Another Dhol Question...Feedback please!

[Infamous_Sunny]

Hello Guys


So I have started learning the dhol through all the videos people have recommended (thanks for that!). My question is should I be practicing with the dhol on?? In most videos people are teaching the dhol with it being on a stand or something. Should I wait til I have mastered a few of the Bols or should I start right from the beginning with the dhol on?


Thanks in advance!


P.S. Anyone know of a good site where I can find a list of BOLs? Any help or direction is greatly appreciated!

 

[siddyp]

i dont think it matters that much, but some dholi's like to play when its on their shoulder with a steep angle, some like it more flat. it's personal preference.

 

[monisingh]

just ride it out, don`t bother putting the drum on a stand or hardcase when your learning, why ? because your muscles need time to strengthen and get used to the weight of your drum ( your muscles were probably stiff in your forearm and wrist in the first week or so of learning and also after doing 1 or 2 bass skin changes it`ll be a bit stiff for a few days, also don`t work out your wrists as it can make you play slower ) and it`ll be better in the long run like when your working with a dj and you are part of his or her group so your most likely on the dance floor for like an hour or 2 and you`ll only feel fatigue in your upper body after and hour or hour and half. another thing is when you get good and start learning variations of the beats on how to play dhol and learning other harder rolls on your own then start practicing with a heavier thili stick and when doing an entrance or playing on the dancefloor you can use a thinner and lighter thili stick and it`ll be smooth sailing.

 

[monisingh]

as far as bols go there are some here on btf for beats like sialkoti

 

[Infamous_Sunny]

MoniSingh


You hit it right on the dhol lol...At first I was practising with the dhol on a flat surface. In the last few days I started playing with the dhol "on" and maaaaan you are right! My muscles started to ache just from the few minutes I would play and my form seemed totally off!


Thanks for the tips! Personally im not looking to play for parties or anything. Im pretty much doing this for myself. Do you teach? And if so where? Let me know if you know of anyone in Brampton I can go to.

 

[monisingh]

np and yep its a pain, and ill pm you for lessons

 

[Gabbah Shareef Bhalwan]

Hey Sunny,


1) Do you intentionally want to play the dhol like people in U.K., or are you also interested in playing/learning dhol in a Punjab style?


2) I'm curious to know what has made you so "infamous."

 

[Infamous_Sunny]

Hey Bhalwan


1) I want to learn how to play the dhol regardless


2) I don't know?


*what kind of questions to ask @ 04:09am LOL*

 

[Gabbah Shareef Bhalwan]

Lethal Notorious Infamous Legally Liscenced-to-Kill Badass Mo-fo Sunny,

1) You asked where the dhol should be placed, how to practice, etc.


These elements vary depending on what style you want to achieve, where you'd like to fit in.


Dholis of Punjab "wear" the dhol over one shoulder (not across the back) when playing. When they practice, sometimes they sit, yet still wear the dhol the same way.
This "placed on a stand" thing is a UK-based phenomenon, as are the hard cases.


Aside from the fact that they are both "beating" on in instrument called "dhol," there are significant differences between Punjab and UK with respect to what is played, when dhol is played, why it is played, how it is played, the approach to the instrument, beliefs about it, how it is taught/learned, and even the construction of the instrument.


Dhol is a cultural instrument, so I don't believe there is a "dhol regardless." Learn about the culture first, then play dhol. Otherwise, the premise of playing it as part of a cultural identity is pretty much null and void.


2) It's your screen name.


3) Time zones...?


You seem like a cool laid-back guy, but how about also putting some thought into what you do?

 

[Dholi harsh]

As far as learning about the dhol before playing goes... i disagree.... You should learn about the dhol and its culture and how it came about as you go on practicing. the more you learn the more you practice, the more knowledgeable you'll be about the instrument. its simple. Keep up with what you're doing homie and definitely keep the dhol on your shoulder when you're practicing, but sometimes put it down and work on just sheer hand speed and beats, you don't want a fatigued shoulder being the reason why you can't practice or something. Also, i personally play it on my right shoulder (my tilli side) but i've seen people put it around their back.... it doesn't matter how you wear it... what matters is that you respect your instrument and you're playing. neither makes you a better dholi... and the more you know about a dhol's history and past doesn't either. they're just added bonus'