Teentaal (alternatively spelled tintal, teental, or tintaal, and also called trital; Hindi: तीन ताल) is the most common taal of Hindustani music, and is used for drut (fast tempo). It is symmetrical and presents a very simple rhythmic structure against which a performance can be laid. It is of 16 beats with 4/4/4/4/ pattern and 4 divisions.There are 3 claps(tali) and 1 gap(khali).

Teentaal has sixteen (16) beats in four equal divisions (Vibhag). The period between every two beats is equal. The first beat out of 16 beats is called sam and the 9th beat is called khali ('empty'). To count the Teentaal, the audience claps on the first beat, claps on the 5th beat, then waves on the 9th beat and lastly again claps on the 13th beat; these three claps (Hindi teen 'three' + taal 'clap') give the rhythm its name.

Teentaal can be used for both accompaniment and solo. There are various Kaidas and Parans based on it. Teentaal is the most widely used taal. Teentaal is mostly used in the drut laya and Zhalas.

Theka:

DHA DHIN DHIN DHA |

DHA DHIN DHIN DHA |

DHA TIN TIN TA |

TA DHIN DHIN DHA |