The term handpan refers to a group of musical instruments that are a subset of the steelpan family. Several handpan manufacturers and brands have emerged in recent years, driven by worldwide interest in the Hang, an instrument developed by the PANArt company. The Hang was inspired by the physical properties of the Trinidadian steelpan, the Indian ghatam, the Thai gong, and the Indonesian gamelan, marking an important milestone in the evolution of the handpan as a musical instrument.
The basic structure of a handpan consists of two metal half-shells glued together, with a central tone field (called the Ding) surrounded by a circle of at least seven tone fields on the upper side, and an opening (called the Gu) on the bottom. Differences among manufacturers include the types of materials used, production processes, shaping of tone fields, and tuning methods.
Today, hundreds of handpan makers around the world offer instruments that vary greatly in material, craftsmanship, shape, sound, and quality. This diversity is generally seen as a positive development for the musical community.
Handpans produce an ethereal and hypnotic sound that captivates listeners. Each instrument is tuned to a specific scale, such as major, minor, or harmonic minor. Because there are no “wrong” notes within a given scale, you do not need formal music theory knowledge to create beautiful music. This allows players to improvise freely, guided by emotion and intuition. Many people use handpans for personal meditation, sound therapy, or in more traditional group performances.
The handpan stands apart from other instruments with its unique structure, both in shape and in sound. As you explore the instrument, you’ll notice how easily you can produce pleasing tones, even with minimal technique. It is designed to be played intuitively, relying on listening and feeling rather than strict rules or formal methods. Since the handpan has a relatively short history, it remains open to new interpretations, encouraging personal creativity and experimentation. Over time, players can develop their own musical language and create beautiful compositions through simple improvisations.
One of the first things to consider is the tuning and the fundamental notes of the instrument. The handpan is most commonly tuned to D minor, but other keys are available as well. A typical handpan can produce up to 12 different notes, arranged from the lowest note, which is closest to the player, to the highest note, which is usually farthest away.
Finally, it is important to consider ergonomics when playing, to prevent any discomfort or injury that could negatively affect your technique and the quality of your sound over time.