How does a Handpan (or Hang Drum) work?

 Dive into the heart of the operation of the handpan (also known as hang drum), a musical instrument to celestial sounds that fascinates both for its beauty and for its potential in terms of well-being. Whether you are a beginner handpan or a handpan expert, understanding its tuning, whether in D minor or exploring the ranges Ionian, Aeolian, or Mixolydianis crucial.

ZenaPan you offer a premium selection of handpans, allant de 9 to 17 notes. This article reveals the magic behind every note and scale, guiding you towards an informed choice, whether you are looking for a new handpan or a used handpan.

Also to read: Où acheter un bon Handpan ?

1. The handpan is a diatonic instrument

The handpan is a musical instrument dit « diatonic ", that is to say that it does not understand all the notes of the color range.

This does not prevent it from having a wide range of products. The diatonic scale can just as well be pentatonic qu’heptatonic.

C’est-à-dire thatelle peut tant se composer de five notes per octave what of seven notes per octave. Now, the difficulty that all beginners face when wanting buy a Handpan, it is to understand how it is granted the instrument that they want to buy.

For the Handpans whose scale is based on the D minorThe melodic notes are generally as follows:

• The ascending: D, E, F, G, A, B flat, C sharp.
• The descending scale: E, C, B flat, A, G, F, E, D.

The standard deviation of the tuned Handpans in D minor The fifth. They are often found under the following designation: D Celtic Minor. This is an Anglo-Saxon name.

 

  

 

2. From pentatonic to heptatonic

The technical vocabulary and the realities it concerns do not stop there. The diatonic instruments Not understanding only a part of the notes of the chromatic scale, Handpan makers choose which notes from the scale they incorporate into each instrument.

To simply understand the ranges and their names, we offer you the following table:

Source : https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Pentatonic-and-heptatonic-scales-included-tones-are-indicated-by-red-dots-The-five_fig4_40484321

The Handpan can, beyond the pentatonic and heptatonic scales, understand a hexatonic scale, that is to say a range including six notes on a single octave. But, we will stop there for the difficulties.

What you need to know is which scale your Handpan is tuned to. The manufacturer usually always informs you about the chosen scale, like ZenaPan with its handpans in D minor, allowing for more resonant sounds mélancoliques, and therefore more suitable for music therapy.

3. The distribution of notes on a Handpan

Rather than giving a long speech, here is the distribution of notes on a Handpan 10 notes (9+1), scale in D minor, sold by ZenaPan :

Each dimple, called Dimple in English, corresponds to a note. The central note, the Ding, is often the lowest note, and the one on which the instrument is tuned, here a D minor.

The repetition of the notes A, D, and C does not mean that these notes are identical. On the contrary, they are located on two octaves différentes.

4. What is the rating 8+1 or 9+1?

The development of Handpans is very recent, and no precise numbering of the notes has been established by the hang industry. In other words, some manufacturers count all the notes and write the number 10 if the Handpan has 10 notes, or the number 9 if it has 9.

Enjoy in the video below, the melodies with a 9-note handpan tuned in D minor.

 

Others separate the notes present on the dimples from the main note present on the Ding, which is the upper part of the steel hang drum. They therefore note 8+1 for a hang drum with 9 notes, or 9+1 for a Handpan with ten notes.

There is therefore no difference between a handpan 10 notes and a Handpan with 9+1 notes, except for the way the manufacturer numbers the number of notes on its instrument.

A lire : What is the price of a handpan? 

5. Understanding how the Handpan works

Element	Description
Construction	Two welded hemispherical steel shells with tuned areas for each note.
Material	Made primarily of steel, with variations such as nitrided steel for sound quality and stainless steel for durability.
Game	Can be played with hands or special mallets, without the need for prior musical knowledge.
Maintenance	Regular cleaning with specific oils to protect against rust and maintain sound quality.
Difference with Hang Drum	The 'hang drum' is the name given to the first instruments of this type by PANArt, while 'handpan' refers to similar instruments made by others.

 

Curious to master the secrets of the handpan? Dive deeper into our guides on Zenapan to understand how it works and choose your ideal musical companion. Visit our complete collection here !

What to remember

Through the rhythms of the handpan, we discover a universe where technique and emotion dance together. This instrument, simple in appearance, opens the doors to an endless exploration, where each note resonates with a part of our being. By learning how it works, we do not just master an instrument; we embrace an adventure that enriches the soul. The handpan invites us to play, to feel, and ultimately, to live music in the purest way.

Ready to explore the captivating world of the handpan? Discover our collection exclusive and find the perfect instrument to start your musical journey today.

FAQs

1. What gives the handpan its unique sound?

The magic of the handpan lies in its meticulous construction and harmonically tuned resonance zones. Each struck note awakens a vibration that blends to create a captivating and rich melody.

2. How is a handpan made?

The handpans are made from two welded hemispherical steel shells. Each note is carefully hand-hammered, creating areas that vibrate uniquely when struck.

3. Can you play the handpan without musical training?

Yes, the handpan is designed to be intuitive. Its circular layout allows even beginners to create melodious music without requiring prior musical knowledge. It's a sound journey accessible to everyone.

4. What are the differences between a handpan and a hang drum?

Although often used interchangeably, the term "hang drum" specifically refers to instruments created by PANArt. The handpan refers to similar instruments made by other craftsmen around the world.

5. How to maintain your handpan to preserve its sound quality?

Regular maintenance with specific oils is essential to protect your handpan from rust and maintain its resonance. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and store it in a case for protection.