The handpan, also known as the “hang drum” or “hang”, is a percussion musical instrument that has recently gained in popularity among musicians, but not exclusively. With its unique sound and ability to produce both metallic and melodic tones, it has become a popular choice for music lovers of all levels.

However, to master the handpan, it’s important to understand basic playing techniques, to use music sheets and tablature, and to understand some basic music theory. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to be able to play the handpan with confidence.

We’ll also give you tips on how to keep progressing and discover new styles of music using your handpan. If you’re interested in learning this fascinating instrument, then this article is for you.

Basic handpan playing techniques

The basic techniques for playing the handpan are essential for mastering this instrument. It’s important to understand how to hold the instrument correctly, how to position your hands and the different types of strike required to produce quality sounds. To begin with, it’s best to concentrate on simple techniques. Don’t try to hit your instrument randomly, but focus instead on producing a single sound that is clear and accurate.

It’s also important to develop good technique with your fingers and understand how to produce clean sounds. It’s also important to understand the distribution of notes on the instrument so that you can play the songs with fluidity. A beginner’s handpan will have fewer notes than a professional handpan. So you need to understand how your instrument works and the sounds your hang drum can produce.

By practising the basic techniques regularly, you will be able to improve your handpan playing and play increasingly complex compositions. It’s also important to keep learning new techniques so that you can continue to progress and explore new styles of music.

Please note that these basic techniques are the foundations for being able to progress and play more complex compositions, so it’s important to master them before focusing on other aspects of learning the handpan. If you want to become a handpan master, you can find out about all the advanced techniques by reading this article.

Handpan & Music Theory

Music theory is an important tool for playing the hang drum, as it helps you to understand the musical structure of the songs. It is useful to understand the basics of music theory, such as notes, keys and frames, in order to be able to read music sheets effectively. Many handpan players choose not to take an interest in music theory, but it’s an important part of improving your understanding of the instrument, so it would be a pity to ignore it.

Using music theory, you’ll also be able to understand how different notes and scales work together to create melodies. It will also help you to understand chords and chord progressions, enabling you to play more complex compositions.

It is important to practise music theory regularly so that you can put it into practice when you play the handpan. It’s also a good idea to find suitable music sheets so that you can practise reading them effectively. By studying music theory effectively and regularly, you can improve your handpan playing and explore new styles of music.

What is a handpan partition? What does it look like?

A handpan score is a document containing the information needed to play a piece of music. It can include indications of tempo, dynamics, playing style and musical notation. Handpan scores can be written for different types of handpan and for different levels of playing, from beginners to experienced players.

Handpan music sheets generally look like partitions for other instruments, with horizontal lines representing the different notes and symbols to indicate tempo and dynamics. Handpan sheets may include indications of playing style and annotations to make the reading of the music sheet easier.

There are various concepts you need to know in order to read and play handpan sheet music, such as musical notes, scales, chords, armatures and commonly used notation symbols. It is also important to understand the musical structure of a song so that you can play the sheet music smoothly and accurately.

In a nutshell, it looks like this:

You can’t make much sense of it? No problem, the tablatures should help you see things a lot more clearly!

How do I choose music sheets for my handpan?

Choosing the right handpan music sheets is crucial if you want to make progress in learning this instrument. It’s important to take into account your own playing level, musical preferences and level of music theory before starting to read any music sheets.

It’s also important to start with simple music sheets to familiarise yourself with the basic playing techniques before moving on to more complex pieces. It’s also very important to choose music sheets that suit your own musical tastes and sensibilities, to ensure that you really enjoy playing them. Whether it’s a simple cover of famous music or meditative music, don’t limit yourself to a single genre and keep experimenting.

The handpan being a relatively new instrument, it can sometimes be complicated to find music sheets. There are a number of specialised websites and forums where enthusiasts share their own discoveries.

Handpan Tablatures

Handpan tablatures are undoubtedly the most practical tool for learning to play this instrument. They generally show the whole hang drum and the notes you’ll need to hit. In a nutshell: tablatures give you a visual indication of which note you need to play, just like a rhythm video game.

Easier to read and understand than music sheets, tablatures are a solution that will allow you to write down your own melodies or to play without having any notion of music theory. At Handpan-Store we provide you with free handpan tablatures that you can print out directly. You can find them by clicking on the table below:

It is also important to understand how the different notes are arranged on the instrument so that you can find them easily using tablature. Tablatures can also include indications of tempo and articulation to help you play the songs smoothly and accurately.

There are different tablatures for each type of handpan, so it’s important to choose tablatures adapted to your own instrument so that you can use them effectively. By using handpan tablature, you will increase your level of playing and your sense of rhythm.

How do I use handpan tablatures?

Handpan tablatures are a great visual help, particularly suitable for beginners. Using them couldn’t be easier: simply print out the tablature that suits you from the table above, according to the number of notes on your handpan, and mark the notes you want to play directly on your sheet.

This method can also be used to introduce children to this very special saucer-shaped instrument. Just look at the colours and strike the corresponding note directly on your instrument – it’s that simple!

/!\ Please note : tablatures cannot be used to mark the rhythm and tempo of a musical composition. It is a simplified aid that will mainly help you remember the order of notes to strike during your playing session.

At Handpan-Store we’re pretty cool so we’ve put together a tablature so you can play the Harry Potter theme song with your 10 notes D Minor handpan :

Common mistakes beginners make when playing the handpan and how to avoid them

It’s normal to make mistakes when learning to play the handpan, but it’s important to understand them so you can avoid them. Here are some common mistakes beginners make when playing the hang and how to avoid them.

• First of all, one of the most common mistakes is not holding the instrument correctly. It’s important to hold the hang horizontally, with both hands in a symmetrical position, so that you can play the notes accurately. Make sure you keep a good distance between your hands and the instrument to avoid producing unwanted sounds.

• Secondly, many beginners tend to hit the notes too hard. It’s important to understand that the handpan is a delicate percussion instrument, and that notes can be produced with light strokes. To produce clear, precise sounds, it’s important to work on your striking technique, using light strokes and gradually increasing the strength.

• It is also common for beginners to play the notes of the handpan randomly. It is important to understand the musical structure of a song so that you can play the partitions smoothly and accurately. It is therefore advisable to focus on one sound at a time, and to keep working on it until it is clear and precise enough before moving on to other notes.

• Finally, another common mistake is not practising enough. As with any instrument, practice is essential to master the handpan. It’s important to devote regular time to playing the handpan and to focus on basic techniques, simple songs and sheet music to improve your playing. It’s also important to set yourself goals and keep discovering new styles of music for inspiration.

To Conclude

Music theory is not a prerequisite for becoming an excellent handpan player, but having a basic knowledge of music will always help you to improve your understanding of the instrument. Tablatures, on the other hand, offer an ideal compromise between learning and practicality. By continuing to practise and learning new techniques, you can progress your hang drum learning and explore new styles of music. It’s also important to enjoy playing, relax and let your music do the talking for you. Learning the handpan can be an exciting journey, so make the most of it!

Frenquently Asked Questions