When you first hear handpan, the world around you suddenly slows down. The sounds float through the air, touch your heart, transport you to other places. But did you know that what you hear is not only the instrument, but above all the scale in which it has been tuned? A scale is the palette of colours from which a musician paints melodies. When you choose your handpan, you choose the emotions that will accompany you every day. In this article, we will look at the most beautiful and inspiring scales: the Kurd, Celtic Minor/Amara, Pygmy, Hijaz, Romanian Hijaz, Ashakiran, Sabye, La Sirena, Mystic, Aegean, Ysha Savita, Magic Voyage, Aeolian, Major, Equinox, Saladin, G2 Minor and Nordlys.
Why is scale so important?
Many beginners ask themselves, "Does scale really make that much difference?". The answer is: absolutely yes! Scale is the foundation of the sound of your handpan. It determines whether the melodies will be melancholic (Kurd), joyful (Celtic Minor/Amara), mystical (Mystic), oriental (Hijaz, Saladin) or nature-inspired (Nordlys, Pygmy). Each scale has its own unique vibration that influences your mood and creativity.
Kurd - melancholy and profound
Scale Kurd is one of the most popular scales among handpan lovers. Its sound is full of melancholy and depth, ideal for meditation, reflection and creating atmospheric melodies. Kurd is a minor diatonic scale that allows for a wide range of expression - from sadness to hope. It is a scale in which every sound is like a story and every melody a journey into oneself.
Have you ever heard the Kurd resounding at sunset? It's an experience that will linger in your memory for a long time. If you are looking for an instrument for tranquillity and deep expression, the Kurd will be an excellent choice.
Celtic Minor/Amara - lightness and joy
Celtic Minor, also known as Amarais a scale that brightens up every day. Its sound is light, joyful and hopeful. It is a scale that both beginners and advanced musicians will love. Celtic Minor/Amara is great for relaxing music, improvisations and duets. If you dream of playing melodies that bring energy and smiles, this scale is for you.
Pygmy - the dreamy magic of pentatonics
Pygmy scale is a pentatonic gem. Its sound is dreamy, soothing and extremely melodic. Pygmy is a scale that opens the door to the world of imagination - ideal for meditation, yoga and tranquillity. If you are looking for an instrument that will help you relax and transport you to other dimensions, the Pygmy will be an excellent choice.
Hijaz - Orient in sounds
Hijaz is a scale that transports us to the Middle East. Its sound is exotic, full of emotion and expression. Hijaz works well with flamenco, Arabic and Turkish music. It is a scale for those who love to travel and want their music to tell stories from faraway lands.
Romanian Hijaz - harmony between East and West
Romanian Hijaz is a scale that combines Middle Eastern and European influences. Its sound is mysterious, deep and very melodic. Romanian Hijaz is an excellent choice for those who want to experiment with different musical styles and create unique compositions.
Ashakiran - a ray of hope
Ashakiran is a scale that brightens up every day. Its name means 'ray of hope' and its sound is full of light and positive energy. Ashakiran is great for therapeutic and relaxation music. It is a scale that gives encouragement and motivation.
Sabye - heaven in sound
Sabye is a scale based on the Lydian mode whose sound is light, open and hopeful. Sabye is an excellent choice for those who want to create melodic, inspiring compositions. It is a scale that opens the heart to new possibilities.
La Sirena - a romantic journey into yourself
La Sirena is a scale whose sound is romantic and full of emotion. It is a scale for those who love to improvise and want their music to tell love stories. La Sirena is great for solo improvisations and duets.
Mystic - mystery and depth
Mystic is a scale whose sound is mysterious, deep and full of emotion. It is a scale for those who want to explore the boundaries of music and create atmospheric, reflective compositions. Mystic is an excellent choice for those who like to meditate and seek inspiration in music.
Aegean - inspired by the Aegean Sea
Aegean is the scalewhich transports us to the Aegean Sea. Its sound is full of colour, emotion and energy. Aegean is great for relaxing music and improvisations. It is a scale that opens the door to new musical adventures.
Ysha Savita - energy and harmony
Ysha Savita is a scale whose sound is full of energy, harmony and positive vibration. It is a scale for those who want to create melodic, inspiring compositions. Ysha Savita is great for relaxation and meditative music.
Magic Voyage - a dreamy journey of sounds
Magic Voyage is a scale whose sound is dreamy, soothing and full of harmony. It is a scale for those who want to calm down and relax with the sounds of handpan. Magic Voyage is an excellent choice for those who like to meditate and seek inspiration in music.
Aeolian - a natural minor classic
Aeolian is a classic natural minor scale whose sound is full of emotion and depth. It is a scale that both beginners and advanced musicians will love. Aeolian is great for relaxation music and improvisations.
Major - optimism and joy
Major is a classical major scale whose sound is full of light, joy and optimism. It is a scale for those who want to create melodic, inspiring compositions. Major is great for relaxation music and improvisations.
