Karachi كراتشي

A 2/4 rhythm heard in Egyptian and Levantine songs. Its Tek-led opening and late Dum give it a distinctive shape, often played with a relaxed, unhurried feel. [1][2]

2/4Egypt & the Levant · documented use

Hear the shape of the rhythm.

BASIC PATTERN

Lead with Tek on both beats, then land Dum on the “and” of beat 2. Classic adds a light Ka pickup before the second Tek.

Darbuka

1TR

e·rest

&·rest

a·rest

2TR

e·rest

&DR

a·rest

D · DumT · TekK · KaS · Slap· · Rest

What do these notes mean?

Practise Karachi Try Classic

Names & context

Arabic name: كراتشي
Arabic alternatives: كاراتشي
Other names & spellings: Karatchi · Karatshi

Its historical birthplace is uncertain. [1][2]

Video tutorials

Karachi: learn the rhythm
Bassem Ramadan Soliman · Spanish · Beginner lesson
**Watch & try.** Chapter 13 of Bassem’s Spanish course introduces Karachi. Listen to the stroke order before working up to a quicker tempo.
Open on YouTube ↗
باسم رمضان سليمان Bassem Ramadan Soliman · Capítulo 13 Ritmo "Karachi"

Sources & further reading · 2 references

MaqamWorld · Karachi / كراتشي
عالم المقامات · Karachi / كراتشي

Learn

Karachi · كراتشي

Hear the shape of the rhythm.

Names & context

Video tutorials

Karachi: learn the rhythm

Karachi كراتشي