How They Sound and the Feelings Each One Conveys
On this page, you can see and hear the musical scales we regularly use at ParPer Drum. Each scale includes a reference video and its variations based on the dominant note (ding), so you can find your way around even if you don't have any prior knowledge of music theory.
It's not about memorizing names or formulas. It's about listening, feeling, and recognizing what kind of sound resonates with you.
To make it easier to understand, you'll also find a table of note equivalencies in Spanish and English. tabla de equivalencia entre notas en español e inglés.
And if the scale you're looking for isn't listed here, write to us. We can most likely adapt it to your needs
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Do | C |
| Do Sharp | C# / Db |
| Re | D |
| Re Sharp | D# / Eb |
| Mi | E |
| Fa | F |
| Fa Sharp | F# / Gb |
| Sol | G |
| Sol sostenido | G# / Ab |
| La | A |
| La Sharp | A# / Bb |
| Si | B |
If the scale you're looking for isn't listed in this table, please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss its feasibility, as it's likely we can adapt it to your needs.
Kurd (the most widely used in the handpan world)
The Kurd scale originates from the Middle East. It's a scale with a deep and melancholic character, with a distinctly Eastern feel. It conveys introspection, mystery, and a sense of inner journey. It's frequently used for meditation, contemplative music, and emotional exploration. It's especially well-suited for those seeking depth, calm, and a sound with a strong personality.
CELTIC
A scale inspired by traditional Celtic music, with a fluid, joyful, and danceable sound. It evokes green landscapes, movement, and a certain luminous nostalgia. It is used for rhythmic melodies, improvisation, and accompaniment music. Ideal for those seeking an expressive, dynamic instrument that is easy to enjoy from the very first moment.
AEOLIAN
An emotive and expressive scale, also known as the natural minor mode. It conveys introspection, melancholy, and a very recognizable emotional depth. Widely used in Western music, from classical to contemporary. It's a good fit for people who want an introspective, versatile sound with emotional depth.
MAJOR
A bright, clear, and optimistic scale, very familiar to the Western ear. It conveys joy, balance, and a sense of openness. It is used for all types of music: from lullabies to upbeat, cheerful melodies. Perfect for beginners and for those seeking an intuitive and accessible sound.
INTEGRAL
The Integral scale combines elements from different musical traditions to create a balanced and complete tonal system. It is a balanced and open scale that blends elements from various musical traditions. It conveys spaciousness, stability, and creative freedom. It is widely used for free improvisation and experimental music. It is especially well-suited to curious musicians and those seeking to explore without rigid structures.
DORIAN
The Dorian scale is one of the classical Greek modes and possesses a serene character with a touch of restrained melancholy. It's a serene scale with a bright edge, less somber than other minor scales. It conveys a balance between calm and contained intensity. Widely used in jazz, folk, and modern music. Ideal for those seeking a versatile, expressive scale with a balanced character.
HIJAZ BHINNA
Originating from Arabic music. Strong oriental character, with an exotic and unmistakable sound. It conveys mystery, harmonic tension, and sensuality. It is used for expressive improvisation and deep sonic exploration. It is well-suited for those seeking an intense, distinctive, and highly evocative sound.
THE SIREN
The Siren scale owes its name to its hypnotic and ethereal quality. A highly enveloping scale with a pronounced hypnotic quality, as if the music emanated from the depths of the sea. It conveys a sense of floating, profound calm, and a feeling of suspension. Widely used in meditation, relaxation, and sound therapy. Ideal for accompanying processes of rest, introspection, and bodywork.
PIGMY
Inspired by the traditional music of African Pygmy peoples. A pentatonic scale with a joyful, rhythmic, and earthy character. It conveys a connection with the body, nature, and rhythm. It is widely used in group sessions and drum circles. It is especially well-suited for group activities, individual or group meditations, rhythmic play, and movement. It's a scale that, when you play it, feels like it sings with the melody.
AKEBONO
Originating in Japan, the Akebono scale (meaning "dawn") evokes the delicate beauty of a new day. This Japanese scale has a soft, contemplative sound. It conveys tranquility, simplicity, and serene beauty. It is widely used for ambient music and meditation. Ideal for those seeking an instrument that invites silence and reflection.
MAJOR PENTATONIC
The Major Pentatonic scale, with only five notes per octave, is one of the most universal and appears in musical traditions around the world.
A universal, simple, and highly harmonious scale, present in many cultures. It conveys balance, fluidity, and naturalness. It is used in both meditative contexts and active improvisations. Perfect for beginners and for those seeking ease without sacrificing expressiveness.
| Musical Scale | Sound character | Main sensation | Regular use | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kurd | Deep and melancholic | Introspection, mystery | Meditation, contemplation | Search for emotional depth |
| Celtic (Celta) | Fluid and dancing | Joy tinged with nostalgia | Improvisation, accompaniment | Movement and expressiveness |
| Aeolian (Eólica) | Emotional and expressive | Melancholic and stable | introspective music | Versatile musical use |
| Mayor | Clear and luminous | Happy, open | general use | Beginners and intuitive sound |
| Integral | Open and balanced | Freedom, spaciousness | Free improvisation | Exploration and creativity |
| Dorian (Dórica) | Serene with character | active calm | jzz, folk, modern | Emotional balance |
| Hijaz Bhinna | Exotic and intense | mistery, strain | Expressive improvisation | Evocative oriental sounds |
| Sirena | Ethereal and enveloping | Flotación, calma profunda | Relaxation, sound therapy | Meditation and bodywork |
| PIGMY | Rhythmic and earthy | Joy, body connection | Group, percussion | Collective dynamics |
| Akebono | Delicate and contemplative | Pause, serenity | ambiental music | Introspection and silence |
| MAJOR PENTATONIC | Simple and harmonious | Naturality | All types of contexts | Start without dissonance |
📝 How to use this table
- If you are looking for calm → Kurd · Sirena · Akebono
- If you're looking for joy and fluidity → Major · Celtic · Pentatonic
- If you're looking for expression and intensity → Aeolian · Hijaz · Dorian
- If you're looking for rhythm and body → Pigmy · Celtic · Hijaz
- If you're looking to explore without rules → Integral - Celtic - Kurd
- Si buscas versatilidad (un poco de todo) → Mayor · Dorian · Celtic · Kurd
Y recuerda:
👉 la mejor escala no es la “correcta”, sino la que te apetece tocar.