The handpan, a fascinating musical instrument, is winning over a global audience with its rich sound, combining melodies, harmonies and rhythms. Despite its recent introduction, this percussion instrument offers unrivalled versatility. For musicians of all levels, mastering the handpan requires a refined technique.
This article reveals methods for perfecting your playing, from holding the instrument correctly to executing sophisticated scales. Explore advanced strategies for enriching your musicality and tips for growing your practice. Prepare to excel in the art of the hang drum.
Read: The complete guide to choosing your first handpan
1. What is a handpan and how does it work?
The handpan is a hollow-bellied percussion instrument that can be mistaken for a flying saucer, and rightly so. It consists of two half-shells made of steel or other metal that have been hammered and shaped by hand to create a series of notes.
The handpan can be played standing up or sitting down, on the floor, on one's own legs or on a suitable stand. To produce sounds with a hang, the player must strike the notes with his or her fingers, palms or playing sticks.
There are different striking and pressure techniques. The handpan is capable of producing a range of melodic and harmonic notes, making it a versatile instrument that can be used to play music of many different kinds.
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2. Why is playing technique important for the handpan?
Playing technique is important because it allows you to take full advantage of all the possibilities offered by this instrument. By mastering the different striking techniques, you will be able to produce a wide range of sounds and notes, giving you the opportunity to play many styles of music and create original compositions.
Here's a video of a perfect example of a beginner's technique from Thierry Bleton
What's more, a good playing technique will enable you to play smoothly and musically, which is crucial to achieving good results when playing solo or in a group. It will also help you produce quality sounds and avoid mistakes and technical problems that can spoil your performance.
Finally, playing technique is important for the handpan because it allows you to develop your creativity and musical expression. By mastering different playing techniques, you'll be able to play more freely and explore new musical ideas. This will help you to progress as a musician and find your own way in the world of the handpan.
3. The basics of handpan technique
a. How to hold the instrument
The way you hold your handpan is important for playing comfortably and effectively. There are many ways to hold the instrument, but here are some general tips:
- Sit comfortably and place the handpan in front of you. You can place it on your thighs, on a stand or on a flat surface. If you place it on your lap, make sure that the instrument does not touch any other part of your body, as this could absorb the vibrations and reduce the intensity of the notes played.
- Make sure that your hands are at a comfortable distance from each other and that you can easily reach all the notes on the instrument. All the notes should be easily accessible so that you can play without limiting the instrument's potential.
- It is important to note that each player has his or her own way of holding the instrument and that what suits one player may not necessarily suit another. The best way to find the playing position that suits you best is to practise and find out what suits you best.
b. How do you strike notes and produce sounds?
To produce sounds with your handpan, you can use your fingers, palms or mallets. The technique you use will depend on the sound you want to produce. For example, you can strike a note with your fingertips to produce a clear, crystalline sound, or with the flat of your hand to produce a duller, lower-pitched sound.
Here are a few more tips to help you produce sounds with your handpan:
- Experiment with the different notes on the instrument to find the ones that suit you best and produce the sounds you want to play. Each hang is unique and has its own scale of notes and sounds, so take the time to discover all that your instrument has to offer.
- Don't give up! Practise regularly to improve your playing technique. The more you practise, the more skilful you'll become with your instrument. We're convinced that after just a few hours' practice, you'll notice the difference. Your playing will become more fluid and more pleasing to the ear.
- Listen to other handpan players and try to reproduce their playing techniques. This will help you discover new ways of producing sounds and playing the instrument. You can also watch videos online to discover different playing techniques and get inspired by the way other musicians play the handpan.
c. How do I play harmonics and scales?
Harmonics and scales are essential elements of handpan playing technique. They allow you to develop your musical ear and agility, and to familiarise yourself with the different notes on the instrument.
Here are some tips for playing scales on your handpan:
- Start by learning the scale for your instrument (D minor for most handpan models). This will help you familiarise yourself with the notes and develop your musical ear.
- Pay attention to the accuracy of the notes you play. Make sure you hit each note accurately to get the right sound that's pleasing to the ear.
- Use a metronome if necessary to maintain a regular rhythm and work on your rhythmic accuracy.
