The Dhol is a two sided percussion instrument that originates in the North Indian Region. The goat skin drum heads secured on either side of the barrel shaped drum produce deep base and accompanying treble notes. The drum is held around the neck and played with two sticks, one flexible cane stick for the treble and a larger bent wooden stick for the bass end. Traditionally, the Dhol played a crucial role in the harvest celebrations in India. Today it is still has its place in joyous occasions. The burst of energy and passion which streams out of the Dhol truly makes it unique.
The Basics of Dhol
Dhol SticksThe Dhol is played with two wooden sticks. The treble is played with the thin "tilli" while the base is played with a stick called the "dugga". The tilli is flexible and usually made from cane and the dugga is made from a thicker wood branch and is curved on the playing end.
Dhol BeatsThe major Dhol beats include chaal, bhangra, tamaal, and lehriya. The most commonly played beat is chaal, which can be mixed with other beats to change the rhythm and tempo. Certain other beats such as mirza and sial koti are associated with specific dances. Beats can be communicated and taught through verbal "bols" which represent different sounds. For example, "na," "ge" and "dha" stand for a base hit, a treble hit, and both base and treble played together.
Dhol DrumDhols come in all shapes and sizes. From dark wood to bright fiberglass, round barrel shaped shells to tall cylindrical standing ones; the market offers a wide variety to choose from. The various types of wood such as ambh, shesham, and talli have characteristic properties which affect the sound, weight etc. There is a growing demand for unstained and unpainted shells to showcase the natural wood.
Dhol SkinsTraditionally, both the base and treble heads are made from goat skin and stretched across either side of the Dhol shell. Cotton rope is threaded across the skins to provide a means for controlling the tension in the skins and their tone. Recent trend has replaced the goat skin treble head with synthetic plastic heads which are fastened with nuts and bolts.
Names in the Industry
Each Dholi has their own style which comes from years of experience and personal preference. Some famous names include Ustad Lal Singh Bhatti, Ustad Mali Ram, Garib Dass, Gurcharan Mall, Pappu Sain, Mitch Hyaer, Johnny Kalsi, and Gibb Schreffler.
