In this series of tutorials, we aim to teach you for free how to play the hang drum. The fascination with this magical instrument and its celestial sound has led to a growing number of people wanting to learn to play it. Visit our store for a wide range of instruments for enthusiasts.
Understanding the instrument
Seating positions
There are various physical positions in which you can play the hang drum. Many players prefer to sit on the floor with their legs crossed and their palms resting on their thighs. Others prefer to sit on a chair to play the hang drum, but for some, the instrument is a bit large and there is a risk of it tipping forward. A special hand stand can help with such cases, but a drum throne or conga stand can also be a useful substitute.
There are also tall stands for standing while playing.
However, you should keep the instrument very close and against your body.
No matter which position you choose, it is very important that the hang drum is tilted slightly forward.
Notation and Marking
The notation used here is straightforward and intuitively understandable. It employs standard musical notation but instead indicates all rests and notes are played on the hang drum using various symbols, numbers, and letters. The exercises are designed to be compatible with any system. The primary scale is a sequence of regular background beats.
l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Based on rhythm, these are grouped together, typically in sets of four or three.
Rhythms and melodic lines are then notated with numbers and symbols placed directly above the corresponding beat. Rests are indicated by the absence of a note on a beat.
For example, the number 0 represents a strike on the center of the hang drum.
Consequently, a sequence of regular strikes can be notated as follows:
- Slow
- Moderately fast
- Fast
