Dumbek rhythms

Dumbek rhythms are a collection of rhythms that are usually played with hand drums such as the dumbek^[1]. These rhythms are various combinations of these three basic sounds:

• doum (D), produced with the dominant hand striking the sweet spot of the skin.
• tek (T), produced with the dominant hand striking the rim.
• ka (K), produced with the recessive hand striking the rim.

Notation

In a simple notation, these three sounds are represented by three letters: D, T, and K. When capitalized, the beat is emphasized, and when lower-case, it is played less emphatically^[1]. These basic sounds can be combined with other sounds:

• suk or slap (S), produced with the dominant hand. Similar to the doum except the fingers are cupped to capture the air, making a loud terminating sound. The hand remains on the drum head to prevent sustain.
• trill (l), produced by lightly tapping three fingers of one hand in rapid succession on the rim
• roll, rushes (r), produced by a rapid alternating pattern of teks and kas

This is the simple dumbek rhythm notation for the 2/4 rhythm known as ayyoub:

1-&-2-&-
D--kD--T

Rhythms

There are many traditional rhythms. Some are much more popular than others. The "big six" Middle Eastern rhythms are ayyoub, beledi, chiftitelli, maqsoum, masmoudi and saidi.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Middle Eastern Rhythms FAQ". http://www.khafif.com/rhy/. 

See also

• Iqa'
• Wazn
• Belly dance
• Arabic music
• Usul (music)