movement: Alternate feet – right, left, right, left
Beat: 1 – 2 – 1 – 2 (even tempo, back and forth rhythm).

Taal 4
Rooted Strike
Movement: Step right foot forward with body weight leaning into it.
Beat: One strong beat as the foot lands forward (single strike).

Taal 5
Three-Step Forward Energy
Movement: Right foot forward with a triple count motion – bend with rhythm.
Beat: 1 – 2 – 3 (each step marked by a beat).

Taal 6
Push and Pull
Movement: Right foot forward ➝ then backward in a controlled step.
Beat: Beat 1 on forward step, Beat 2 on return (2-beat structure).

Taal 7
Center Control Crossover
Movement: Right foot to center ➝ then left foot to center – crossing gently.
Beat: Strike on each center tap – 1 – 2 rhythm, side-to-side movement.

Taal 8
Full Circle Energy
Movement:
Right foot twice on the right side
Left foot forward
Pivot body 180° to face opposite side
Beat: 1 – 1 – 2 – pivot (final beat silent or a pause after pivot)

Transition Beat
Forward Drive
Movement: Step forward 4 counts – 1 step per beat
Beat: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 (great to transition formations or close a phrase)
🥁 Dhol Player Assessment Rubric
Base + Advanced for Active Players
🥁 Tashya Player Assessment Rubric
Base + Advanced for Active Players
🥁 Zanj Player Assessment Rubric
Base + Advanced for Active Players
At-Home Practice & Online Support 🏡💻
✅ Practice Schedule: 1 session per week (structured plan shared in WhatsApp group).
✅ Join the WhatsApp Group – Connect with mentors, ask questions, and share progress.
✅ Follow Online Lessons – Guided practice videos will help refine your skills.
Join The Group
In-Person Review
What to Expect?

Teacher Evaluation
Demonstrate your progress on basic sequences.
Feedback & Corrections
Refine technique and rhythm.
Approved?
Get your instrument checklist and batch schedule.
Need more time?
Repeat sessions until you’re ready.
FAQs
Do I need an instrument to start?
When do I buy my instrument?
Is there ongoing support?
💥 Ready to begin?
Join us today and bring your energy to the beats of Guru Garjana! 💥
Join The Group
Unified Rhythm 🥁🎶
Harmony in Rhythm: 7 Dhol Taal, 1 Tashya Pulse
Jugalbandi in Action 🔥🥁
Dynamic Dialogue: Tashya Variations Meet Dhol Jugalbandi

Guru Garjana

Join Guru Garjana – Your Journey Starts Here! 🥁🎶

How It Works?

We will follow this process for bootstrapping

Start with Basics

Practice for 3 Weeks

Join In-Person Review

Get Your Instrument

Dhol Lessons

Building Your Foundation

Understanding key beats:

Ta Thapi side → Left head for right-handed players (soft, melodic tones).

Dhin Thoka side → Right head for right-handed players (deeper, resonant tones).

Dha Strike both heads together → (full, powerful sound).

Taal 1

1️⃣ Ta Dhin Dha

Taal 2

2️⃣ Ta Dhin Dha, DhinTa… Dhin Dha

Taal 3

3️⃣ Ta Dhin DhinDhin, Dhin_Ta_DhinDhin Dha

Taal 4

4️⃣ Ta Dhin, Dhin, Dhin Ta_DhinDhin Dha

Taal 5

5️⃣ Ta Ta Dhin Ta DhinDhinTa Dhin Ta

Taal 6

6️⃣ Dhin Ta Dhin Dhin Ta DhinTa DhinDhin Ta

Taal 7

7️⃣ DhinDhin Ta Dhin Ta Dhin Ta DhinDhin Ta

Taal 8 (Slow)

8️⃣ Dhin Dhin DhinDhin Dhin Ta

Taal 8 (Fast)

