GHATAM

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Ghatam

Sound Sample

The Ghatam is a bulbous earthenware jug from southern India that is open at the top and has a narrow neck. It can be positioned on the lap or on a tabla ring and is played with the fingers of both hands. The belly, neck and upper rim produce different tone colours. A characteristic bass tone that can be modulated results from beating the opening with the palm of one's hand. The Ghatam was already mentioned in the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. In the Punjab it is called Bada and in Kashmir Ghara; - in southern India it is known as Ghatam. The Karnatic music often uses the Ghatam together with the Mridangam in the form of Sawal-Jawab (question-answer play). It usually consists of a mixture of clay, iron dust or other metallic components. For playing it, the finger technique of the tabla is usually used, but the Ghatam can also be used for improvising.

Vaidyanathan Suresh, a Ghatam Maestro from Sounth India describes the correct use of the Ghatam in classical music as follows:

"Conventionally Ghatam is not played, in the upright position kept on a ring or stand.
It is kept on the lap and kept in an angular position ( the mouth of the ghatam facing the chest and neck of the performer.
The base is produced occasionally with the palm covering the open mouth of the ghatam. But this sound is too loud and high bass.
The frequently used more sophisticated base or GAMAKA /GUMUKI is by the combination of two actions. One is playing on the neck of the ghatam with the wrist (strongly) keeping the fingers folded for better power and accent. The second action simultaneously done is by moving the ghatam outwards ( through the above said stroke)from the stomach or tummy which partially keeps the mouth of the ghatam covered normally. The air column inside ghatam is forced to go out in the movement and with the stroke is produces a beautiful base sound."

You may see a video sample of Vaidyanathan Suresh underneath which he kindly provided to us for our website. If you want to know more about Vaidyanathan Suresh you may also visit his website: www.ghatamsuresh.com

VIDEOSAMPLE

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