Immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of the Hijaz scale on the hang, a musical instrument that combines the depths of percussion with melodic finesse for an unparalleled experience of well-being.
Renowned for its mystical tones that evoke the soundscapes of the Middle East, the steel pan in its Hijaz scale fascinates both beginners looking to explore sound and experts wishing to deepen their practice.
This article takes you on a journey through the secrets of the Hijaz scale, provides advice on buying a handpan, and points you in the direction of the best places to buy this instrument, new or second-hand.
Embark on this musical adventure and discover how to incorporate the magic of the Hijaz hang drum into your life.
Read: The Dorian Scale in Handpan
1. A scale with oriental origins
The Hijaz scale on the handpan is a melodic bridge linking Eastern musical traditions with contemporary artistic expression. Its unique sound, imbued with mystery and exoticism, has its roots in the deep musical cultures of the Orient, making it a musical scale prized far beyond its original borders.
a. Origins and oriental influence
The Hijaz scale is deeply rooted in the musical heritage of Egypt, where it is traditionally called "Hijaz", reflecting its essence and popularity in the oriental regions.
Its distinctive character lies in its dominant Phrygian style, which seduces and awakens the senses from the very first notes. This scale is an invitation to explore the soul of the East, offering a window onto its age-old musical traditions.
b. The Spanish Phrygian scale
Outside its native land, the Hijaz scale is often compared to the Spanish Phrygian or Gypsy scale, highlighting its similarities to flamenco melodies and traditional Spanish tunes.
This cultural connection illustrates the ability of the Hijaz scale to transcend geographical boundaries, forging links between seemingly disparate musical worlds.
c. Presence in Western music
Theoretically, the Hijaz scale is identified as the fifth mode of the harmonic minor scale, a mode that subtly infiltrates certain Western musical genres such as progressive rock and metal.
Songs such as Dream Theater's "In the Name of God"and The Offspring's "Come Out and Play" reveal the influence of the Hijaz, proving its adaptability and resonance in a variety of musical contexts. Listening closely to these compositions offers a new perspective on the versatility of this enigmatic scale.
Through these explorations, the Hijaz scale on the handpan reveals itself to be much more than a simple musical scale; it is a bridge between cultures, a never-ending source of inspiration for musicians and a vector of deep emotions for listeners.
2. A scale that perfectly eliminates unwanted interference
The Hijaz scale on the handpan is renowned for its ability to produce clear, distinct sounds, eliminating the interference often encountered with inferior instruments. This unique characteristic makes it the musical scale of choice for musicians seeking to express the full purity of each note.
a. Purity and clarity of sound
- Note isolation
The Hijaz scale allows each note to be played in isolation, without activating the other notes around it. This isolation ensures exceptional sonic clarity, with each note resonating precisely and without interference.
- Instrument quality
Every note in the Hijaz scale reveals the build quality of the handpan. High-quality instruments produce pure, tonal sounds, while inferior handpans can suffer from interference between notes, blurring the purity of the sound.
b. Choosing professional musicians
- Professional musicians, like Steve Shehann mentioned in a TF1 report, are often seduced by the Hijaz scale for its finesse and the precision of its notes.
- The reasons for preferring this scale are :
- Its ability to produce a pure, isolated sound.
- The absence of undesirable interference, resulting in more faithful musical expression.
For those who love the perfect sound, a Hijaz handpan is an excellent choice. Not only does it enrich the musical palette, it also ensures a high-quality listening experience, valued by musicians the world over.
3. Basic features of the Hijaz scale on the hang drum
The Hijaz scale on the handpan offers a unique exploration of sound, transporting the listener into a distinctly oriental musical world. Its basic characteristics highlight its ability to evoke deep emotions and offer therapeutic benefits, particularly for those seeking to improve their quality of sleep.
a. Unique sound and composition
- Oriental nuance: The Hijaz scale is distinguished by its deeply oriental tones, capable of evoking a sense of travel and escape.
