Virtual Handpan — Play Online
Tap the tone fields to play. The handpan (also called hang drum) is a steel percussion instrument with a warm, meditative sound. One central note surrounded by a ring of melody notes — tap any field to hear it ring. Works on mobile and desktop.
💻 Keyboard: Space = centre (Ding) · A S D F G H J K = outer ring
Loop Recorder
Record up to 8 seconds, then loop it.
Not recording
✅ How to Use the Virtual Handpan
- Tap any tone field on the handpan to play it. The centre note is the root (Ding).
- Switch between 9 notes (standard) and 12 notes (extended range).
- Choose a Scale — D Minor is the most common handpan tuning.
- Toggle Reverb for the warm, resonant sound handpans are known for.
- Use keyboard keys shown on each tone field for fast playing on desktop.
- Press Record, play a melody, then Play to loop it continuously.
How It Works
Each tone field is synthesised using the Web Audio API. The sound combines a fundamental sine wave with carefully tuned inharmonic overtones at the octave and a fifth — replicating the characteristic metallic bell-like resonance of a struck steel handpan shell. A long decay envelope (~4 seconds) mirrors the natural sustain of the instrument. A synthetic reverb impulse response adds the warm room resonance that handpans are famous for. All synthesis runs locally in your browser — no sound files are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a handpan?
A handpan (also called hang drum) is a convex steel percussion instrument played by hand. It was invented in Switzerland in 2000 by PANArt. It has a central note called the Ding and 7–9 tone fields arranged in a ring around it. Its warm, bell-like sound has made it one of the fastest-growing instruments in the world.
What is the most common handpan scale?
D Minor is by far the most common — it was used in the original PANArt Hang and gives the instrument its characteristic meditative, slightly melancholy sound. Celtic Minor and Pygmy are also very popular for their exotic, modal character.
What is the Ding?
The Ding is the central dome note on a handpan. It produces the lowest note and serves as the root of the scale. On a real handpan it has a particularly deep, resonant sound because of its larger surface area. Here it is always the centre field.
Why does every note sound good together?
Handpan scales are carefully chosen so that all notes are harmonically related — usually pentatonic or modal scales with no dissonant intervals. This means any combination of notes you play will sound pleasing, making it one of the easiest instruments for beginners to create music on.
What is the difference between 9 and 12 note modes?
A standard handpan has 8 outer tone fields plus the central Ding (9 total). The 12-note mode adds 3 more outer fields for a wider melodic range — similar to extended or custom handpans made by specialist builders.
Scale Reference
| Scale | Notes | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| D Minor | D A C D E F G A C | Meditative, melancholy |
| C Major | C G C E G A C D E | Bright, uplifting |
| G Major | G D G B D E G A B | Warm, open |
| A Minor | A E A C E G A B C | Gentle, introspective |
| E Minor | E B E G B D E F# G | Deep, mysterious |
| Celtic Minor | D A D F G A C D F | Ethereal, folk |
| Pygmy | C G C D Eb G Ab Bb C | Exotic, trance-like |
References & Notes
- Handpan invented by PANArt (Felix Rohner & Sabina Schärer), Bern, Switzerland, 2000
- Standard tuning: D Minor — D A C D E F G A C
- Audio synthesis via Web Audio API — no sound files required
- Swar mapping: C = Sa (relative, Hindustani notation)
This is a simulation tool for learning and entertainment.