- \n
- The handpan is a melodic percussion instrument made of two assembled steel shells.<\/li>\n\n
- It descends from the Hang\u00ae, created in 2000 by the Swiss company PANArt.<\/li>\n\n
- On top, a central note\u2014the Ding\u2014is surrounded by 8 to 10 notes (sometimes more) that form its scale.<\/li>\n\n
- A handpan\u2019s name indicates its root note, its scale type, and its number of notes\u2014for example, D Kurd 10.<\/li>\n\n
- There are three main steels: nitrided, stainless, and Ember Steel\u2014each with its own sound character.<\/li>\n\n
- No musical knowledge is needed to start playing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"About](\"https:\/\/warrenshanti.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_4197.jpg\" "\\"What")
<\/figure>\n\nWhere does the handpan come from?<\/h2>\n\n
The handpan\u2019s history is recent. The first model, the Hang\u00ae<\/strong>, was designed in 2000 by the Swiss company PANArt<\/strong>. It inspired many instrument makers around the world, who created similar instruments called handpans<\/strong> or pantams<\/strong> (a term mainly used in Asia). <\/p>\n\n
Since \u201cHang\u201d is a registered trademark, today we use the word handpan to refer to all of these instruments. Each maker brings their own sonic signature. <\/p>\n\n
How is a handpan built?<\/h2>\n\n
A handpan is made of two assembled steel hemispheres<\/strong>. The space between them creates a resonance chamber: together with the vibration of the metal, that\u2019s what gives the instrument its very distinctive tone. <\/p>\n\n
The top: the Ding and the notes<\/h3>\n\n
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- The Ding<\/strong>: the central note, often the lowest note on the instrument. It\u2019s the root note. The area around it is called the \u201cshoulder.\u201d <\/li>\n\n
- The outer notes<\/strong>: arranged in a circle around the Ding, there are usually 8 to 10 of them, sometimes more depending on the model. They\u2019re what define the handpan\u2019s scale. <\/li>\n\n
- The dimple<\/strong>: each note has a small inverted dome in its center\u2014the dimple\u2014surrounded by a flat, circular note area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Diagram](\"https:\/\/warrenshanti.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/c2c2f903-6a31-4aeb-9daf-c5acf0aa9326.jpg\" "\\"What")
<\/figure>\n\nThe bottom: the Gu and the bottom notes<\/h3>\n\n
In the center of the underside is the Gu<\/strong>, a circular opening that lets the sound out and makes it possible to add percussive effects. Some models also have bottom notes<\/strong>, extra notes placed under the instrument: <\/p>\n\n
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- low<\/strong>: they provide depth and a more pronounced bass;<\/li>\n\n
- intermediate<\/strong>: they blend harmoniously with the notes on top;<\/li>\n\n
- high<\/strong>: they add lightness and crystalline nuances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
With this expanded range, from the lowest to the highest sounds, the handpan offers huge freedom for musical and creative exploration.<\/p>\n\n
How do you read the name of a handpan scale?<\/h2>\n\n
A handpan\u2019s name always follows the same logic: its root note, then the scale type, then the total number of notes<\/strong>. For example: D Kurd 10, F# Low Pygmy 21, D Aegean 17, or E Amara 20. <\/p>\n\n
You\u2019ll often come across Anglo-Saxon notation, where notes are written as letters: D Kurd 10, F# Low Pygmy 21, D Aegean 17, or E Amara 20.<\/p>\n\n
Which steel should you choose for a handpan?<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/warrenshanti.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_4046-scaled.jpg\" "\\"What")
<\/figure>\n\nThe material directly affects the sound, resonance, and playing feel<\/strong>. Here are the three main options. <\/p>\n\n
Nitrided steel<\/h3>\n\n
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- It\u2019s treated with nitrogen to strengthen the surface and limit corrosion.<\/li>\n\n
- Its resonance is shorter (reduced sustain), which works well for rhythmic, percussive playing.<\/li>\n\n
- Its notes are precise and overlap less.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Stainless steel<\/h3>\n\n
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- It resists rust.<\/li>\n\n
- It offers long resonance and a warmer sound.<\/li>\n\n
- It responds to light touches\u2014perfect for fluid, meditative playing.<\/li>\n\n
