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What is Bhangra?
Bhangra is a style of music.
It is called a fusion style as two different styles fused together to make Bhangra.
These two styles are: Punjab folk music and Popular Music.
Further reading
Go to BBC Bitesize (either below or click the link) and read through the information to gain a better understanding of Bhangra.
THE INSTRUMENTS IN BHANGRA
Here are some of the instruments used in Bhangra:
THE CHAAL PATTERN
The 'Chaal' pattern is something that is used frequently in Bhangra music.
In simple terms, it is a specific rhythmic pattern that is played by the Dhol and Tumbi player throughout the entirety of most Bhangra songs.
It is important to understand how to play this rhythm in order to create an accurate Bhangra Fusion Composition.
To learn the Chaal pattern, follow along with the video tutorial:
CALL AND RESPONSE, AND CHANTING
Call and response, and 'chanting' are used often in Bhangra music between the lead vocalist and the backing singers.
The backing singers will usually chant 'HEY' on every up beat.
This means the emphasis is on the 'off beat' or 'weak beat.'
The rhythmic device is called syncopation.
the three note Pattern
the three note Pattern
Bhangra melodies are normally played on the Tumbi and consist of three notes.... that's it!
This three note pattern is played in the 'Chaal' rhythmic pattern to form the iconic riffs of the genre. (an example of this riff can be heard below)
All other melodies played over the top are often chromatic (not in a specific key).
Chords used in Bhangra
Further listening: To develop your listening skills, listen the clips below or your own music and see if you can pick out the Chaal Rhythm and mimic it by clapping or tapping your legs.
Share what you have listened to on your google classroom
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