The '''sam''' or '''sum''' {{Pronounce|sum}} is the always the first [[matra]] of any an [[taalavartan]]. For example, in [[teentaal]], the first matra, ''Ta'' , is the sam.
[[Category:Indian Music]]The sam is usually stressed when playing and is particularly important when playing in groups. For instance, in Kathak, in a piece in teentaal, the tabla player provides a steady rhythm by playing theka, while another musician improvises. When it is time to switch roles, the two musicians can easily coordinate by using the sam as a marker, since it is the beginning of the next avartan. [[Category:Indian DanceTaal]]