Handpan music is mesmerizing and makes you enter into a world of peace and pleasure. A handpan is known for its soothing sounds and easy techniques. Its dome-shaped structure and sturdy design captivate the player and then the music can take them to different levels of tranquility. However, when you are a beginner, you are bound to make plenty of mistakes. In this guide, you will be able to learn about all the mistakes you might make as a beginner and find fun ways to avoid them as well. So, gear up to learn all about enhancing your experience!
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Handpan
We know that learning about a new instrument can be exciting, but it is important to avoid these mistakes when going to buy your first-ever handpan. These will not only save you from buying a terrible handpan but also help you create an experience that will enhance your music!
Not Doing Enough Research
One of the crucial first steps is doing your homework. Always make sure to read and search for reviews about legitimate places and budget ranges before making an investment. Have a good understanding of the market and compare sellers and their products to make a smart purchase.
Not Trying the Instrument Before Buying It
If you skip testing, there is a high chance someone can scam you. This happens mostly with online buyers. Even if you do not know how the instrument works, a little tapping, and striking can tell you if the hang drum aligns with your liking and has a comforting sound quality.
Buying a Cheap Handpan
A high-quality hang instrument might be a little expensive, but it is worth spending every penny on once you play it. It sure is a budget-friendly option, but it will disappoint you later. You can look for second-hand options if you have a strict budget but do not compromise on the quality.
Ignoring the Handpan Scale
A common mistake most people make is not paying any heed to the instrument’s scale. Especially when you are playing in a group, it is essential that your tunes and melody match the other instruments. So make sure you assess the scales and always look for simple ones.
Overlooking Size and Weight
If you think buying a bigger handpan drum will allow you to make great music, you are mistaken. It does offer more notes and scales, but what is the point of having one when you can not store and carry it properly? A heavy handpan might make you uncomfortable, making you lose focus!
Buying From an Unknown Seller
Your worst nightmare is a cheap-quality handpan. It is essential to buy an original and good quality handpan, and getting a handpan for sale from a spurious seller is risky. To avoid that, always run a background check on the sellers or look for reputable outlets online before moving!
Mistakes to Avoid When Playing a Handpan
Once you get your hands on a good-quality handpan, jamming sessions are a must. Before that, we recommend learning a few basic tips that will help you make amazing and highly soothing music content. All beginners can follow these tips and tricks for a smooth playing experience!
Basic Holding Posture
Learning to play a handpan can be exciting but it is important to keep a check on your posture. A comfortable position will not only help you avoid straining but also make you focus better. It is recommended to sit cross-legged and place the handpan on your lap for a great performance.
Basic Handpan Techniques
When learning about handpans, many people go in a rush and do not pay attention to the basic techniques of playing the instrument. The trick is not to hit too hard or too numbly but with the correct amount of force. You can learn different ways to play later, but always learn the basics first!
Hard Striking and Slapping
If you think tapping or slapping the handpan will create intense music, you are doing it the wrong way. Hitting the instrument too hard or at the wrong angle may affect the sound and damage your beloved handpan. Always try to play it softly, and for intense notes, practice first!
Choosing the Right Scale
It is normal to be confused about getting the right note. A foolproof handpan that is perfect for beginners is the one with the D minor scale. Nothing can go wrong with its combinations, and you will not be making any mistakes that end up making your music sound bad and ugly.
Retuning the Tones
Dropping or bumping your handpan into something is inevitable. To avoid making it sound like a grumpy grandma, it is important to retune its tones. The damage can make an impact on the structure, distorting its sound, but worry not because you can always fix your handpan!
Avoiding Emotional Connection
The physical factors do not matter if you are not emotionally connected to your music. It is necessary to feel the sound of your tapping and striking while playing the handpan. It makes you enter a state of peace and calmness, and amazing music can be heard everywhere.
Conclusion
It is very common for beginners to make mistakes, but it is highly appreciable when they learn from these pitfalls. When starting your journey of handpan learning, a few of the key points are necessary to ensure you do not have a terrible start to something magical. When you avoid these basic mistakes as a beginner, there is nothing in the world that can stop you from creating exceptional music. The key is to keep practising and, most importantly, enjoy every hit of your hand on the hang instrument. This way, you can easily make your jamming sessions a hit!
