STEEL TONGUE DRUM - how to play a HAPI™ (hand activated percussion instrument)

Steel tongue drums are ideal for jamming and playing percussive beats. Anyone who wants an easy to play intuitive music instrument can learn to play one. You don't need a musical background. The note layout of the HAPI steel tongue drum makes it easy to jump right into grooving rhythms.

Our HAPI steel tongue drums use tongues cut to different sizes and shapes to produce musical tones, similar to wooden tongue drums.

How is it played? We recommend playing the HAPI steel tongue drum with the pads of your fingers. A wide range of sounds can be created with different techniques. Playing by hand connects you with the steel tongue drum in the way that traditional drums are enjoyed. A minimal amount of force creates a big sound on these drums. We also supply each steel tongue drum with mallets designed to bring out pure tone. Our mallets are designed to eliminate “head slap” creating a very clear tone. When using mallets, hold the mallet lightly and let it drop onto the note. This creates the ideal tone. When using your hands all that is required is a light quick touch from the pad of your finger.

Playing with your hands, use the pad of only one finger to strike the note. Hit the note at the top of the tongue, your target area is towards the top, in the middle of the tongue. Index or middle fingers or the side of your thumb are all ok too. Do not use the tip of the finger but rather the full pad of your finger. Your finger should be about level with the steel tongue drum before you start the motion and two to three inches above the drum. Use a wrist motion to slap the finger off of the note. Do not move your elbows, it’s all in the wrist. Let your finger lightly bounce off the steel tongue drum note like the mallets do. Start learning on the largest notes and then once you have good technique, move to practicing on the smaller notes.