Dhadd
ਢੱਡ

Dhadd
Other names	Dhad, Dhadh
Classification	Percussion instrument
Musicians
Amar Singh Shaunki
More articles
Dhadi, Music of Punjab, Babu Rajab Ali, Karnail Singh Paras

Dhadd (Punjabi: ਢੱਡ), also spelled as Dhad or Dhadh is a hourglass-shaped traditional musical instrument native to Punjab that is mainly used by the Dhadi singers.^[1][2][3][4] It is also used by other folk singers of the region.

Design and playing [link]

It is made of wood with thin waist^[5] like and hourglass.^[6] The skin on the both sides in tightened with ropes^[2] that helps in holding the instrument firmly too.^[5] Its design is very similar to an other Indian musical instrument, Damru.^[2][6] The main difference in their design is that the Damru has knotted cords to stuck its both sides but Dhadd does not have any chord.^[2] Although the design is much similar but techniques of playing, the social significance and music capabilities are entirely different.^[6]

Playing

Dhadd being played by an artist in the center

Dhadd is played by tapping/stucking fingers on one of its side^[5][2][7] and as being played by hand, it gives much more precise control over the rhythm rather than Damru. While Damru is played by shaking/rotating quickly so that the knotted cords stuck its both sides^[2][6] and also played with a stick sometimes. As such, it may considered to be more of a noise-maker than a serious musical instrument.^[6]

Social significance [link]

Dhadd is very closely associated with and mostly used by the Dhadi singers^[1][4] who sings folk, religious and warriors' ballads and history using this along with Sarangi.^[6][7]

See also [link]

• Dhadi
• Music of Punjab

References [link]