Handpan Scales Explained: Names, Origins and Musical Meaning
One of the most fascinating aspects of the handpan is the scale of the instrument. The scale determines which notes are available and strongly influences the overall sound and feeling of the handpan.
If you are completely new to the instrument, you may also want to start with our guide explaining what a handpan is and how it works.
If you have ever looked at different handpans, you may have noticed that many scales have unusual or exotic names such as:
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Kurd
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Amara
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Pygmy
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Hijaz
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Ashakiran
For many beginners this can be confusing. Why do handpan scales have these names, and what do they actually mean?
In this guide we explore how handpan scales work, where their names come from, and how different musical traditions influence the scales used on handpans today.
What Is a Handpan Scale?
A scale is a sequence of musical notes arranged in a specific pattern. This pattern determines:
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Which notes are available on the instrument
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Which melodies can be played
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The emotional character of the sound
Because a handpan is tuned to a fixed set of notes, each instrument is built around a specific scale. If you are trying to decide which scale might suit you best, you may also want to read our guide on how to choose the right handpan scale.
The notes are placed on the handpan in a way that makes them easy to reach while playing, and all notes within the scale are chosen so that they harmonize naturally with each other.
This is why handpans are often described as intuitive instruments, the scale makes it difficult to play a wrong note.
Why Handpan Scales Have Unique Names
Handpan scales are often named in different ways depending on their origin.
Some scales come directly from traditional music theory, while others are inspired by regional music traditions or creative names introduced by handpan makers.
Because the handpan is a relatively new instrument, the naming of scales has evolved from a combination of:
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Western music theory
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Middle Eastern musical traditions
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Folk music influences
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Modern creativity within the handpan community
Understanding these naming conventions helps make sense of the wide variety of scales available today.
1. Handpan Scales in Traditional Music Theory
Many handpan scales are named after traditional music theory terms, with a focus on major and minor scales. These scales are often named after the first note they start on (the root note, often the "ding") and the type of scale used (major, minor, or a variation).
Minor Scales
- Sound: Deep, emotional, introspective.
- Example: A minor – A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
- Example: D minor – D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C
Minor scales are often used in meditative and introspective music due to their melancholic tone.
Variations of the Minor Scales
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Dorian: Minor scale with a raised 6th note.
- Example: D Dorian – D, E, F, G, A, B, C.
- Sound: Celtic, folk, soulful.
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Phrygian: Minor scale with a lowered 2nd note.
- Example: E Phrygian – E, F, G, A, B, C, D.
- Sound: Exotic, Middle Eastern, exciting.
Major Scales
- Sound: Bright, uplifting, joyful.
- Example: C major – C, D, E, F, G, A, B.
- Example: D major – D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#
A major scale often evokes feelings of joy and positivity.
Variations of Major Scales
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Mixolydian: Major scale with a lowered 7th note.
- Example: G Mixolydian – G, A, B, C, D, E, F.
- Sound: Bluesy, folk-like, slightly unresolved.
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Lydian: Major scale with a raised 4th note.
- Example: F Lydian – F, G, A, B, C, D, E.
- Sound: Dreamy, ethereal, uplifting.
The Number of Notes in a Scale
Handpan scales are defined and named based on the number of notes in a scale, which directly affects their sound, complexity, and use. Here’s an overview:
Pentatonic Scales (5 notes)
Pentatonic scales are the most accessible. They contain five notes that repeat across multiple octaves. They are beginner-friendly and versatile, making them popular. Some popular scales include: AkeBono and Pygmy.
Hexatonic Scales (6 notes)
Hexatonic scales have six notes. They avoid dissonance by omitting one note that might not fit well. These scales provide a balanced and coherent sound. Some popular scales include: Amara / Celtic, Equinox.
Diatonic Scales (7 notes)
The diatonic scale is a complete "Western" scale that contains seven notes. This makes it ideal for musicians seeking harmonious melodies and a wider range of combinations. Examples of diatonic scales include the Kurd or Hijaz scales.