As well as working on your scales, it's important to develop your ability to improvise and the fluidity of your playing. To do this, you can :
- Learn pieces from the repertoire or compositions specially written for the handpan.
- Create your own compositions using the techniques and scales you have learned.
- Experiment with different styles of music and phrasing to find what suits you best and have fun playing.
In summary, to become a better handpan player, it's important to work on harmonics and scales, but also to develop your ability to play songs and compositions, and to express your musicality.
4. Advanced handpan techniques
Once you've mastered the basics of handpan technique, you can explore more advanced techniques to improve your playing and produce even more complex and interesting sounds.
Here are some advanced handpan playing techniques you can explore:
- Slap techniques
By using sweeping movements with your wrist, you can produce percussive sounds by striking the notes in a fast, dry way. This technique is particularly useful for adding intensity and punch to your tunes.
- Vibrato
By making notes vibrate, you can give them more expressiveness and warmth. To produce a vibrato, you can use different techniques, such as sliding your fingers over the notes or waving your hand over the note you've just struck.
- Slides
By gliding your fingers over the notes, you can produce smoother, more fluid sounds. You can use this technique to add coherence to your pieces and to move smoothly from one note to the next.
5. How do I play the handpan with other instruments?
Let's start with this wonderful example of combining the handpan with the Udu.
Enjoy the result for yourself
Playing the handpan with other instruments can be a very rewarding and creative experience. It allows you to discover new sounds and create original compositions by combining the different musical properties of your instruments.
Here are a few tips to help you play the hang drum harmoniously with other instruments:
- The steel hang drum is mainly used as a "background instrument", creating a musical atmosphere and accompanying instruments that are naturally more present (piano, violin, guitar).
- Practise regularly with your fellow musicians to develop your synchronisation and precision. If you're playing established pieces, make sure you know the sheet music (or keep it in front of you).
- Be creative and flexible by trying new things and adapting your playing to the needs of the composition. Improvisation is an important part of all hang players. Don't be too hard on yourself and let the magic of the handpan work its magic.
Discover our exclusive collection of handpans to enrich your musical experience in harmony with other instruments. Visit our shop now to find your perfect musical partner!
6. Summary of the essential techniques for mastering the Handpan
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
|
Hand positioning |
Keep your hands relaxed for optimum resonance and avoid tiring. |
|
Typing notes |
Use your fingertips to strike the notes gently and precisely. |
|
Rhythmic play |
Incorporate a variety of rhythmic patterns to enrich your musical compositions. |
| Improvisation | Practise improvisation to explore sonic possibilities and develop your own unique style. |
|
Handpan maintenance |
Clean your handpan regularly with a soft cloth and protect it from extreme weather conditions. |
This chart aims to provide a clear understanding of the fundamentals for advanced handpan mastery, ensuring smooth progression in your musical practice.
Master the handpan with our essential techniques. Browse our comprehensive guide and start your musical journey today! And if you're already ready to start your musical adventure, explore our full collection here!
Conclusion
You can explore a number of advanced techniques to improve your playing and produce more complex and interesting sounds. As well as working on your playing technique, it's important to continue developing your musical ear and creativity. Listen to music, reproduce the phrasing and techniques you hear, and try to create your own pieces using the different scales and techniques you've learned.
FAQs
1. What are some advanced techniques for mastering the handpan?
Advanced techniques include ghost notes, harmonics, polyrhythms, and intricate hand movements, enhancing musical expression and complexity.
2. How can mastering advanced techniques improve your handpan playing?
Mastering advanced techniques allows for greater musical creativity, dynamic range, and precision in playing the handpan.
3. How does handpan tuning affect its sound quality?
Handpan tuning influences its resonance, pitch accuracy, and harmonic richness, crucial for achieving desired musical tones.
4. What are the benefits of using different scales on the handpan?
Different scales offer varying moods and musical possibilities, allowing players to explore diverse genres and expressivity in their compositions.
5. How do handpan players incorporate percussive elements into their playing?
Percussive elements like taps, slaps, and finger snaps add rhythmic texture and dynamics to handpan music, enhancing its rhythmic complexity.
6. What resources are available to help in mastering advanced handpan techniques?
Online tutorials, workshops, and advanced handpan courses offer comprehensive guidance and practice exercises to refine your skills and technique effectively.