5 Common Mistakes Handpan Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

New to the handpan? You're not alone—and many beginners fall into the same traps. From using the wrong techniques to buying the wrong instrument, here's a breakdown of 5 common handpan mistakes and how you can dodge them like a pro.

From poor maintenance habits to using the wrong playing technique (yes, some newbies use their fingertips!), and falling into purchasing traps, this guide offers practical advice to help you avoid early frustration and build a strong foundation for your musical journey.

The handpan is one of the most mesmerizing instruments out there—it sounds like something out of a dream and connects deeply with both the player and the listener. But here’s the catch: as enchanting as it is, beginners often make a few blunders that can slow down their progress or even damage the instrument.

Let’s look at the 5 most common mistakes handpan newbies make, and of course, how to steer clear of them!

1. Buying the Wrong Handpan (We’ve All Been There)

Another big one—buying a handpan that just isn't right for you. Unfortunately, many beginners jump on cheap deals or fall for scams. Our previous article discussed how to choose a professional handpan. 6 Top Tips to buying a handpan.  How to choose scales and materials

Common purchase mistakes:

• Buying from Amazon or unknown sellers

• Choosing a scale that doesn’t suit their musical taste

• Picking low-quality, mass-produced pans with poor tuning

How to avoid it:

• Do your homework. Stick to reputable makers with good reviews and sound samples.

• Understand the scale and tuning—do you want something happy and uplifting (like D Kurd) or something meditative and deep (like Celtic Minor)? 
  

Also, don’t rush. Finding the right handpan is a bit like choosing a life partner—it’s worth the wait.

2. Playing with the Fingertips (Ouch! Don't Do That)

If you're tapping away at your handpan using your fingertips—stop right there. It might feel intuitive at first, but it's one of the worst habits to fall into.

Why it’s a problem:

• The handpan wasn’t designed to be played with sharp fingertip taps.

• You risk producing harsh, tinny sounds.

• Over time, it could strain your fingers and damage the surface.

What to do instead:
Use the pads of your fingers, not the tips. Aim for gentle, controlled taps that allow the notes to bloom. Let your hand bounce slightly—it’s more of a touch-and-release motion rather than a punch.

And honestly, one of the best things you can do is invest in a structured handpan course. You’ll learn the right posture, finger techniques, rhythm patterns, and even breathing exercises to deepen your connection with the instrument.

3.Jumping Into It Without Any Lessons

Look, I get it—handpans are super intuitive, and part of their charm is that they don’t require years of music theory to enjoy. But jumping in without any guidance? That’s like trying to dance salsa after watching a 10-second TikTok.

What happens without training:

• You might build bad habits that are hard to unlearn.

• You’ll likely struggle to develop rhythm and consistency.

• Your progress will be slow and frustrating.

What to do:
Try an online course or find a local workshop. Even just a few hours with an experienced handpan teacher can skyrocket your progress. You’ll also learn about note layout, scales, and how to build emotional flow in your music.

4. Overplaying and Not Listening

Beginners often get caught up in trying to play faster or impress others. But the magic of the handpan lies in listening—to yourself, the notes, and the space between them.

The mistake:

• Constantly hitting notes without rhythm or flow

• Focusing too much on technique and not enough on feeling

• Not leaving silence or “breath” in the music

What to try instead:

• Play slowly. Let each note ring out and resonate.

• Record yourself and listen back.

• Practice “call and response” patterns, or mimic nature sounds and rhythms.

The handpan is a meditative instrument—less is often more.

5. Neglecting Handpan Maintenance

Let’s start with the basics. Handpans might look durable, but they’re sensitive instruments that need a bit of TLC.

Common maintenance mistakes:

• Not wiping the handpan after playing (hello, rust!)

• Leaving it in humid or extremely dry environments

• Using the wrong type of oil or not oiling it at all

• Storing it without a protective case

How to fix it:

• After each session, give your handpan a gentle wipe with a microfiber cloth.

• Store it in a cool, dry place, ideally in its case.

• Apply a light, non-corrosive oil every few weeks.

Trust me—show your handpan some love, and it’ll reward you with years of beautiful sound. Our brand(Pures Music) of professional handpan can keep the pitch for many years. 

Let’s Wrap It Up (Or Should We Say... Let It Resonate)

Getting started with the handpan is a magical experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can hinder your progress or enjoyment. Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

• Take care of your handpan—it's not just an instrument, it's an investment.

• Use proper technique (no fingertip poking!).

• Take time to learn—courses and teachers are your best friends.
  

• Don’t rush the process. Let the music flow naturally.

By avoiding these common beginner mistakes, you'll not only protect your instrument—you'll unlock a whole new level of sound, flow, and creativity.