Chromatic Scales
Chromatic scales, often found in custom"mutant"handpans, contain more notes and often combine different scales. They are perfect for professional musicians who require flexibility across multiple scales.
2. Popular Scales with Cultural or Regional Names
There are several scales that are not only based on music theory but also on cultural influences. Many handpan makers have given scales names that reflect a certain feeling or region. Here are some well-known scales.
Kurd
- Type: Natural minor scale (diatonic)
- Sound: Emotional, meditative, versatile.
- Origin of Name: Likely inspired by the music of the Kurdish people. In the handpan world, it refers to a minor scale with a natural minor 7th note.
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Example: D Kurd – D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C.
Amara / Celtic
- Type: Minor scale, with the 6th note omitted (hexatonic)
- Sound: Calming, introspective, meditative.
- Origin of Name: The name "Amara" was coined by early handpan makers, and in Sanskrit, it means "eternal."
- Example: D Amara - D, E, F, G, A, C, D.
Pygmy
- Type: Variation of minor (pentatonic)
- Sound: Earthy, mysterious, meditative.
- Origin of Name: Inspired by the music of the Pygmy tribes in Central Africa, whose traditional melodies often use pentatonic scales.
- Example: D Pygmy - D, G, A, Bb, D, F, G, A, Bb.
Hijaz
- Type: Phrygian dominant scale (diatonic)
- Sound: Dramatic, exotic, tense..
- Origin of Name: Named after the Hijaz region in Saudi Arabia, this scale is common in Arabic and Middle Eastern music.
- Example: D Hijaz - D, A, Bb, C#, D, E, F, G
Aegean
- Type: Variation of major scale
- Sound: Bright, uplifting, reminiscent of the sea.
- Origin of Name: Named after the Aegean Sea, reflecting the clear and serene atmosphere of the region.
- Example: D Aegean - D – F#, A, C#, D, F#, G#, A, C#, D
Ashakiran
- Type: Major variation
- Sound: Dreamy, uplifting, balanced
- Origin of Name: The name is believed to originate from Sanskrit. Together the name can be interpreted as “ray of hope.” Asha = hope, Kiran = ray
- Example: D Ashakiran - D – G – A – B – C# – D – E – F#
| Scale | Music Theory | Sounds like | Name Origin | Example |
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| Kurd | : Natural minor (diatonic) | Emotional, meditative. | Inspired by Kurdish music | D Kurd: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C |
| Amara/Celtic | Minor (Hexatonic) | Calming, Meditative | Sanskrit "Amara" = Eternal | D Amara: D, E, F, G, A, C, D |
| Pygmy | Minor Variation (Pentatonic) | Earthy, Meditative | Inspired by Pygmies | D Pygmy: D, G, A, Bb, D, F |
| Hijaz | Phrygian Dominant | Dramatic, Exotic | Named after the Hijaz region in Saudi Arabia | D Hijaz: D, A, Bb, C#, D, E, F, G |
| Aegean | Major Variation | Clear, Uplifting | Named after the Aegean Sea | D Aegean: D, F#, A, C#, D, F#, G#, A |
| Ashakiran | Major Variation | Dreamy, Uplifting | Sanskrit: "Ray of Hope" | D Ashakiran: D, G, A, B, C#, D, E, F# |
Choosing the Right Handpan Scale
Handpan scales are inspired by a rich mixture of music theory, cultural traditions, and modern creativity.
Each scale carries its own emotional character and musical atmosphere.
Understanding where these scales come from helps you better appreciate the instrument and the musical traditions that influence it.
If you are looking to buy a handpan, learning about these scales can help you better understand which sound resonates with you.
In our next guide we explain which handpan scale you should choose, and how different scales influence your playing experience.
Explore Our Handpans
If you are curious to experience these scales yourself, you can explore our handcrafted handpans and listen to the unique character of each instrument.
