Notation
In a simple notation, these three sounds are represented by three letters: D, T, and K. When capitalized, the beat is emphasized, and when lower-case, it is played less emphatically. These basic sounds can be combined with other sounds:
- suk or slap (S), produced with the dominant hand. Similar to the doum except the fingers are cupped to capture the air, making a loud terminating sound. The hand remains on the drum head to prevent sustain.
- trill (l), produced by lightly tapping three fingers of one hand in rapid succession on the rim
- roll, rushes (r), produced by a rapid alternating pattern of teks and kas
This is the simple dumbek rhythm notation for the 2/4 rhythm known as ayyoub:
1-&-2-&-
D--kD-T-
Read more about this topic: Dumbek Rhythms