The Beginner's Guide to Playing the Handpan

You would have heard the enchanting music produced by cosmos handpan but do you know how to play it? You might be thinking that it’s hard to learn this instrument but it’s not the reality. Playing a cosmos handpan is much easier than any other musical instrument. You can just put a little effort into creating harmonious voices with the cosmos handpan.

So…this guide is expanded for you to learn the basics of playing the Cosmos handpan if you are a beginner or want to buy this enchanting musical instrument. Let’s follow the footprints of this guide to learn insights about beautiful music produced by handpan.

Why Playing the Cosmos Handpan?

The Cosmos handpan is a captivating instrument. It is also known as the handpan drum or hang drum. It offers a distinctive musical encounter that no other instrument will give you. Moreover, it produces a calming yet engaging sound that sets it apart from traditional percussion instruments while blending melody and rhythm.

Its intuitive design and limited note range make it surprisingly accessible, even for those new to this unique music. Interestingly, you can quickly grasp playing with musical notation with consistent practice. In simple words, it’s a door to creative expression and the joy of crafting your own unique soundscapes.

Let’s Get Started:

It’s time to start playing your favorite Cosmos handpan. Here are the essential steps to begin with:

1. Set Up Your Cosmos Handpan:

First of all, choose a very comfortable position for yourself before setting up the handpan. You can choose to play seated or standing, whichever feels most natural. If seated, cradle the handpan in your lap while resting it flat on your crossed legs.

Alternatively, use a stand to support the instrument. You can adjust it to a comfortable height – below 60 cm for seated play or above 95 cm for standing. This thoughtful setup will help you to focus on the music. At the same time, you will free your hands to move across the surface of the handpan.

Then, accelerate your handpan learning process with a clever hack: numbered note stickers. Write the note numbers on stickers and place them on the corresponding tone fields of your handpan. These visual stickers will help you quickly identify and memorize the notes.

To set up, you can position the two largest low-tone fields (A3 and Bb3) directly in front of you. This practice will create a clear and intuitive playing landscape. So, you can focus on developing your technique and exploring the handpan’s sonic possibilities with these stickers.

2. Basic Techniques to Play Handpan:

You can use your fingertips to develop your handpan technique. For the first time playing with a handpan, start with your bare index finger. You should utilize the most agile portion of the first joint – the fingertip. It will help you to strike the tone fields’ resonant areas with gentle precision.

Just dedicate a few days to mastering this fundamental technique. Also, allow your fingers to develop flexibility, intuition, and a profound connection with the handbag instrument. Then, introduce your thumb to the handpan’s resonant tones after mastering the index finger.

Mirror the index finger technique by using the first joint of your thumb to strike the tone fields with precision and control. This expansion will enhance hand coordination, dexterity, and bilateral playing capabilities. So, you’ll discover new sonic textures, rhythmic dynamics, and expressive depth after the integration of the thumb technique into your practice. It will further enrich your hands-on experience.

3. Striking the Instrument:

Let’s discover the sonic core of the cosmos handpan. It is present in the revered “Ding” tone which is usually nestled in or near the center of the instrument. Strike the most pronounced point at the center of the top layer with precision and intention to awaken this fundamental “Ding” sound.

This sweet spot, when activated, produces a rich tone that embodies the essence of the handpan. If you learn and master the “Ding” tone, you will be successful in establishing a strong foundation for your musical journey. Then, uncover the surrounding circular tone fields.

You will produce a more precise pitch and effortless sound production if you strike these areas with pure intention. These tone fields, like ripples on a pond, emanate from the center. They offer a wealth of tonal colors and textures to enrich your musical expression. As you master the circular tone fields, your handpan playing will blossom with captivating beauty.

Last but not least, learn the “Gu” technique. Strike the bottom of the handpan for distinctive effects. This technique will add depth and complexity to your soundscapes. Then, investigate unconventional playing methods, such as using the sides or edges, to create more refreshing tones.

In conclusion, you will join the ranks of visionary handpan players if you practice these advanced techniques. You will be the one who knows how to push the boundaries of this captivating instrument.