fbpx

Learning the Handpan: Lesson 0.2 / The Handpan Scale by NovaPans Handpans

novapans handpans-branding-9

Unlike most traditional instruments whereby they allow you to play every single note of the piano (all black and white notes from low to high), the handpan can only fit so many notes on it, hence the reason why they are sold in different 'scales'. Scales are very simply put, different arrangements of select notes of a piano in a way which people choose to layout on their handpan out of personal preference. That's it. The original handpan community (aka the handpan mafia) love to big-up the supposed significance of one scale over another based on who came up with said arrangement of the notes first or who plays it where but the ultimate truth is that choosing a scale and one which resonates with you the best is entirely up to you. Another variation to a handpan scale is the position in which the notes are placed on the handpan. If you find that your third-highest note from bottom to top is on the left side of the handpan, you might have what's considered a "left-handed" handpan which is like most handpans (and the ones we demonstrate). If however, the third note is on the right, it just means that you have a "right-handed" handpan and that you'll have to start the scale with your right hand.

Check out the video below!


Did you find this interesting/useful? Leave us a comment below! Also, don't hesitate to contact us should you have any questions! Check out our other FREE handpan tutorials below:

An Introduction to Sheet Music for the Handpan
Lesson 0.1 / The Touch Technique
Lesson 0.2 / The Handpan Scale
Lesson 1 / Simplified Handpan Notation (Sheet Music for the Handpan)
Lesson 2 / Quaver (Half-Beat) Rhythms
Lesson 3 / Dynamics
Lesson 4 / Accents
Lesson 5 / Semiquaver (1/4 Beat) Rhythms
Lesson 6 / Harmonics & Pitch Pends
Lesson 7 / Percussive Slaps
Lesson 8 / Walking the Hands
Lesson 9 / Chords
Lesson 10 / Triplet Rhythms
Lesson 11 / Ghost Notes
Lesson 12 / Rewriting the Ding
Lesson 13 / Dotted Rhythms

Also, learn these pieces on the handpan! (notation provided):
The Last of the Mohicans (1992 film)
Sam Maher's New York Subway Piece

More post about handpans

G Major Gen 3 Video 1

brizy_dc_post_title 

However, there are some basic entry-level techniques which can really help accelerate the learning curve for development.

Handpan 3 -Novapans

brizy_dc_post_title 

By using the following few steps, you should be well on your way to picking a handpan which suits your needs to best of your situation

NovaPans Handpans