How does one tune the tabla?
Tuning is done with a hammer and involves tightening the puddi (tabla head) to obtain a higher pitch or loosening the puddi to obtain a lower pitch. The hammer is used to hit the gatta (wooden blocks) downwards, causing the puddi to tighten, thus resulting in a higher pitch. When the gatta is hit upwards, the puddi is slightly loosened, resulting in a lower pitch. Fine-tuning is done on the gajra (the outer section of the tabla head.
