HUGO Pro Music › Guides
Handpan scales: D Kurd, Celtic minor and how to choose
Unlike a piano, a handpan only has the notes of one scale, and it cannot be changed later. That makes the scale the most important decision when you buy or start. These are the most common ones; the exact layout varies by maker and number of notes.
D Kurd
The most popular scale for beginners. It is the natural minor scale of D: melancholic but open, and easy to combine with guitar or piano.
| Ding | Notes of the circle (9 notes) |
|---|---|
| D3 | A3 · B♭3 · C4 · D4 · E4 · F4 · G4 · A4 |
D Celtic minor (Amara)
Very close to Kurd but without the B♭: it has six different notes, which makes it brighter and almost impossible to make sound “wrong”. Ideal for calm, meditative music.
| Ding | Notes of the circle (9 notes) |
|---|---|
| D3 | A3 · C4 · D4 · E4 · F4 · G4 · A4 · C5 |
D Hijaz
Its augmented second (B♭ to C♯) gives an unmistakable Middle Eastern and flamenco colour. Very expressive, a little less versatile with other instruments.
| Ding | Notes of the circle (9 notes) |
|---|---|
| D3 | A3 · B♭3 · C♯4 · D4 · E4 · F4 · G4 · A4 |
D Integral
One of the historic scales of the instrument: minor, intimate and with fewer notes, which leaves more space between them.
| Ding | Notes of the circle (8 notes) |
|---|---|
| D3 | A3 · B♭3 · C4 · D4 · E4 · F4 · A4 |
Which one should a beginner choose?
- To play with other musicians: D Kurd, because it has all seven notes of D minor.
- For relaxation and an enveloping sound: Celtic minor.
- For a more exotic colour: Hijaz.
Always listen to a scale before deciding: what matters is that it moves you. Once you have it, start with the guide to learning handpan from scratch.