Basics of Playing Handpan for Beginners

Did you know the handpan can produce over nine tones from just one surface?

However, having the right understanding of handpan fundamentals is important to create mystical music using the tones.

At Sound Artist Handpan School, we believe that the foundation is everything. Starting with the right techniques helps you analyze your creative potential, from learning rhythms to improving hand placement.

In this blog, we’ll cover the essential handpan fundamentals to help you confidently kickstart your journey. Ready to play? Let’s create some magic!

What Do You Need to Know: Handpan Fundamentals?

The handpan is a unique and captivating musical instrument that has recently gained immense popularity. It is a type of idiophone, a class of instruments that produce sound primarily through the instrument's vibration. The handpan is played by striking the notes with the fingers, creating a mesmerizing and soothing sound.

Here are some of the features of handpan.

• Distinctive Shape: The handpan consists of two steel shells joined together, creating a convex shape that enhances its acoustic properties.
• Tuned Tone Fields: The top shell has several tone fields, each tuned to a specific pitch. This allows players to create melodic and harmonic music by striking the notes with their fingers.
• Ethereal Sound: The handpan produces a warm, resonant sound often described as soothing and meditative, making it ideal for relaxation, meditation, and therapy.
• Beginner-Friendly: The handpan is easy to learn, making it accessible for all skill levels. Its simple playing style lets beginners create beautiful sounds quickly, encouraging creativity.
• Versatile Playing Techniques: Players can tap, slide, slap, or roll to create different sounds and rhythms, offering a wide range of musical expression.

These features make the handpan a popular instrument that inspires musicians and listeners worldwide.

However, to have a solid knowledge of handpan fundamentals, you must understand the various scales of the instrument.

What Do You Mean by Scales: Handpan Fundamentals?

Handpan scales consist of a series of notes arranged in a specific order, which defines the musical possibilities of the instrument. Handpan scales typically feature a central note (the "ding") surrounded by other notes. The arrangement of these notes creates the scale, influencing the overall sound and mood of the music played.

Different scales are often associated with specific emotions. For example, major scales tend to sound bright and uplifting, while minor scales can evoke feelings of melancholy or introspection. Below is a list of the various scales commonly used in handpan music, each offering distinct characteristics.

D Minor

The D minor scale is one of the most popular scales. It is known for its melancholic and introspective sound and is often used in compositions that require emotional depth.

Common Variants: Variations include Celtic Minor, Kurd Minor, and Amara.

C Major

Bright and cheerful, the C Major scale is perfect for joyful and uplifting music. Due to its positive vibes, it is often chosen for therapeutic settings.

Hijaz

This scale has a distinct Middle Eastern flavor. It is often used to create exotic and atmospheric compositions. It is known for its unique harmonic structure, which can evoke feelings of mystery and intrigue.

Pentatonic Scales

These five-note scales are brighter and often sound harmonious. They are easy to play and are great for improvisation.

Examples: Scales like Akebono and Pygmy fall into this category.

Hexatonic and Diatonic Scales

Hexatonic (6-note): These scales avoid certain notes to maintain a specific tonal context, often creating a smooth and cohesive sound.

Diatonic (7-note): These scales include all the intervals of a given scale, allowing for more complex harmonic and melodic exploration.

The above are some of the common handpan scales that are popular among the players. Are you confused about how to pick the right scale for your learning among so many?

How to Choose the Right Scale: Handpan Fundamentals?

Choosing the right scale is crucial when learning the handpan because it determines the mood and feel of the music. Different scales evoke different emotions, from uplifting to calming or introspective. 

Selecting the right scale ensures that your handpan playing aligns with the style and atmosphere you want to create, making your musical experience more expressive and enjoyable. When selecting a handpan scale, consider the following tips.

• Emotional Resonance: If you want to express emotions through your music, opt for major scales, which often evoke happiness and brightness, and minor scales, which bring emotional depth.
• Personal Preference: Listen to various scales to determine which resonates with you. YouTube and handpan demos can be invaluable resources for this exploration.
• Intended Use: Consider how you plan to use your handpan. A major scale might be more suitable for therapeutic purposes, while a minor scale could be more appropriate for expressive compositions.

Understanding handpan scales is crucial for any beginner exploring the instrument's full potential. By familiarizing yourself with these handpan fundamentals, you can choose the right scale that aligns with your musical aspirations and emotional expression.

