Named after the balance of night and day that happens twice a year in Autumn and Spring, the Equinox scale offers Handpan players a rich, introspective sound.

With its unique blend of darkness and light, this variation of a minor scale has captured the hearts of musicians seeking a dreamy, contemplative playing experience.

In this article, we’ll explore the musical characteristics of the Equinox scale, what makes it special and different from other Handpan scales, and whether you too should add an Equinox Handpan to your collection!

Introduction to the Equinox Scale

Although less common than other, more “mainstream” scales, the Equinox is still deeply loved within the Handpan community by those who discover its sound.

The Equinox scale offers a unique musical experience that sets it apart from more traditional handpan tunings, one that lives just as much in the shadows as it does in the light.With its dreamy and contemplative nature, this scale  creates a perfect balance between melancholy and hope, darkness and light.

While it might not be the most popular choice for first-time handpan players, the Equinox has gained a devoted following among musicians who appreciate its subtle emotional depth and unique sonic character which we will explore further in this article.

Name and Origins of the Equinox Scale

Unlike several other Handpan scales, such as the D Kurd and Hijaz which were named with very specific cultural and regional origins in mind,  the name “Equinox” is a more abstract and poetic description of what this scale wishes to achieve.


The Equinox scale is named after the natural phenomenon of the same name, when day and night are perfectly balanced.

This name is most fitting for this scale in particular, considering how it includes both major and minor tonalities within the same scale, while remaining predominantly minor in its sound.

This name was chosen out of a desire to evoke a melancholy and introspective sound, calling forth elements of both the Light and the Dark within a single, immersive musical experience  – one that feels pensive, yet hopeful at the same time.

Musical Characteristics of the Equinox Scale

Outside of the handpan community, “Equinox” is not a recognized scale, mode, or tuning in mainstream music-theory. Because of this, there is a little more freedom when it comes to this scale due to how loosely it is defined, and Handpan-makers often add their own unique interpretations when it comes to the layout and intervals.

In other words, there are no strict standardized notes that universally define the Equinox scale, unlike more established scales such as the D Kurd or Hijaz. That said, there are a few defining elements of the Equinox scale that gives it its unique sound.

Tonal Structure of the Equinox Scale

Even though the Equinox scale is essentially a minor scale, its open structure makes it feel less heavy than most other minor scales.

While the minor third and perfect fifth intervals are usually (but not always) present in this scale, other scales such as the second, or the fourth, are often omitted, giving the Equinox a slightly “sweeter” sound compared to very heavy minor scales such as the D Kurd.

Most Equinox handpans follow a hexatonic scale structure, which means there are six core notes. While this is a typical feature of the Equinox handpans, some Handpan-makers take special liberties with this, and add a seventh note – creating a heptatonic scale instead.

While different Handpan makers omit different scale degrees and tweak the harmonics within an Equinox scale, what makes it characteristically ‘Equinox’ is its bittersweet, melancholic nature, that is dark and yet relatively gentle, creating a sound that is soft and introspective instead of harsh and dramatic.

Ultimately, the Equinox scale is less of a standardized tuning, and more of an abstract, open concept within the Handpan community.

Handpan Layout of the Equinox Scale

Since the Equinox scale has no standardized tuning, and is more of a stylistic label rather than a fixed set of intervals, Handpan makers interpret the layouts in their own way. Because of this, two Equinox handpans made by different makers can have entirely different layouts, even if they are in the same key.

While the layouts may vary depending on the maker, the vast majority of Equinox handpans have a 9-note configuration. However, there are a few which have 8 notes, and some with 10 notes or even more.

In the diagrams below, the sequence of notes, in ascending order of the scale, is overlaid on the image of the Handpan on the left, while the names of each note are presented in tablature format on the right.

The two examples listed are of the most common layouts for a 9-note E Equinox handpan, and a 9-note F Equinox handpan.

9-Note E Equinox Handpan

9-Note F Equinox Handpan

Equinox Handpan Playing Techniques

The Equinox scale invites an intuitive playing style, perfect for musicians who enjoy improvisation. The bittersweet tones create slow, contemplative moments that lend itself beautifully in melodic playing styles.

With its deeply introspective sound, musicians often find that gentle strikes work best for this scale. Smooth transitions between notes are important when creating the soft, melancholic atmosphere that the Equinox scale is known for. Because of this, familiarizing oneself with the layout of the Handpan is important when playing this scale.

Due to the scale’s open-ended structure, absolute beginners might need more time to develop a sense of melody when playing this scale, as the harmonies in an Equinox are not as easily resolved as more traditional scales like the D Kurd. Because of this, it may be challenging at first to create coherent melodies, at least, until the proper familiarity has been developed.  Unlike more structured scales like the D Kurd, the sustain can easily become overwhelmed with clashing overtones if the notes are not well-selected.

Unlike more structured scales like the Hijaz, the Equinox requires a good ear and the ability to choose the right notes while playing each melodic line, as the Equinox’s open-ended structure can lead to unexpected harmonics in the sustain.

While this scale is still perfectly fine for beginners, it may require more deliberate practice for those who are still quite new to the Handpan, and may be more suitable for intermediate and advanced players who have developed the skill to easily navigate these challenges.

Although a percussive playing-style is of course possible with the Equinox, the somewhat melancholy nature of this scale does mean it is more suitable for slower, melodic playing styles instead. Fast, drum-like techniques may feel less intuitive on this scale compared to more rhythmically structured scales, such as the Pygmy scale.

The Melancholy Sound of the Equinox Scale

Just like the celestial event that marks the balance between day and night, the Equinox scale holds this same delicate balance in its tones. While it does not sink too deep into heaviness and sorrow, at the same time, it doesn’t quite stay stuck in a flighty, saccharine feeling either.

Instead, it occupies a unique emotional space, one that somehow feels both melancholic and hopeful at the same time – just like catching a glimpse of the blue hour of dawn when the world is still asleep, but the day is about to rise.

While the D Kurd pulls you into a deep sense of yearning, and the Hijaz creates a sense of grandeur with its heightened drama, the Equinox invites a more quiet, more sensitive sort of reflection.

Is the Equinox Handpan right for me?

The Equinox scale is best suited for players who wish to create deeply expressive, introspective sounds. With its soft and melancholy tones, this scale naturally lends itself to slow and melodic playing styles. 

This makes it a perfect choice for those who enjoy mindful improvisation, meditative music, or sentimental musical compositions.  Its bittersweet tonality makes it ideal for introspective musicians, sound healers, and anyone looking to create atmospheric, emotionally rich music.

That said, the Equinox is not for everyone. 

While the Equinox is prized for its day-dreamy, free-flowing quality,  it may be less intuitive for players who prefer a percussion-friendly scale such as the Pygmy. 

Also, if you’re looking for your very first Handpan and only plan on owning one, the Equinox might not be the most versatile option. Its open-ended nature and subtle harmonic movement make it a bit more “niche” than other, more common scales, and this would necessitate more practice from those who are still new to the instrument.

However, for those who already have a Handpan and want to explore a more melancholy style of music, the Equinox would be an excellent addition to your collection.

For those who resonate with its haunting yet gentle nature, the Equinox offers a truly unique playing experience.

To Conclude

Through its unconventional tuning, the Equinox scale offers handpan players a unique blend of darkness and light. While its unusual interval structure may take time to master, this scale rewards musicians with its introspective sound that other scales don’t quite capture with the same thoughtfulness. For those who appreciate contemplative music-making, the Equinox provides a beautiful addition to any handpan collection.


If you would like to look through our collection of handpans, you’ll find them here. And as always, if you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we’ll be glad to help.