Konokol is a method for vocalizing rhythm. It is an essential part of the Carnatic or South Indian Classical tradition. Many Western artists have adopted and adapted this approach into their compositional, improvisa-tional, and general musical processes.

This method of vocalizing rhythm allows one to practice anywhere. Complex rhythms can be mastered easily and applied to many situations.

Lesson 1 – The Five Basic Rhythm Words

5 Basic rhythm words:

Da	Taka	Takita	Taka Dimi	Da Di Gi Na Dum1
1	2	3	4	5

Taka Juna, a variation of 4, can be used with Taka Dimi when consecutive 4’s are counted or when there are two 4’s in a larger pattern.

Da Di Gi Na Dum can transform into 6 and 7. The dash is used for the felt but not counted divisions.

6          Da Di – Gi Na Dum or Da – Di Gi Na Dum

7          Da – Di – Gi Na Dum

exercises

1. Practice counting each word repeatedly. (taka taka taka …)

a. Make sure each syllable is evenly spaced in time.

b. Maintain even tempo & eventually go for speed & accuracy.

2. Try combining words to form larger numbers.

examples

5          2 + 3 – taka takita 3 + 2 – takita taka

7          3 + 4 – takita taka dimi 4 + 3 – taka dimi takita

11        4 + 3 + 4 – taka dimi takita taka dimi, or, taka dimi takita taka juna