Equinox - balance between light and shadow
Equinox is a scale whose sound is mysterious, deep and full of emotion. It is a scale for those who want to explore the boundaries of music and create atmospheric, reflective compositions. Equinox is an excellent choice for those who like to meditate and seek inspiration in music.
Saladin - an oriental journey of sounds
Saladin is a scale that transports us to the Middle East. Its sound is exotic, full of emotion and expression. Saladin works well with flamenco, Arabic and Turkish music. It is a scale for those who love to travel and want their music to tell stories from faraway lands.
G2 Minor - depth and emotion
G2 Minor is a scale whose sound is full of melancholy and mood. It is a scale for those who want to create atmospheric, reflective compositions. G2 Minor is great for relaxation and meditative music.
Nordlys - the aurora borealis in sound
Nordlys is a scale whose sound is full of colour, emotion and energy. It is a scale for those who want to create melodic, inspiring compositions. Nordlys is great for relaxation music and improvisations.
How do you choose your ideal scale?
Choosing a scale is a very personal decision. There is no one 'best' scale - each has its own unique qualities and emotions. If you're not sure which one to choose, I recommend listening to YouTube videos of your favourite performers to get a feel for which scale appeals most to you.
You may also want to pay attention to whether you prefer sounds that are more melancholic, energetic, mysterious or perhaps light and joyful. Each scale - Kurd, Celtic Minor/Amara, Pygmy, Hijaz, Romanian Hijaz, Ashakiran, Sabye, La Sirena, Mystic, Aegean, Ysha Savita, Magic Voyage, Aeolian, Major, Equinox, Saladin, G2 Minor or Nordlys - opens the door to a different musical journey.
Think about what emotions you want to express with your game - this will help you choose the perfect scale for you.
Why buy a handpan from me?
Every handpan I offer is hand-built by experienced builders - a true work of art created with passion and precision. Each instrument is individually designed and tuned to ensure a unique sound and the highest quality workmanship.
Before shipping, you will receive a video of your handpan sound, so you can get an idea of its character and make sure it meets your expectations.
My handpans are not just instruments - they are a new chapter in your musical journey. Each scale - Kurd, Celtic Minor/Amara, Pygmy, Hijaz, Romanian Hijaz, Ashakiran, Sabye, La Sirena, Mystic, Aegean, Ysha Savita, Magic Voyage, Aeolian, Major, Equinox, Saladin, G2 Minor, Nordlys - opens the door to a different world of sounds and emotions.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about handpans and scales
1. is handpan difficult to learn?
The Handpan is one of the most intuitive instruments. Even people with no musical experience can start playing on day one. Just listen to the sounds and allow yourself to improvise.
2. what scale should I choose to start with?
The most popular scales for beginners are Kurd and Celtic Minor/Amara - they are melodic, easy to learn and very versatile. Pygmy, Mystic and Aeolian are also great for getting started.
3. does the handpan require tuning?
Yes, a handpan like any instrument may need tuning after a few years of use. It is advisable to choose instruments from manufacturers who offer service and tuning.
4 Can I buy a handpan in Poland?
Yes, more and more Polish shops and showrooms offer the possibility to buy and test handpans on site. You can also order your instrument online, choosing a reliable manufacturer or dealer.
5. how much does a good handpan cost?
Prices start at a few thousand zlotys for basic instruments, and can go up to several thousand for premium models. It is worth investing in quality, as a handpan is an instrument for life.
6. Is the handpan suitable for meditation?
Absolutely yes! The handpan is one of the most popular instruments for meditation, yoga and relaxation. Its sounds have a soothing effect on the mind and body.
7. How to care for the handpan?
The Handpan should be stored in a dry place, protected from moisture and impacts. Once in a while it is a good idea to wipe it down with a soft cloth. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. For more information, see this article: How to take care of handpan tuning?
8. can I buy a handpan in a particular scale?
Yes, most manufacturers offer a choice of scales - Kurd, Celtic Minor/Amara, Pygmy, Hijaz, Romanian Hijaz, Ashakiran, Sabye, La Sirena, Mystic, Aegean, Ysha Savita, Magic Voyage, Aeolian, Major, Equinox, Saladin, G2 Minor, Nordlys and many others.
Summary: A musical journey full of emotions
Each handpan scale - Kurd, Celtic Minor/Amara, Pygmy, Hijaz, Romanian Hijaz, Ashakiran, Sabye, La Sirena, Mystic, Aegean, Ysha Savita, Magic Voyage, Aeolian, Major, Equinox, Saladin, G2 Minor, Nordlys - is a different world, a different story, a different emotion. When you choose your instrument, you choose not only the sound, but also the way you will experience life.
If you have any questions about handpans, scales or want to talk about your musical journey, email me - I'd be happy to help you choose the perfect instrument for you.
Recommended sources and links:
- Wikipedia - Handpan
Full history, development and technical description of the instrument.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handpan
