<![CDATA[Konokol (Konnakol)]]>

<![CDATA[Konokol (Konnakol)]]>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

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7
1	Da	Da
2	Taka	Ta	Ka
3	Takita	Ta	ki	ta
4	Taka Dimi	Ta	ka	Di	mi
5	Taka Juna	Ta	ka	Ju	Na
6	Da Di Gi Na Dum	Da	Di	Gi	Na	Dum
7	Da Di Gi Na Dum	Da	Di	–	Gi	Na	Dum
8	Da Di Gi Na Dum	Da	–	Di	Gi	Na	Dum
9	Da Di Gi Na Dum	Da	–	Di	–	Gi	Na	Dum

exercises

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

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