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 MPD NS.R.G. M.P.D. ~/ N.S.. , ~ S..D..N.. N..S..P.. P..M..G.. MGR ~/ 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
