The ensemble gandang tasa or also called the musical tambua gandang is included in the rhythmic percussion ensemble without melody. There is no instrument that functions as a melody instrument. There are also no drums that are tuned with certain tones that function as melodic instruments, such as the taganing musical instrument of the Toba Batak ethnic group in North Sumatra.
<p>Gandang Tasa is the largest percussion music ensemble in Minangkabau. Large in terms of shape, size, sound, number of musical instruments used, even in terms of use and function in traditional activities and rituals. The greatness of its use and function can be seen from the use of Gandang Tasa in various traditional ceremonies that involve processions outside open spaces, such as parading brides and supporting the Tabuik Ceremony ceremony in Pariaman.
</p><p>In each Gandang Tasa group, usually between 4–10 more double-faced drums (two-headed drums) and one tasa (single-headed boat drums). The many drums that are used give a role to this musical character, which is dynamic and energetic, even because its loud voice can be used to arouse the spirit of the "hero" in the Tabuik Ceremony.
Gandang Tasa is found in several areas in Minangkabau, such as Pariaman, Maninjau, Tiku, Lubuk Basung, and several other Agam regencies bordering Padang Pariaman regency. Gandang Tasa Pariaman has a faster, more dynamic, energetic and loud music character, especially in the Pariaman city area, so that the songs that are played are only between four to only a few minutes long. Because the presentation of Gandang Tasa drains more energy. Such musical characters are widely opposed by the difficult natural seaside environment.
</p>
The Gandang Tasa show is held in an arena or an open field. Also in accordance with the character of the music that sounds loud that can be heard in a relatively wide radius without loudspeakers, especially at night in villages or villages that are not much noise or other sounds. In the traditional concept, the Gandang Tasa performance is always performed in an open field, both in a standing position and in the form of a procession. The important thing is that it is rather broad so that it allows Gandang Tasa to be presented. The venue is also not specifically prepared, such as performances and the like.
<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Le_Son_De_L%27Univers&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" class="new" title="User:Le Son De L'Univers (page does not exist)">Le Son De L'Univers</a>
<span class="int-own-work" lang="en">Own work</span>