Gati concept

The term gati refers to the subdivision of a single beat represented by the single units called matras. In Karnatic music there are five gatis:

Tisra (meaning three), to us known as eight note triplets

Chatusra (meaning four) - 16th notes

Khanda (meaning five) - quintuplets

Misra (meaning seven) - septuplets

Sankirna (meaning nine) nonuplets

Karnatic music utilises Solkattu (Konnakol) in learning and performing rhythms. Solkattu is the art of vocalising rhythms by using nonsense syllables. To every gati are assigned a set of syllables. Some of the gatis have more possible combinations of the syllables depending on how one divides certain gati (usually longer ones). Here are the basic syllables assigned to the gatis:

Tisra & chatusra are commonly used in their 2nd speed (sextuplets & 32nd notes). Also other gati's could be performed in their 2nd speed.

Exercises for practising gatis

Start practicing each gati separately in the tempo’s of the quarter note ranging between 40 and 66 BPM (beats per minute) in time signature of your own choice (try several ones) using different syllable options. Clap your hands and/or tap your foot while practicing. For all future exercises remember to do this, it is of crucial importance! It could take some time until one develops the feel for each gati. After some practise you should be able to feel how every gati has its own “feel”. Once you master this exercise you can proceed to the next one. Make sure you spend enough time on developing this skill cause the whole concept is based on these basic elements and you should be able to perform them at any given time regardless of tempo!

Here's an excerpt from my book about some basic techniques that you can practice in order to develop your rhythmic phrasing.

So, there you go, hope you find in useful and have fun practicing!