- It\u2019s highly appreciated in music therapy, relaxation, and yoga.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Ember Steel, Ayasa\u2019s innovation<\/h3>\n\n
Developed by Ayasa Instruments<\/strong>, a world-renowned Dutch maker, Ember Steel combines the benefits of nitrided and stainless steel:<\/p>\n\n
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- long sustain, comparable to stainless steel;<\/li>\n\n
- a warm, deep, balanced tone;<\/li>\n\n
- excellent note stability, less sensitive to climate variations;<\/li>\n\n
- fewer fingerprints, so it\u2019s easier to maintain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\n
Personally, it\u2019s my favorite steel: all my handpans\u2014for my lessons as well as my own practice\u2014are Ember Steel, with a few in stainless. I\u2019m less drawn to nitrided steel, but it\u2019s really a matter of taste. <\/p>\nWarren Shanti<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n
Why play the handpan?<\/h2>\n\n
The handpan is much more than a musical instrument: it\u2019s an invitation to sound exploration, meditation, and an inner journey.<\/p>\n\n
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- It\u2019s accessible to everyone<\/strong>: no musical knowledge is needed to start playing and express your emotions.<\/li>\n\n
- It\u2019s a wellness tool<\/strong>, used in music therapy, relaxation, and energy work.<\/li>\n\n
- It offers a huge variety of sounds<\/strong>, thanks to its many scales.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
If you\u2019re drawn to the handpan for its soothing effects, I go into more detail in my article on the handpan and anxiety<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Handpan](\"https:\/\/warrenshanti.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katia-Roth-Photo-Handpan188-scaled.jpg\" "\\"What")
<\/figure>\n\nFrequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n
What\u2019s the difference between a Hang and a handpan?<\/h3>\n\n
The Hang\u00ae is the very first model, created in 2000 by PANArt, and its name is a registered trademark. The word handpan refers to all instruments of this type, now made by many makers around the world. <\/p>\n\n
How many notes does a handpan have?<\/h3>\n\n
The top has a central Ding and usually 8 to 10 notes around it, sometimes more. Some models add bottom notes under the instrument: for example, an F# Low Pygmy 21 has 21 notes. <\/p>\n\n
Do you need to read music to play the handpan?<\/h3>\n\n
No. The handpan doesn\u2019t require any musical knowledge to get started. You can play and express your emotions from the very first minutes. <\/p>\n\n
Why is the handpan\u2019s sound soothing?<\/h3>\n\n
Its soft, harmonious tone creates a calming feeling and supports meditation. That\u2019s why it\u2019s used in music therapy, relaxation, and yoga. <\/p>\n\n
Where can you try a handpan and learn to play?<\/h2>\n\n
If you want to try different models and learn to play, you\u2019ve got a few options:<\/p>\n\n
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- join one of my immersive retreats<\/a>, in France or Germany;<\/li>\n\n
- join a group workshop in Bochum, Germany;<\/li>\n\n
- book a one-on-one intro session in Bochum, where you can also buy a handpan from a selection reserved for my students;<\/li>\n\n
- experience the Soul Sanctuary retreat<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n
- learn at your own pace with my online school<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Let music become your language, and express what words can\u2019t say.<\/p>\n\n
- It\u2019s a wellness tool<\/strong>, used in music therapy, relaxation, and energy work.<\/li>\n\n
- It\u2019s accessible to everyone<\/strong>: no musical knowledge is needed to start playing and express your emotions.<\/li>\n\n
- intermediate<\/strong>: they blend harmoniously with the notes on top;<\/li>\n\n
- The outer notes<\/strong>: arranged in a circle around the Ding, there are usually 8 to 10 of them, sometimes more depending on the model. They\u2019re what define the handpan\u2019s scale. <\/li>\n\n
- The Ding<\/strong>: the central note, often the lowest note on the instrument. It\u2019s the root note. The area around it is called the \u201cshoulder.\u201d <\/li>\n\n
![\"Handpan](\"https:\/\/warrenshanti.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Katia-Roth-Photo-Handpan191-3-scaled.jpg\" "\\"What")
<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"