So you’ve just gotten your first handpan and you can’t wait to get started!
Before you begin your sonic journey with this incredible instrument, check out my 6 key tips for first-time handpan players that will help you get off to a smooth start:
1. Striking Technique: Start with relaxed hands and use the fleshy parts of your fingers or thumbs to strike the notes. Avoid using fingernails or rings, as these can damage the instrument.
You don’t need to use much force when striking the notes to get a good sound. Make sure to remove your finger after striking so that the sound is not muted. To help me remember this I just imagine that the handpan is a hot plate!
The ding is the easiest to get a sound out of - practice striking that first. After you can strike the notes, which sound best when striking the “avocado pit” edge of the note.
2. Rhythms and Grooves: Work on building some basic rhythms and grooves around the ding. This is the next step after you have the striking technique down.
If you’ve come from a percussion background, this will likely be intuitive. But for other players you might need a bit of practice before this comes naturally.
3. Scales and Patterns: Familiarize yourself with the scale and notes on your handpan. Most are arranged in a circular pattern, with the lowest note in the center.
There are an unlimited number of pattern combinations you can learn, but patterns based around three notes are easiest to start with, with the ding as the center note. As you get comfortable applying the rhythms you learn to play basic three-note patterns you can start to include more notes.
4. Start Slow: Begin with simple patterns and gradually increase complexity. Focus on clean, clear tones rather than speed. As you get more comfortable playing patterns, speed will come naturally.
5. Maintenance: A very important but often overlooked aspect of handpan ownership. You’ve just invested in an instrument and of course you want it to last! Here are some basic maintenance techniques that will take you a long way in protecting your pan:
- Keep your handpan away from strong sunlight, heat, cold or moisture
- Wipe down your pan with a microfibre cloth regularly, and apply handpan oil such as Phoenix Oil occasionally to prevent rust, especially with a Nitrided Steel pan
- If your handpan is on a stand, make sure it is somewhere you won’t bump into it! I speak from experience, it is not pleasant to knock into your pan accidentally and have it fall on the ground
- If you place your handpan on the ground, never place it with the ding facing downwards
6. Explore, and Relax! : Experiment with different areas of the handpan and playing techniques - taps, knocks and slaps. There is no right way to play the handpan, and the real beauty of the instrument is the freedom of expression that you have to produce a wide variety of amazing sounds.
While it is important to practice scales and patterns as I mentioned above, it is equally important to relax and enjoy yourself when playing. That will allow you to loosen up and really flow with the music. You will soon be playing in a way you can’t believe and truly embracing the magic of this instrument.
I hope you have found these 6 tips for getting started with the handpan useful. This is purely based on my own experience learning the instrument, and I hope through sharing I can make the beginning of your handpan adventure as enjoyable as possible.
At NovaPans Australia we have a variety of resources available for learning the handpan including song tutorials and a handpan course created by David from NovaPans. And if you don’t yet have a handpan, you can check out our selection of handpans crafted for beginners and pros alike.
Enjoy and Happy Playing!