KONOKOL (KONNAKOL)

INTRODUCTION 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, improvisational, 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 1 Taka 2 Takita 3 Taka Dimi 4 Da Di Gi Na Dum 5

Taka Juna, a variation of 4, can be used with Taka Dimi when consecutive 4s are counted or when there are two 4s 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
1 1 - Da 2 - Taka 3 - Takita 4 - Taka Dimi 4 - Taka Juna 5 - Da Di Gi Na Dum 6 - Da Di Gi Na Dum 6 - Da Di Gi Na Dum 7 - Da Di Gi Na Dum
Da Ta Ta Ta Ta Da Da Da Da Ka ki ka ka Di Di ta Di Ju Gi Di Di mi Na Na Gi Gi Dum Na Na Gi Dum Dum 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