Kotekan

Kotekan is a Balinese interlocking musical style frequently used in gamelan ensembles, particularly in gamelan gong kebyar. It involves two or more instruments playing interlocking melodic or rhythmic patterns, creating a dense and complex texture. This technique relies on the players precisely coordinating their parts to produce a complete melody or rhythmic figure. Each instrument plays only a portion of the overall pattern, relying on the others to fill in the gaps. The success of kotekan depends heavily on the musicians' skill, coordination, and ability to listen intently to one another.

There are different types of kotekan, often categorized by the speed and complexity of the interlocking patterns. Some common types include nyog cag, * polos*, and sangsih. Polos and sangsih are a common pairing, with polos playing the "on-beat" notes and sangsih playing the "off-beat" notes. Nyog cag is generally faster and more complex.

The precise and rapid interlocking patterns characteristic of kotekan create a vibrant and energetic sound often associated with the dynamic and exciting character of gamelan gong kebyar music.