Ek Taal divides twelve beats into six vibhags of two. In its slow (vilambit) form it is the great canvas of Hindustani vocal music — the cycle is so spacious that a single avartan can carry one unhurried phrase of elaboration.
The theka pairs its bols (Dhin Dhin / Dhage Tirakita / Tu Na / Kat Ta / Dhage Tirakita / Dhin Na), with claps and one khali that experienced listeners track to feel where the sam will fall.
In fast tempo Ek Taal turns brilliant and athletic — common in tarana and fast khayal, where rapid taan passages chase the twelve beats to a tihai.