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The D Kurd Scale: Everything You Need to Know About this Handpan Scale

If you’ve been curious about the Handpan and have been looking through information regarding this unique musical instrument, you will no doubt have come across the D Kurd scale.

Known for its captivating and mysterious sound, this scale offers a unique blend of mystery and beauty.

In this article, we’ll dive into what makes the D Kurd scale so special, why it’s a favorite among Handpan players, and how it could just be the right Handpan scale for you!


Introduction to the D Kurd Scale

Highly regarded by professionals for its emotional depth, and also the most common choice among first-time players, the D Kurd or D Minor scale is arguably the single most popular scale among Handpan musicians.



With a sound that is described as both melancholy yet uplifting, as well as as sentimental yet  bittersweet, the tones produced by the D Kurd scale strike deep at the very heart of the musician’s soul and has the ability to take one through the entire spectrum of human emotions.



It is no wonder at all that this versatile tuning has been embraced and loved by the entire handpan community due to its profound, evocative qualities.



Name and Origins of the D Kurd Scale

The D Kurd scale gets is name from Arabic music theory, specifically from the Kurdish scale commonly found in classical Middle Eastern music. 
The Kurdish scale closely resembles and is directly derived from the D minor scale in Western music theory, and shares the profound emotional depth of sound.

This connection to both Eastern and Western traditions gives the D Kurd scale a unique blend of cultural richness and musical expression, fitting for an instrument that is loved by musicians all across the globe.

Musical Characteristics of the D Kurd Scale



The D Kurd scale is one of the most popular choices for Handpan players, and a huge reason for that is due to its unique musical properties. 

Aside from its intuitive note layout and harmonious sound, it is also very versatile for those who wish to experiment with different playing techniques. Here, we’ll explore more.

Handpan Layout of the D Kurd Scale

Handpans in the D Kurd scale come in either 9-note or 10-note configurations, with the central note, or Ding, being “D”. In this article, we’ve prepared supporting diagrams to better help understand how the notes are arranged.

On the left of each diagram, you’ll find the numerical sequence of notes overlaid on the image of the Handpan, arranged in ascending order of the scale.

On the right, the note names are presented in Tablature format for easy identification.

9-Note D Kurd Handpan

(D) | A | Bb | C | D | E | F | G | A
 |

10-Note D Kurd Handpan

(D) | A | Bb | C | D | E | F | G | A
 | C

D Kurd Playing Techniques

Due to the way the notes are distributed across the Handpan, as well as how the intervals are spaced between each other in this scale, it is very difficult to create clashing tones and dissonant harmonies.

The layout of a D Kurd Handpan allows for a natural melodic flow, making it easy to produce pleasing harmonies as long as the notes are being played with a proper touch. With the exception of “A” and “Bb”, all the notes in sequence of each other produce a harmonious and consonant sound.

The D Kurd handpan also lends itself well to more percussive or rhythmic playing styles.
Due to the the tonality of the D Kurd scale, the overtones produced by each note naturally complement one another, even when using a drum-like technique.

What this means is that when the notes reverberate together, the sustain of these notes create a natural harmony and do not sound “harsh” or unpleasant.

It is because of this versatility and naturally pleasant harmonics that the D Kurd scale is often recommended for complete beginners, who wish to take a more casual and intuitive approach to exploring the Handpan, without going too deep into a strict practice regimen.

Watch these demos of the D Kurd scale being played on a 9-note and 10-note handpan:

9-Note D Kurd Handpan

10-Note D Kurd Handpan

D Kurd and its Emotive Qualities

Music speaks what cannot be expressed” – Unknown Author

Similar in essence to the Kurdish folk songs from which the name D Kurd is derived, the melodies composed and improvised on this handpan often inspire feelings of longing, introspection, and “what if?”

The presence of the Bb so early in D Kurd’s sequence of notes makes this scale even darker and more mysterious than the natural D minor scale. Usually, when played on a linear scale, Bb is at the sixth degree of the D Minor scale. Its presence as the third note in the layout of a D Kurd Handpan makes it much more noticeable, and adds a stronger melancholic feeling to the progression of the notes.

The D Kurd handpan has a particularly introspective sound. As such, this would be a particularly wonderful scale for those who wish to use sound as a tool to explore their inner world and gain a better understanding of themselves through meditation, as well as other spiritual and holistic practices.

Should I get a D Kurd Handpan?

Unlike more “otherworldly” scales, the D Kurd still keeps a sense of groundedness due to how closely it aligns with Western musical conventions. This makes the D Kurd an ideal choice for those of us who have a background in Western music, whether it be classical, jazz, rock, or pop.

Due to the familiar notes in this scale, a trained musician can certainly make the most out of D Kurd’s many musical possibilities in their performances and improvisations.

However, since the D Kurd is such an intuitive scale to play and extremely accessible due to its forgiving nature, this scale would be just as suitable for those starting their handpan journey, as well as for those who wish to use the instrument for purely holistic purposes.


Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned musician or a newcomer to the world of Handpans, choosing a D Kurd Handpan is sure to be a decision you won’t regret. Its versatility and accessibility make it an instrument that will grow with you, offering endless creative potential and a deeply satisfying playing experience.

To Conclude

With its evocative and enchanting tones, the D Kurd scale is sure to mesmerize you with its mysterious and yet intimate sound. Its versatility makes it equally suited for meditative practices, music performance as well as personal enjoyment.

The scale offers enough to keep experienced players engaged, while remaining approachable for those new to this instrument.

Browse through our selection of D Kurd handpans here, and as always, please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!

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