Exploring Popular Handpan Scales from Middle Eastern Origins

Middle Eastern scales have a profound history rooted in centuries of musical tradition, characterized by intricate modes and distinctive tonal patterns.

Originating from the diverse musical cultures of the Middle East, these scales serve as foundational elements for expressing complex emotions and narratives. They have been integral to both spiritual ceremonies and everyday music-making, each scale crafted to evoke specific moods and atmospheres.

When adapted to the handpan, these scales introduce a unique sonic palette that contrasts with typical Western music structures. Their note patterns are both accessible and versatile, allowing players to transition effortlessly between serene and intense musical expressions.

In this article, we’ll explore two of the most popular Middle Eastern-inspired handpan scales—Hijaz and Kurd. You’ll gain insight into their characteristic intervals, tonal qualities, and why they remain favorites among handpan enthusiasts of all skill levels.

What Is a Middle Eastern Scale?

Middle Eastern scales are musical frameworks derived from Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and neighboring traditions. These scales are characterized by distinctive intervals, including half-steps and, in traditional contexts, microtonal variations such as quarter-tones. 

These unique intervals contribute to the scales’ emotional depth, often evoking feelings that range from sacred and mystical to haunting and intense.

Traditional Middle Eastern music frequently employs microtonal steps—quarter-tones in particular—that provide subtle tonal nuances. However, handpans are constructed with fixed steel notes, limiting the ability to reproduce these microtonal intervals precisely. Consequently, handpan makers approximate these pitches using standard Western notes that closely match the original sound.

For example, in the Hijaz scale, the quarter-tone (often found between the second and third notes in traditional versions) is replaced with a flattened second or raised third using available pitches. The result is a "flavor" of the original scale, still rich and expressive but easier to play and harmonize with.

So, while you're not getting the complete microtonal system, you're still capturing the character—that blend of mystery, intensity, and emotion that defines Middle Eastern sounds.

Why Do Middle Eastern-Inspired Scales Stand Out on Handpans?

Middle Eastern-inspired scales introduce a distinctive tonal energy to handpan music, offering players a rich alternative to standard major or minor tunings. These scales provide a deeper palette for emotional expression and musical exploration.

Here’s why these scales are particularly valuable on the handpan:

• Emotional Depth
  Middle Eastern scales convey a wide spectrum of emotions within concise melodic phrases. Their intervals enable smooth transitions from melancholy to soulful warmth, making them ideal for musicians seeking to create personal, meditative, or evocative soundscapes.
• Melodic Focus
  Unlike chord-driven instruments, the handpan’s design emphasizes melody and rhythm. Middle Eastern scales align naturally with this approach, allowing players to craft full compositions by following the scale’s inherent melodic flow.
• Adapted for Handpan Playability
  While traditional Middle Eastern music often employs microtonal quarter-tones, handpan tuners approximate these with carefully selected intervals that retain the original scales’ character. This balance preserves authenticity while ensuring ease of play and harmonic coherence.
• Cultural Significance
  These scales carry centuries of cultural heritage from regions including Turkey, Iran, and the Arab world. Their historical use in rituals, folk music, and spiritual contexts imbues your performance with a meaningful connection to a rich musical tradition.
• Versatility for Improvisation
  The structural flexibility of Middle Eastern scales supports a wide range of playing styles—from slow, introspective passages to dynamic, rhythmic improvisations—making them a favored choice for both novice and experienced players.

The true strength of these scales lies in how they shape your musical expression, phrasing, and interaction with the instrument. Next, we’ll examine some key scales that showcase the unique character and versatility of Middle Eastern-inspired handpan music.

Common Middle Eastern Scales for Handpan

Handpans truly come alive when paired with expressive scales, and Middle Eastern-inspired tunings exemplify this beautifully. Two of the most widely embraced scales are the Hijaz and Kurd, each offering a unique tonal character and musical personality that appeal to players across all skill levels.

a. Hijaz Scale

The Hijaz scale is renowned for its bold, dramatic sound. It features a distinctive half-step interval followed by a wide gap, creating tension and release in just a few notes. Typically, it includes a flattened second and a raised third, which contribute to its mysterious tonal quality that immediately captures attention.

This scale is expressive and intense. It’s perfect for players who like storytelling in their music—think wandering through a desert, playing at dusk, or capturing a feeling of longing. It’s dynamic and emotional without being too complex.

Best Use Cases and Tuning Examples
Hijaz scales are particularly effective for solo performances, atmospheric improvisations, or complementing other instruments. The D Hijaz tuning is a popular choice, offering a rich and balanced sound that suits most players.

b. Kurd Scale

The Kurd scale has a grounded, peaceful character. It is based on the natural minor scale pattern, which provides a familiar yet emotionally resonant tonal palette. Depending on the player’s style, it can convey meditative calmness, soulful introspection, or a gentle folk-inspired vibe.

Its evenly spaced notes make it one of the most approachable scales for new players. There are no sharp jumps or complex intervals, so building flow and confidence is easy. Experienced musicians also value this scale for its versatility and soothing qualities, especially in slower, expressive compositions.

Sound Artist Recommendations for D Kurd

If you’re interested in the Kurd scale, here are some recommended handpans from Sound Artist:

• SEWpan Handpan Instrument D Minor Kurd 9 Notes – $1,900

• Prana Rising Handpan Instrument D Minor Kurd 9 Notes – $1,900

• Prana Rising Handpan Instrument D Minor Kurd 10 Notes – $2,000

These instruments are known for their precise craftsmanship, consistent tone quality, and excellent playability—perfect for beginners and advanced players alike.

Understanding how specific scales influence the sound and playing experience is essential before choosing your handpan. Scales like Hijaz and Kurd have become favorites because they offer more than melody—they deliver atmosphere, emotional movement, and deep musical meaning.

Choosing the Right Scale for Your Playing Style

Selecting the right handpan scale begins with a clear understanding of the musical experience you want to create. Whether your goal is to cultivate calm and introspection or to express bold, dynamic emotions, the scale you choose will fundamentally shape your sound. 

Consider these key factors when making your choice:

• Align the Scale with Your Musical Intention: Each scale embodies a specific mood or atmosphere. Some evoke tranquility and grounding, while others inspire intensity, mystery, or curiosity. Choose a scale that resonates with the emotional tone you want your music to convey—whether that’s soothing, expressive, or exploratory.
• Consider Your Skill Level: Certain scales, like Kurd, offer a more forgiving and intuitive layout ideal for beginners. In contrast, scales such as Hijaz or customized tunings may appeal more to experienced players seeking nuanced control and complexity.
• Listen Carefully Before You Decide: The same scale can vary significantly depending on the instrument’s maker and construction. Listening to sound samples and, if possible, trying different handpans firsthand will help ensure the tone matches your personal preference.

Regardless of which scale you select, investing time to understand its structure and sonic character will enhance your ability to create confident, compelling music.

Final Note!

Middle Eastern handpan scales introduce a distinctive emotional depth and cultural richness to your playing. Whether you gravitate toward the bold, evocative sound of Hijaz or the serene, grounded nature of Kurd, these scales offer pathways to deeply personal musical expression.

If you’re ready to embark on or advance your handpan journey, Sound Artist Handpan and Creative Music School provides expertly crafted instruments designed to bring these intricate scales to life. Perfect for both stage performances and intimate practice, Sound Artist handpans combine precision tuning with soulful resonance.

Curious to hear these scales in action? 

Explore Sound Artist’s curated handpan collection and discover the scale that truly speaks to you.