Tisram (3 notes per beat) is one of the five gatis (rhythmic patterns) in Carnatic music. This guide shows how to notate tisram patterns effectively.
Understanding Tisram
In Adi Tala (8 beats), tisram means fitting 3 notes into each beat, creating a triplet feel:
\cycle("|4|2|2|")
\beatDuration(4)
\line("Tisram - 3 notes per beat")
SRG MPD NS. R.G. , M.P. D.N. S..R.. G..M.. , P..D.. N..S... ___ ___ , ___ ___ ___ ___
Tisram vs Chatusram (4 notes per beat)
Comparison of the same phrase in different gatis:
\cycle("|4|2|2|")
\beatDuration(4)
\line("Chatusram (4 per beat)")
SRGM PDNS. R.G.M. P.D.N. , S..R..G..M.. P..D..N..S... , ___ ___ , ___ ___
\line("Tisram (3 per beat)")
SRG MPD NS. R.G. , M.P. D.N. S..R.. G..M.. , P..D.. N..S... ___ , ___ ___ ___
Tisram in Different Talas
Adi Tala (8 beats)
\cycle("|4|2|2|")
\beatDuration(4)
SRG MPD NS. R.S. , NPD MGR SRG , MPD NS. R.G. , M.P. D.N. S..
Rupaka Tala (6 beats)
\cycle("|2|4|")
\beatDuration(4)
SRG MPD , NS. R.G. M.P. D.N. |
S..R.. G..M.. , P..D.. N..S... ___
Misra Chapu (7 beats)
\cycle("|3|2|2|")
\beatDuration(4)
SRG MPD NS. , R.G. M.P. , D.N. S..R.. |
G..M.. P..D.. N..S... , ___ ___ , ___ ___
Kanda Chapu (5 beats) - Natural Tisram Feel
Kanda Chapu naturally accommodates tisram patterns:
\cycle("|2|3|")
\beatDuration(4)
SRG MPD , NS. R.G. M.P. |
D.N. S..R.. , G..M.. P..D.. N..S...
Creating Tisram Phrases
Ascending Patterns
\cycle("|4|2|2|")
\beatDuration(4)
SRG RGM GMP MPD , PDN DNS. NS.R. S.R.G. , R.G.M. G.M.P. M.P.D. P.D.N. , D.N.S.. ___ ___ ___
Descending Patterns
\cycle("|4|2|2|")
\beatDuration(4)
S..N..D.. N..D..P.. D..P..M.. P..M..G.. , M..G..R.. G..R..S.. R..S..N. S..N.D , ND.P. D.PM PM.G , MGR. RS.N NPD.
Mixed Patterns
\cycle("|4|2|2|")
\beatDuration(4)
SRG SRG MGP MGP , PDN PDN S.R.G. S.R.G. , M.P.D. M.P.D. N.S..R.. N.S..R.. , G..M..P.. ___ ___ ___
Tisram with Gamakas
Adding embellishments to tisram patterns:
\cycle("|4|2|2|")
\beatDuration(4)
(SRG kampitam) MPD NS.R.G. (M.P.D. jaru N.S..) , (S..D..N.. kampitam) N..S..P.. P..M..G.. (MGR jaru S) , ___ ___ ___ ___ , ___ ___ ___ ___
Converting from Chatusram to Tisram
Take a phrase in chatusram and convert it to tisram:
\cycle("|4|2|2|")
\beatDuration(4)
\line("Original (Chatusram - 4 per beat)")
SRGM PDNS. R.G.M.P. D.N.S..R.. , ___ ___ ___ ___ , ___ ___ ___ ___ , ___ ___ ___ ___
\line("Converted (Tisram - 3 per beat)")
SRG MPD NS. R.G. , M.P. D.N. S..R.. G..M.. , P..D.. N..S... ___ ___ , ___ ___ ___ ___
Practical Tips
- Tisram creates a triplet feel - think "1-and-a, 2-and-a, 3-and-a"
- Practice with a metronome to internalize the 3-against-4 feel
- Kanda Chapu (5 beats) is especially suited for tisram
- Use tisram strategically to create rhythmic interest
- Combine with other gatis (chatusram, khanda) for variety
- Mark tisram sections clearly when notating
See Also
