Iqacat      Arabic music uses cyclical rhythmic patterns called iqacat, which denote a specific articulation of doum (low) and tak (rim) sounds. This is somewhat similar to the concept of clave in cuban music; however, cuban music only uses a few different claves, and doesn't distingish between timbres of sound. There are dozens of iqacat in common use and many more which range from uncommon to rare.      While the basic form of an iqac delineates the pattern of doum and tak, the performer will elaborate upon it by filling in the subdivisions in a variety of ways. Much of a percussionist's skill is in the ability to do this in a way that is both creative and complements the other instruments or, in vocal music, the vocalist. Riqq players may play the jingles with the fingers or by shaking the instrument. If playing in classical style, they may use light strokes. Darbukka players use a variety of finger strokes to elaborate and ornament the iqac. Sometimes, a player may choose to play the pattern with no ornamentation, for a more "pure" representation of the Iqac. You may download a sheet of basic iqacat by clicking here More information and examples will be added to this page periodically