Various Advanced Terms in HIndustani Instrumental (Ladi, Lad Guthao, Lad Lapet etc)

In Hindustani instrumental music, especially in sitar, sarod, surbahar, and violin, terms like Ladi, Lad-guthao, Lad-lapet, and Ladant relate to rhythmic-melodic development in gat and taan playing.


1. Ladi (लड़ी)

Meaning:
A Ladi is a chain or series of similar patterned notes played in sequence.

In practice:

  • Repeated note-patterns moving stepwise or rhythmically

  • Common in drut gat

  • Builds momentum and brightness

Example (Teentaal):
Sa Re Sa Re | Ga Ma Ga Ma | Pa Dha Pa Dha


2. Lad-Guthao (लड़ गुथाओ)

Meaning:
“Guthao” means to interweave.

In practice:

  • Interlocking of swaras, bol patterns, and rhythm

  • Not straight taan — more crafted and layered

  • Uses meend, kan-swar, and subtle layakari

Creates a dense, intellectual musical texture.


3. Lad-Lapet (लड़ लपेट)

Meaning:
“Lapet” means to wrap around.

In practice:

  • Notes wrap around a main swara

  • Use of murki, khatka, zamzama

  • Circular phrasing around vadi or nyas swara

Example:
Ga (Re Ga Re Sa) Ga

Adds ornamentation and expressive beauty.


4. Ladant (लड़ंत)

Meaning:
Derived from “ladna” (to engage or playfully compete).

In practice:

  • Rhythmic interplay between soloist and tabla

  • Advanced layakari

  • Typically appears in the climax of drut

Includes:

  • Cross-rhythms

  • Tihais

  • Off-beat entries

Creates excitement and dramatic tension.


Quick Comparison

TermNatureFocusFeeling
LadiLinear chainSpeed & flowBright
Lad-GuthaoInterwovenStructureIntellectual
Lad-LapetWrapped phrasesOrnamentationExpressive
LadantRhythmic duelLayakariDramatic

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