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How to tune a hang drum

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If you’re looking for an otherworldly, ethereal sound, look no further than the hang drum. This unique instrument has a mesmerizing effect that will transport you to another realm. But before you can enjoy its enchanting sounds, you need to know how to tune a hang drum.

Hang drums – what are they?


A hang drum is a steelpan percussion instrument originating from Switzerland. It is played with the hands and has a round shape with a central opening. The instrument is suspended from a frame or stand and the player strikes the surface of the drum with their hands to produce different tones.

The hang drum has a warm, rich sound that is perfect for relaxation and meditation. The instrument is also popular for its portability – it can easily be taken with you on your travels.

If you’re looking to add a hang drum to your collection of percussion instruments, you’ll need to know how to tune it correctly. In this article, we’ll show you how to tune a hang drum so that it produces the perfect sound.

Why tune a hang drum?

handpan on a construction tool in a musician workshop.

The principal reason to tune a hang drum is to create a more pleasant sound. Most people who play the hang drum do so because they enjoy the soothing, meditative qualities of its sound. A well-tuned hang drum will produce a richer, fuller sound that is more pleasing to the ear.

Another reason to tune your hang drum is to maintain its structural integrity. Because the hang drum is made of metal, it is susceptible to warping and other forms of damage if it is not properly cared for. Tuning your hang drum on a regular basis will help to keep it in good condition and prevent expensive repairs.

The Anatomy of a Hang Drum

To understand how to tune a hang drum effectively, it’s crucial to grasp its anatomy and construction.

Materials Used

Hang drums are primarily made from high-quality steel alloys, carefully selected for their acoustic properties. The choice of steel determines the overall sound characteristics of the instrument, such as sustain, harmonics, and tonal qualities. Manufacturers often use unique blends and treatments to achieve specific tonal palettes.

Structure and Components

A hang drum consists of two hemispheres, known as the “ding” and the “gu,” connected together with a resonance hole in the center. The ding side contains the primary tone fields, while the gu side features a central bass note surrounded by additional tones. These tone fields are carefully tuned to specific pitches and arranged in a way that enables intuitive and expressive playing.

Tuning a Hang Drum

Why is Tuning Important?

Tuning your hang drum ensures that it produces the desired notes and harmonies. An out-of-tune hang drum can sound dissonant and less pleasing to the ear. By tuning your instrument correctly, you can unlock its full sonic potential and create captivating melodies.

Tools Required for Tuning

Before diving into the tuning process, gather the following tools:

  1. Soft rubber mallets or fingertips for striking the hang drum.
  2. A chromatic tuner to assist in precise pitch adjustment.
  3. A calm and quiet environment to eliminate external noise interference.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tuning

  1. Find a comfortable and well-lit space to begin the tuning process.
  2. Start by tapping each tone field gently to get familiar with its natural sound.
  3. Use the soft rubber mallets or your fingertips to strike each tone field individually.
  4. Observe the pitch produced by each tone field and compare it to a chromatic tuner.
  5. Adjust the pitch of each tone field by tapping the outer rim with a soft mallet or applying slight pressure with your fingertips.
  6. Continuously check the pitch with the chromatic tuner and make small adjustments as necessary.
  7. Once all tone fields are tuned to the desired pitches, play the entire hang drum to ensure harmonic coherence.

More advanced ways to tune a hang drum

There are a few more advanced ways to tune a hang drum. You can use a tuning fork, an electric tuner, or a pitch pipe.

If you use a tuning fork, strike the tuning fork on a hard surface to activate it. Then, hold the tuning fork close to the rim of the hang drum and wait for the vibrating sound to transfer to the drum. You can then tweak the lugs until the tones match.

If you have an electric tuner, you can hold it close to the hang drum and pluck the drumhead. The tuner will show you what note you are playing, and you can then adjust the lugs until they match that note.

Finally, if you have a pitch pipe, you can blow into it and hold it close to the hang drum. The pitch pipe will give you a reference note, and you can then adjust the lugs until they match that note.

Hang drum maintenance

As with any musical instrument, proper maintenance is important to keep your hang drum sounding its best. Here are a few tips on how to care for your hang drum:

-Wipe down your hang drum after each use with a clean, dry cloth.
-Be careful not to drop your hang drum, as this can damage the instrument.
-If you plan on storing your hang drum for an extended period of time, be sure to wrap it in a soft cloth to protect it from bumps and scratches.

Hang drum care


You should never have to tune your Hang. If it starts to sound bad, it probably needs to be serviced.

If you do need to tune your Hang, here is how:

  1. Play a note on the Hang.
  2. Use a tuning fork or another note played on the Hang to find the correct pitch for the note you want to tune.
  3. Tighten or loosen the corresponding tension rod until the note is in tune.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each note that needs to be tuned.
    Hang drum history

Hang drums originate from the country of Switzerland. They were first created in the early 2000s by Felix Rohner and Sabina Scharer. The hang drum is a type of steelpan that is played with the hands. It is a relatively new instrument, but has become increasingly popular in recent years. There are a variety of hang drums on the market, ranging in price from around $600 to $2000.

handpan (57)

Sound Adjustments

Modifying the Sound

To modify the sound of your hang drum:

  • Experiment with different striking techniques, such as slaps, brushes, and glissandos.
  • Utilize the resonant properties of the instrument by varying the intensity and duration of your strikes.
  • Explore playing with open-hand positions and cupping techniques to manipulate overtones and harmonics.

Creating Harmonics

Harmonics can add depth and richness to your hang drum’s sound:

  • Gradually increase the intensity of your strikes to activate higher harmonics.
  • Experiment with subtle vibrato techniques by gently shaking the instrument while playing.
  • Incorporate harmonic finger techniques, such as lightly touching the tone fields while striking them, to produce ethereal tones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a smooth tuning process and optimal hang drum experience, be aware of these common mistakes:

  1. Applying excessive force while tuning, which can result in damaged tone fields or altered sound characteristics.
  2. Ignoring the natural resonances of the hang drum when striking the tone fields, leading to unbalanced or dissonant sounds.
  3. Neglecting regular cleaning and maintenance, which can lead to corrosion, rust, or diminished tonal quality.
  4. Storing the hang drum in inappropriate conditions, such as extreme temperatures or high humidity, which can affect its tuning stability and structural integrity.

Conclusion

Tuning a hang drum is a rewarding and essential skill for any hang drum enthusiast. By understanding the instrument’s anatomy, following the step-by-step tuning guide, and practicing proper maintenance, you can ensure that your hang drum always produces mesmerizing sounds. Explore different playing techniques, experiment with sound adjustments, and let your creativity soar. Get ready to embark on a captivating musical journey with your perfectly tuned hang drum.

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