Celtic Minor Hand Pans by Saraz Musical Instruments in Asheville, NC

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The term “Celtic Minor” was first used for a Handpan Scale by our friends Pantheon Steel around 2012. It is by far the most popular scale form we have made over the years and represents a significant percentage of the Saraz that we build, especially in D Celtic Minor.

The name pays respect to the traditional Celtic scale, which is traditionally a Dorian mode. The Dorian mode is very similar to the Minor scale however it has a sharpened 6th scale degree. In the “Celtic Minor” variation referred to by Handpan builders, this 6th scale degree is omitted however leaving a hexatonic variation that hints at both the full Minor Scale and the full Dorian Mode.

The 6th note of the minor scale is also the most tense, dark and somber note in the scale. By omitting it, the intensity of these emotions is removed from the full Minor or Dorian variations. This leads to a more calm, serene, dreamy, mystical, and smooth variation.

This variation has also been called “Amara”, a name coined by our friends at Echo Sound Sculpture.

We often have yoga teachers, sound therapists and healers write us and ask which scale is most appropriate for playing in their work. We always recommend considering this scale first. It is also one of our top favorites!

We have offered the Celtic Minor in C# and D for many years and are eager to build Celtic Minor Saraz in A, B, C, E and F# as well.

A number of bottom note options are also available. When ordering, look under your desired center note, then “Minor” scale variations for these layouts. You can then add additional bottom notes to your order.

Please Contact us if you have any questions.