What Frequency is My Handpan: Handpan Tunings and Frequencies Explained

Anyone interested in handpan music has likely come across the term "frequency" or "tuning" when referring to a handpan. 440Hz and 432Hz are the most common frequencies that one would come across in the handpan world. But what does this "frequency" actually mean? We have written this post to give a detailed explanation about this topic to help you further understand the matter and make an informed choice when choosing your handpan.

What is Frequency in Music?

Sound is created by vibrations traveling through the air. In music, frequency refers to the number of these vibrations (or cycles) that occur per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). When a handpan note vibrates, it creates a sound wave – the faster it vibrates, the higher the pitch we hear.

For example:

• A low note might vibrate at 220 Hz (220 cycles per second)
• A higher note might vibrate at 880 Hz (880 cycles per second)

Understanding Musical Tuning

Musical tuning is the system of establishing the precise frequency for each note in a scale. Each note has a specific frequency relationship with other notes, creating what we recognize as scales and harmonies. These relationships follow mathematical ratios that have been refined over centuries of musical development.

The Reference Note System

Here's where A4 comes in – and this is crucial for handpan players to understand:

• A4 (the A note in the fourth octave) serves as a global reference point for tuning ALL instruments
• When someone mentions "440 Hz tuning," they're referring to A4 being tuned to 440 Hz
• This reference frequency sets the foundation for calculating the frequencies of ALL other notes

Important Clarification for Handpan Players

Here's something that often confuses new handpan enthusiasts: Your handpan might not even have an A4 note on it! This is perfectly normal and doesn't affect the tuning system. Think of A4=440 Hz as the "North Star" of tuning:

• If your handpan's central note (ding) is E4, its exact frequency is calculated based on its relationship to A4=440 Hz
• A handpan in E4 will be around 330 Hz because that's the mathematically correct frequency for E4 when A4=440 Hz is used as the reference

How Notes Relate to Each Other

Every note's frequency has a mathematical relationship to other notes:

• Going up one octave doubles the frequency
• Going down one octave halves the frequency
• Moving up or down by other intervals follows specific ratios

For example, if A4 = 440 Hz:

• A5 (one octave higher) = 880 Hz
• A3 (one octave lower) = 220 Hz
• E4 (a perfect fifth down from A4) ≈ 330 Hz

Practical Example for Handpans

Let's say you're ordering a handpan in D minor with these notes: D4, F4, A4, C5, D5:

• If it's tuned to "440 Hz standard":
• A4 would be exactly 440 Hz
• D4 would be approximately 293.66 Hz
• F4 would be approximately 349.23 Hz
• C5 would be approximately 523.25 Hz
• D5 would be approximately 587.33 Hz

Even if your handpan doesn't include A4, all notes are still mathematically derived from that A4=440 Hz reference point.

Different Reference Standards

While 440 Hz is the most common standard today, other reference frequencies exist:

• 432 Hz (A4 = 432 Hz)
• 444 Hz (A4 = 444 Hz)

Each of these standards simply shifts all note frequencies proportionally, maintaining the same mathematical relationships between notes.

Impact on Your Handpan

The reference frequency choice affects:

1. How your handpan will sound with other instruments
2. The absolute pitch of all notes on your instrument
3. The overall resonance characteristics

For most players, the most important consideration is matching the tuning standard of the instruments you'll be playing with most often.

Conclusion

Understanding frequency and tuning helps you make informed decisions about your handpan and communicate effectively with makers and other musicians. Remember: while A4 might not be on your handpan, its reference frequency is crucial for establishing the exact pitch of every note that is on your instrument. This standardization ensures that handpans can be played harmoniously with other instruments and with each other.

At NovaPans Australia we offer handpans tuned to both 440Hz and 432Hz, the two most common tunings. Each frequency has its own special resonant characteristics to explore. You can read our article comparing the two frequencies for more information about which one is right for you, and you can shop our handpan collection to see our lovely handpans in both frequencies!