The Kurd scale is a true legend in the world of handpans - one of the most recognisable, versatile and well-loved scales chosen by beginners and advanced musicians alike. Its melancholic, oriental sound can both calm and move, inspiring improvisation, meditation and the creation of unique world music compositions.
The name of the scale comes from the Arabic Maqam Kurd, which in Middle Eastern culture means a full minor scale with a deep, emotional character. In handpan, Kurd is not just about sounds - it is about history, tradition and unlimited creative possibilities to explore new paths of musical expression.
Choose the Kurd scale handpan to experience the harmony that unites East and West, and simplicity with depth of emotion.
Kurd scale handpan models
Handpan C# Kurd 9
Arrangement of sounds: C# | G# A B C# D# E F# G#
The Kurd scale is one of the most recognisable and versatile handpan scales. Its melancholic, oriental sound makes it well suited to improvisation, meditation and world music. The C# Kurd 9 scale offers a wide tonal range, allowing for both delicate and more dynamic melodies. It is an ideal choice for those seeking depth and emotion in sound.
Handpan D Kurd 9
Arrangement of sounds: D | A Bb C D E F G A
Scale Handpan D Kurd 9 is a classic among handpans. Its deep, calming sound makes it one of the most frequently chosen instruments by beginners and advanced musicians. This scale allows the creation of simple, relaxing melodies as well as more complex compositions.
Handpan D Kurd 10
Arrangement of sounds: D | A Bb C D E F G A C
An extended version of the classic D Kurd, offering greater melodic possibilities. The additional sound (C) makes this scale even more versatile and allows experimentation with harmonies.
You will find instruments in this scale in our shop: Handpan D Kurd 10 Stainless steel i Handpan D Kurd 10 Ember Steel
Handpan D Kurd 12
Arrangement of sounds: D | A Bb C D E F G A C D E
A tone-rich scale, ideal for advanced musicians looking for more freedom to improvise. With more notes, you can create more complex and extended melodies.
Handpan C# Kurd 11 (9+2)
Arrangement of sounds: C# | (E) (F#) G# A B C# D# E F# G#
The C# Kurd 9+2 scale is an extended version of the classic Kurd, enhanced with additional E and F# notes. This gives the instrument an even greater melodic range and allows for more complex improvisations. The characteristic oriental sound of this scale will be perfect for relaxing music as well as for live concerts.
Handpan C# Kurd 12 (9+3)
Arrangement of sounds: C# | (D) (E) (F#) G# A B C# D# E F# G#
The C# Kurd 9+3 is an even more expansive scale that offers tremendous harmonic possibilities thanks to three additional sounds (D, E, F#). Ideal for advanced musicians who want to experiment with rich harmonies and a wide range of sounds.
Handpan D Kurd 11 (9+2)
Arrangement of sounds: D | (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A
The D Kurd 9+2 is a variant of the classic D Kurd scale, enhanced with two additional notes (F and G). This allows the instrument to allow for even broader musical expression and more complex arrangements. The scale retains its calming, melancholic character, but offers greater freedom for improvisation.
Handpan D Kurd 12 (10+2)
Arrangement of sounds: D | (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A C
Handpan D Kurd 12 is an expanded version of the D Kurd 10, complete with additional F and G notes. This scale allows you to create more complex and rich melodies, while retaining the characteristic deep Kurd sound. A great option for those looking for an instrument for long, extended improvisations.
Handpan D Kurd 13 (10+3)
Arrangement of sounds: D | (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A C (D)
The D Kurd 10+3 is an even more expanded version, containing up to three additional sounds (F, G, D). This makes the instrument offer an extremely wide palette of sounds and is an excellent choice for advanced musicians who want to experiment with harmony and modal scales.
Handpan D Kurd 14 (10+4)
Arrangement of sounds: D | (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A C (D) (E)
The D Kurd 10+4 is an exceptionally rich scale that, with its four additional sounds, offers enormous compositional possibilities. Ideal for extended pieces, experiments with harmony and long, multithreaded improvisations.
Handpan D Kurd 14 (12+2)
Arrangement of sounds: D3/A3 bB3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4 C5 D5 E5(F3G3)
Handpan D Kurd 14 o an exceptionally rich version of the popular D Kurd scale, which opens up enormous compositional possibilities thanks to the additional sounds. With 14 notes (including 2 additional notes to the standard 12-tone arrangement), this scale is ideal for extended pieces, experiments with harmony and long, multithreaded improvisations.
Handpan D Kurd 16 (10+6)
Arrangement of sounds: D | (E) (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A C (D) (E) (F)
The D Kurd 10+6 is one of the most extended versions of this scale. The six additional sounds make the instrument extremely versatile and allow the creation of very complex, multi-layered compositions. It is for the most demanding musicians who are looking for fullness of tone and a wide tonal range.
D scale Handpan Kurd 16 (12+4)
Arrangement of sounds: (C) D | (E) (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A C D E
Handpan D Kurd 16 is a true gem among handpans. With up to four additional sounds and a very wide tonal range, this instrument allows even the most demanding musical ideas to be realised. This scale will delight anyone looking for unlimited improvisational and compositional possibilities.
Handpan B2 Kurd 9 notes
Arrangement of sounds: B2 | #F3 G3 A3 B3 #C4 D4 E4 #F4
B2 Kurd 9 notes is an unusual variant of the Kurd scale, based on the low B2 sound. This scale offers a deep, resonant sound that is perfect for both meditative music and live performance. It is for those looking for a unique low handpan sound.

Kurd handpan comparison
Model | Arrangement of sounds | Characteristic |
---|---|---|
C# Kurd 9 | C# | G# A B C# D# E F# G# | Melancholic, oriental sound, wide tonal range. |
D Kurd 9 | D | A Bb C D E F G A | A handpan classic, a deep, calming sound. |
D Kurd 10 | D | A Bb C D E F G A C | Expanded version, more melodic possibilities. |
D Kurd 12 | D | A Bb C D E F G A C D E | Rich in sound, free to improvise. |
C# Kurd 11 (9+2) | C# | (E) (F#) G# A B C# D# E F# G# | Extended classical Kurd, greater melodic range. |
C# Kurd 12 (9+3) | C# | (D) (E) (F#) G# A B C# D# E F# G# | Even more harmonic possibilities, for the advanced. |
D Kurd 11 (9+2) | D | (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A | More expression, more complex arrangements. |
D Kurd 12 (10+2) | D | (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A C | Rich melodies, extended improvisations. |
D Kurd 13 (10+3) | D | (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A C (D) | A wide palette of sounds, experiments with harmony. |
D Kurd 14 (10+4) | D | (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A C (D) (E) | Extremely rich, enormous compositional possibilities. |
D Kurd 14 (12+2) | D3/A3 bB3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4 C5 D5 E5(F3G3) | Very extensive, ideal for experimentation. |
D Kurd 16 (10+6) | D | (E) (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A C (D) (E) (F) | Six additional sounds, multi-layered compositions. |
D Kurd 16 (12+4) | (C) D | (E) (F) (G) A Bb C D E F G A C D E | A real gem, unlimited possibilities for improvisation. |
B2 Kurd 9 | B2 | #F3 G3 A3 B3 #C4 D4 E4 #F4 | An unusual variant, a deep, resonant sound. |