Now, let’s understand the basics of handpan rhythms to play the instrument like a professional.

What are the Basic Rhythms: Handpan Fundamentals?

Understanding basic rhythms is essential for handpan players because it lays the groundwork for developing musical structure and creativity. Rhythms provide the pulse and flow of music, allowing players to create dynamic and engaging compositions. 

By learning handpan fundamental rhythms, players can experiment with timing, create patterns, and improvise easily. These skills enhance musical expression and build confidence, enabling players to craft captivating melodies and explore more advanced techniques over time.

Here’s an overview of key rhythmic concepts, including quaver, semiquaver, triplet, and dotted rhythms.

1. Quaver (Half-Beat) Rhythms

Quaver rhythms consist of notes played on each half-beat, creating a steady and flowing feel. In simplified notation, these rhythms are represented as two notes per beat, allowing for a smooth, continuous rhythm.

Practice Tip: Start by playing a steady pulse with quaver rhythms, focusing on even timing between strikes. This will help develop your sense of rhythm and timing.

2. Semiquaver (Quarter-Beat) Rhythms

Semiquaver rhythms involve playing four notes within the duration of one beat. This pattern adds complexity and speed to your playing, making it a great way to enhance your rhythmic vocabulary.

Practice Tip: Begin by practicing semiquaver rhythms slowly, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable with the pattern.

3. Triplet Rhythms

Triplet rhythms divide a beat into three equal parts, creating a distinctive swing feel. This rhythm can add a playful and lively character to your music.

Practice Tip: Play triplet patterns over a steady pulse, ensuring each note is evenly spaced. This will help you internalize the triplet feel.

The above are some rhythms that you can practice to enhance your skills. You can also join workshops or take one-to-one classes to improve your learning graph.

Did you know mastering percussive techniques is just as crucial for playing the handpan as learning the basic rhythms? Let’s explore how these techniques can elevate your handpan skills and bring out the best in your music!

What are Percussive Techniques: Handpan Fundamentals?

The percussive techniques allow musicians to create diverse sounds and rhythms, adding depth and texture to their performances. Here’s an overview of key percussive techniques that every handpan player should explore.

Hand Muting and Damping

This technique involves lightly placing your hand on a note immediately after striking it, which stops the sound. This creates a staccato effect, allowing for more rhythmic precision and control over the melody.

You can dampen their resonance by resting your hand on multiple notes, creating a muted or percussive effect. This technique is useful for adding variety and texture to your playing.

Slap Technique

The slap technique involves striking the note with the fingers or the palm in a percussive manner. This creates a sharp and distinctive sound, adding emphasis and dynamics to the music.

Use the slap technique to punctuate phrases, create rhythmic interest, and introduce a percussive element to your performance. This technique creates a more dynamic and engaging musical experience.

Tapping

Tapping is the fundamental technique used to produce sound on the handpan. With your fingertips, gently strike the convex surface of the handpan's tone fields to create melodic notes.

You can achieve different pitches and dynamics through precise control of finger position, angle, and velocity, forming the basis for more intricate playing techniques.

Sliding

Sliding involves smoothly transitioning between notes by dragging your finger across the surface of the handpan. This technique creates a fluid and connected melody, adding grace and continuity to your music.

Sliding allows players to explore melodic sequences seamlessly, enhancing the overall expressiveness of their performance.

Rolling

Rolling is a technique that involves rapidly alternating between adjacent tone fields. By rolling your fingers across the surface of the handpan, you can create a fast and vibrant cascade of notes.

This technique adds texture and complexity to your music, enhancing rhythmic and melodic experiences.

Harmonic Technique

The harmonic technique produces a harmonic sound by lightly touching the note at specific nodal points while vibrating. This creates a bell-like, ethereal sound that adds a unique dimension to your music.

This technique works well in slower, thoughtful music. It helps you add more sound and expression to your handpan playing.

The Takeaway

Hopefully, the above handpan fundamentals will help refine your playing technique and skills.

Learning any new skill requires patience and dedication, and the same goes for the handpan. If you find learning on your own overwhelming or confusing, Sound Artist Handpan School is here to help. 

We offer handpan sessions and group workshops in a supportive environment where you can make mistakes, learn from them, and grow. Our community is dedicated to supporting you and encouraging you to keep improving.