Description The smaller drum is called the dayan (meaning “right”) and the larger drum is called the bayan (meaning “left”). Right and left refer to the hands usually used to play each tabla. Dayans are made in a range of sizes, each tuned with a different range. The bayan has a rich bass tone. Both drums are covered with a skin. The dark circular center of each drum head is created with a paste mixed with metal powder. The tabla is extremely difficult instruments to learn to play, requiring many years of study