- Note configuration : Normally composed of 9 notes, some Hijaz handpans can exceptionally contain up to 10 notes, allowing for a richer and more diverse range of sound.
b. Tuning and frequencies
- 440 Hertz standard: Following the standard established in the 1970s, most Hijaz handpans are tuned to 440 Hz, making them compatible with most modern instruments.
- Mystical alternative at 432 Hertz: Some models offer tuning at 432 Hz, sought after for its alleged healing properties and ability to synchronise with the natural vibrations of the universe.
These aspects make the Hijaz handpan a privileged choice for those seeking not only an enriching musical experience, but also an instrument with potential therapeutic virtues. Whether used solo or in an ensemble, the Hijaz handpan enriches any musical composition with its depth and haunting sound.
c. Summary of the features and benefits of the Hijaz scale
| Features | Details of the Hijaz range |
|---|---|
|
Cultural origin |
Middle East, evoking an oriental depth |
|
Sonority |
Oriental, capable of evoking unique journeys and emotions |
| Number of notes | 9 to 10 notes, offering melodic diversity |
|
Standard tuning |
440 Hertz, in line with contemporary music standards |
|
Mystical Alternative |
432 Hertz, sought after for its relaxing properties and its harmony with natural vibrations |
|
Therapeutic properties |
Potentially beneficial for well-being and the management of sleep disorders |
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4. Construction and use of the Hijaz scale
The Hijaz scale on the hang drum is an invitation to explore the enchanting sounds of the Middle East, thanks to a specific harmonic construction and versatile use that appeal to musicians from all horizons.
a. Construction of the Hijaz scale
To create the dominant Phrygian mode characteristic of the Hijaz scale, we start with a Phrygian base to which we add a major third, a choice that gives the scale its distinctive dominant quality.
The notes of this scale unfold as follows: 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - b6 - b7 - 1, with intervals expressed in semitones following the sequence: 1 - 3 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2. This particular structure is the key to its unique sound identity, offering a rich palette of musical colours with oriental nuances.
b. Musical use of the Phrygian mode
The dominant Phrygian mode is remarkably flexible, adapting easily to a variety of musical expressions. To begin with, one technique is to play a note in eighth-note value, while modulating the other notes in the scale to create ascending or descending movements. This method opens up a wide range of rhythmic and melodic expression.
What's more, integrating the steel pan into an instrumental ensemble, by highlighting the Hijaz scale, enriches the sound fabric and underlines the uniqueness of this scale. This collaborative approach highlights the compatibility of the Hijaz scale with other instruments, opening up new creative perspectives for musicians seeking to fuse musical tradition and innovation.
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In conclusion
The Hijaz scale on the handpan is a gateway to a rich and enchanting musical world. Combining oriental tradition and contemporary expression, it offers musicians the chance to explore unique sonorities and plunge into a rare emotional depth. Embrace the magic of the Hijaz scale to enrich your musical practice and travel through the mystical sounds that link the past to the present.
Explore oriental sounds with our Hijaz handpans. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Hijaz scale and let yourself be transported by its melodious, vibrant sounds.
Discover our collection of Hijaz handpans and find the ideal instrument to express your creativity and travel to new musical horizons.
FAQs
1. What is the Hijaz scale on a handpan?
The Hijaz scale on a handpan is known for its mystical and exotic sound, often including notes like D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B, C, and D. It originates from Arabian music traditions and is popular for its melodic richness.
2. How does the Arabian Hijaz scale sound on a handpan?
The Arabian Hijaz scale on a handpan produces a hauntingly beautiful sound, characterized by its unique intervals and tonal qualities. It resonates with the rich musical heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.
3. What are the characteristics of the Hijaz scale?
The Hijaz scale features a distinctive pattern of intervals that create a dramatic and evocative atmosphere. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern music for its expressive and emotional impact.
4. What scale does a handpan use?
A handpan can use various scales, including the Hijaz scale, which offers a mystical and melodious sound. Other popular scales include D minor, Celtic minor, and Pygmy among others, each with its own unique character and musical potential.