8️⃣ Dhin Dhin DhinDhin Dhin Ta

Taal 9

9️⃣ Dhin DhinDhin Dhin Ta

Tashya Lessons

Precision & Energy

For right-handed players:

1 → Right stick

2 → Left stick

Taal 1

1️⃣ 1-2

Repeat for a minimum of 10 minutes

Taal 2

2️⃣ 11-2

Repeat for a minimum of 10 minutes

Taal 3

3️⃣ 1-8

First beat louder, next 7 are low (repeat for both hands)

Taal 4

4️⃣ 1-3

Set of 1-2-3, alternating between right and left hand

Zanj Lessons

Light, Rhythm, and Impact

Understanding the Basics

Zanj (cymbals) bring crispness, control, and choreography to every Dhol-Tashya rhythm. Mastering Zanj is not just about sound — it’s about movement, grace, and precision.

Posture is key: Slightly bent knees keep you grounded for sharp, quick movements.

Zanj playing is foot-driven: Most beats are choreographed with deliberate steps — alternating, pivoting, or shifting weight.

Each beat = motion + sound: You don’t just play the Zanj — you embody the rhythm.

All 7 taals are in the video below (8th Taal is coming soon)

Taal 1

Movement: Bend both knees slightly to ground yourself in position.Beat: 1 clean, powerful Zanj strike (on the count of 1).

Taal 2

Movement: Bend rhythmically on a 3-count – soft dip on each beat.Beat: 1 – 2 – 3 (three consecutive beats, matching each knee bend).

Taal 3

Movement: Alternate feet – right, left, right, left Beat: 1 – 2 – 1 – 2 (even tempo, back and forth rhythm).

Taal 4

Movement: Step right foot forward with body weight leaning into it.Beat: One strong beat as the foot lands forward (single strike).

Taal 5

Movement: Right foot forward with a triple count motion – bend with rhythm.Beat: 1 – 2 – 3 (each step marked by a beat).

Taal 6

Movement: Right foot forward ➝ then backward in a controlled step.Beat: Beat 1 on forward step, Beat 2 on return (2-beat structure).

Taal 7

Movement: Right foot to center ➝ then left foot to center – crossing gently.Beat: Strike on each center tap – 1 – 2 rhythm, side-to-side movement.

Taal 8

Movement:

Right foot twice on the right side

Left foot forward

Pivot body 180° to face opposite sideBeat: 1 – 1 – 2 – pivot (final beat silent or a pause after pivot)

Transition Beat

Movement: Step forward 4 counts – 1 step per beatBeat: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 (great to transition formations or close a phrase)

Movement: Bend both knees slightly to ground yourself in position.
Beat: 1 clean, powerful Zanj strike (on the count of 1).

Movement: Bend rhythmically on a 3-count – soft dip on each beat.
Beat: 1 – 2 – 3 (three consecutive beats, matching each knee bend).

Movement: Alternate feet – right, left, right, left
Beat: 1 – 2 – 1 – 2 (even tempo, back and forth rhythm).

Movement: Step right foot forward with body weight leaning into it.
Beat: One strong beat as the foot lands forward (single strike).

Movement: Right foot forward with a triple count motion – bend with rhythm.
Beat: 1 – 2 – 3 (each step marked by a beat).

Movement: Right foot forward ➝ then backward in a controlled step.
Beat: Beat 1 on forward step, Beat 2 on return (2-beat structure).

Movement: Right foot to center ➝ then left foot to center – crossing gently.
Beat: Strike on each center tap – 1 – 2 rhythm, side-to-side movement.

Pivot body 180° to face opposite side
Beat: 1 – 1 – 2 – pivot (final beat silent or a pause after pivot)

Movement: Step forward 4 counts – 1 step per beat
Beat: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 (great to transition formations or close a phrase)

✅ Practice Schedule: 1 session per week (structured plan shared in WhatsApp group).
✅ Join the WhatsApp Group – Connect with mentors, ask questions, and share progress.
✅ Follow Online Lessons – Guided practice videos will help refine your skills.