Handpan Sound Models

 Handpans come in many different keys and sound models and are often modal in nature.

The Key generally refers to the lowest note, generally the top note or “Ding”.

Some well know sound models include the D Aeolian, the G Ake Bono, the E Hijaz the C# Amara, Celtic Minor and Raga Desh.

The Modes

Modal handpans might have names like Dorian, Lydian or Mixolydian.

C Ionian (major) — CDEFGABC
(intervals: Whole - Whole - Half - Whole - Whole - Whole - Half)

D Dorian — DEFGABCD

E Phrygian — EFGABCDE

F Lydian — FGABCDEF

G Mixolydian — GABCDEFG

A Aeolian (minor) — ABCDEFGA

B Locrian — BCDEFGAB.

Variations

If a maker produces a pan that doesn’t fit into a defined mode or regular sound model, they will often make up a cool name for that variation, such as a Voyager, Deep Elysian, Golden Gate, Oxalis or some other suitably whimsical fancy.