Amara / Celtic Minor Handpan - Keys E, D, C, B2, A2 (9–20 notes)

The Amara Handpan, also known as the Celtic Minor, is the scale I most often recommend to first-time players. It's impossible to play it out of tune. The notes form natural phrases, so even your first improvisation sounds like music, not just an exercise.

Why the two names? "Amara" was adopted for the version in E tuning (hence the popular phrase "E Amara"), and "Celtic Minor" for the variants in A and D. The note family is the same: a hexatonic minor scale without a sixth note. This missing note makes a difference—the sound is brighter and more open than a typical minor, with a touch of melancholy familiar from Irish and Scottish music. This is why the Celtic handpan works so well in relaxing music, film music, and for playing to wind down.

I know because I play a handpan in this scale myself. When I demonstrate the instruments live, it's Amara that most often brings people to the table.

Which model should you choose? 17 variants from 9 to 20 notes

Handpan B2 Celtic Minor 9

Arrangement of sounds: B2 | F#3 A3 B3 C#4 D4 E4 F#4 B4

The lowest tuning in this set, Ding B2 reaches deep, so each hit resonates long and fills the room. It's often chosen by players for meditation and breathing sessions—the low register has a calming effect more quickly than lighter tunings.

Handpan A2 Celtic Minor 9

Arrangement of sounds: A2 | E3 G3 A3 B3 C4 D4 E4 G4

A classic of the genre, the Celtic Minor is probably the most recorded handpan scale in the world—most of the videos that make people fall in love with the instrument were made with it. If you want to play what you hear on YouTube, start here.

Handpan D Celtic Minor

Arrangement of sounds: D | A C D E F G A C D

The D tuning sits in the middle of the spectrum: not as deep as B2, not as bright as E. A warm, full tone that carries well live. A versatile choice when you're not yet sure which direction your playing will take.

Handpan C Amara 9

Arrangement of sounds: C | G Bb C D Eb F G C

The version with flats—Bb and Eb—gives it a darker, more reflective tone than the other variants. For those who seek contemplation rather than joy in their handpan.

Handpan C# Amara 9

Arrangement of sounds: C# | G# B C# D# E F# G# B

A half-step higher than C, but with a completely different character: bright and spacious. C# is also a tuning that easily harmonizes with instruments tuned to 432 Hz—if you play with others, ask them about their tuning before purchasing.

Handpan D Amara 9

Arrangement of sounds: D | A C D E F G A C

The same sound material as the D Celtic Minor, in a compact 9-note layout. The simple layout allows the hands to find their way—most buyers play their first tunes the same evening.

Handpan E Amara 9

Arrangement of sounds: E | B D E F# G A B D

E Amara—the variant that gives its name to the entire scale. The brightest of the nine-note scales, it's melodious and clear at the top. A good choice for recording: the high notes cut through the mix without boosting the volume.

Handpan E Amara 10

Arrangement of sounds: E | B D E F# G A B D E

Same as E Amara 9, plus a high E at the top. This single note closes the octave and allows for ending phrases "up," something sometimes missing in the 9-note version.

Handpan D Amara 10

Arrangement of sounds: D | A C D E F G A C D

The tenth note extends the D Amar's range by a full octave from the ding. In practice, it gives you more room for melody before returning to the fundamental notes.

Handpan D Amara 12

Arrangement of sounds: D | A C D E F G A C D E F

Twelve notes on the upper plane. The E and F in the second octave open phrases that you can't play on the 9- or 10-note versions. A choice for those who already play and know they'll lack range.

Handpan Celtic Minor (E Amara) 13

Arrangement of sounds: E3, B3, D4, E4, F#4, G4, A4, B4, D5, E5, F#5, G5, A5

Thirteen notes make it a fully-fledged concert instrument. The upper octave (D5–A5) allows for a high melody, while the lower notes maintain harmony. This is one of the models I play most often during presentations.

Handpan D Amara 12 (10+2)

Arrangement of sounds: D | (F) (G) A C D E F G A C D

Variant 10+2: two additional squares on the lower bowl, in parentheses. You play the lower F and G with your thumbs or wrist—the technique requires several days of practice, but rewards you with a bass foundation beneath the melody.

Handpan B2 Amara 17 (9+8)

Arrangement of sounds: B | (D) (E) (F#) (G) A B C# D E F# (G) A B (C#) (D) (E)

Seventeen notes in a deep B2 tuning. The eight lower sections transform the handpan into an instrument capable of playing full arrangements without backing. A recommendation for experienced players, not beginners.

Handpan E Amara 14 (10+4)

Arrangement of sounds: (C) (D) (E) (F#) G (B) C D E F# G A B D E

Fourteen notes in a light E tuning. The four lower fields add a register that the classic E Amara lacks – from C down to F# up, you have over two octaves at your disposal.

Handpan E Amara 16 (11+5)

Arrangement of sounds: (C) (D) (E) (F#) (G) (A) B (C) D E F# G A B D E F#

Sixteen notes. At this stage, the handpan ceases to be a "relaxation" instrument and becomes a compositional tool—full chords, bass lines, and melody all at once.

Handpan E Amara 20 (13+7)

Arrangement of sounds: (C) (D) (E) (F#) (G) (A) B (C) D E F# G A B C D E F# G A

Twenty notes in E tuning. The largest range in the Amara family—three octaves under the fingers. Before ordering, please contact me: with this number of squares, placement is important and worth discussing.

Handpan D Amara 20 (13+7)

Arrangement of sounds: Top: (D3) A3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4 C5 D5 E5 F5 G5 Bottom: (C3) (E3) (F3) (G3) (A5) (Bb5) (C6)

The equivalent of a 20 in the lower, warmer tuning of D. The lower bell goes down to C3 and goes up to C6—a range at which you can think of the handpan as a piano.

Not sure which variant suits your game? Text me — I will ask where and why you want to play, and I will point out 2-3 models to compare.

Why Amara / Celtic Minor is the best start

You won't play out of tune. Each field resonates with the others, so improvisation sounds musical from day one.

A sound that calms. A minor base with a bright, open character – most buyers tell me they reach for the instrument in the evening to „chill out.”.

It grows with you. You start with 9 notes, and when you run out of range, the same scale exists in versions up to 20 notes. You don't have to learn a new arrangement.

Plays well solo and in duets. Celtic Minor is easy to play with another person's guitar, flute, or hang — the minor harmony is predictable for those playing together.

Who is this scale for?

For beginners, it's easy to learn, with no false notes, and your first melodies played the same day. For advanced players, it offers extended variations from 12 to 20 notes. For those who play for meditation and relaxation, it offers a calming, atmospheric sound. For fans of Celtic music, it's the same family of sounds heard in Irish music.

Don't know where to start? Read the beginner's guide →

Comparative table of Celtic Minor / Amara handpan models

Amara / Celtic handpans available in the store

Below are models you can order immediately—from 9-note starter arrangements to complex instruments with courses on the lower bell. I personally test each handpan before shipping, checking the pitch of each course and the purity of its sound.

See all Amara / Celtic handpans in the shop →

FAQ

Other handpan scales

Amara / Celtic Minor is one of many tonalities available. If you're looking for a different character, check out: handpan on the Kurd scale (versatile, melancholic), Pygmy (meditative, minimalist) and Aegean (bright, major). It is the scale that determines the mood of the instrument—more than the number of notes.

Have questions about a specific model? Write — I'll help you choose the right instrument for your practice. I'll respond personally, usually the same day.