Striking a handpan: Here's how.

The touch is the heart of handpan playing. How you strike the handpan determines its sound character. Unlike percussive instruments like drums, sensitivity and precision are essential.

Fingertip instead of whole hand
A soft, precise touch with the fingertip on the sound field produces a clear tone with a defined resonance. Hitting the sheet metal too hard with the whole hand or with the fingers risks a rattling, disharmonious sound.

Position and angle
The sound field should be struck, if possible, near the edge of the dimples, where the sound unfolds best. The angle of the finger (or thumb) can be slightly varied to create different timbres.

Optimal attack for the handpan: On the edge of the dimple

Timing and rhythm
Even though the handpan is often used to create ethereal soundscapes, a good sense of rhythm brings the melodies to life. Changing striking patterns create diverse soundscapes that make listening even more exciting.

Posture and movement
The handpan is often played in the lap or on a special stand. A relaxed posture allows for extended playing without cramping. Make sure your wrists are not bent so you can maintain fluid movements and avoid tension. Your wrists should be able to rotate freely over the instrument, allowing you to maintain a fluid movement when striking.

Thumb or index finger – or both?

One of the most common questions among handpan players is whether to play the instrument with the thumb or the index finger. In fact, the decision depends on both the desired timbre and personal playing technique:

Thumb stop
When used correctly, the thumb can produce a powerful yet warm tone. Many players initially find the thumb stroke more natural because the thumb offers more surface area and stability. At the same time, the thumb can exert a relatively high degree of pressure, which can lead to louder, more assertive notes. Those who enjoy playing rhythmic, energetic patterns often benefit from a well-practiced thumb stroke.

Index finger stroke
The index finger allows for particularly precise and delicate tones. Since the index fingertip is usually smaller than that of the thumb, the touch often seems a bit finer and clearer with the same force. Many players prefer to use the index finger, especially for melodic playing or more delicate passages.

Combination of both
In fact, advanced playing techniques often utilize a combination of thumb and index finger touch to achieve greater sonic variety. By mastering both touch techniques, you can effortlessly switch between soft, ethereal sounds and accentuated, loud tones within the same piece. This creates dynamic, varied compositions.

A good way to start is to practice at a slow tempo and vary your fingering. Observe carefully how the timbre and volume change when you use your thumb or index finger. Over time, you'll intuitively feel which finger produces the desired sound in which situation.

Conclusion

Striking technique is key when playing the handpan. Whether you choose to use your thumb, index finger, or a combination of both depends on your personal style and the desired tone. Maintain a relaxed posture, avoid bent wrists, and practice regularly at a slow tempo to develop both precision and feel. You'll quickly realize how diverse the soundscapes are that you can explore with the right strumming technique.

Discover the Panaraya Handpans

Handpan von Panaraya in Kupfer, 10 Tonfelder, in D-Kurd

Handpan D-Kurd, 10 tones - Mystic Flow ~~$1,504.00~~ $1,251.00

Panaraya Handpan in D-Kurd mit 9 Tonfeldern in Schwarz

Handpan D-Kurd, 9 tones - Obsidian Black ~~$1,377.00~~ $1,125.00

Handpan von Panaraya in D-Kurd mit 9 Tonfeldern, in Kupfer-Gold

Handpan D-Kurd, 9 tones - Solaris ~~$1,377.00~~ $1,125.00

The Pan Balance Method

Pan Balance is our music therapy method, which combines the soothing sounds of the handpan with the neuroscientifically based insights of bilateral stimulation (BLS). At its core is the ability of music to regulate not only emotionally but also physiologically. Whereas conventional bilateral stimulation often works through visual or cognitive stimuli, Pan Balance relies on a holistic, auditory approach: vibrations that reach the body and harmonic overtones that directly address the nervous system. The result: healing emotional wounds at a deep level of consciousness. Pan Balance has three key advantages:

Parasympathetic activation

The gentle sound waves of the handpan promote activation of the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of our autonomic nervous system responsible for rest, relaxation, and regeneration. Unlike purely motor neuron or visual stimulation, a profound bottom-up effect occurs: heart rate variability and blood pressure normalize, stress reactions subside more quickly, and the body naturally returns to a state of safety and balance.

Deactivation of the amygdala

The amygdala, the brain's "alarm center," is often overactivated during stress and trauma. While visual methods target top-down regulation through cognitive load, the handpan works more directly on the limbic system. The sounds, which are perceived as positive and safe, create a resonance that dampens the amygdala's hyperactivity. This not only creates distraction but also establishes a genuine, calming counterpoint—particularly valuable for people suffering from hyperarousal or inner tension.

Memory reconsolidation

Memories are "stored" anew each time they are recalled. This process of reconsolidation is particularly healing when it takes place in an emotionally safe and positive context. Pan Balance uses the handpan as precisely this element: The traumatic memory is not only embedded in a safe framework, but is also linked to a calming, positive sensory experience. This allows the memory to integrate not only as "past," but also to take on a new, relieving meaning.