In this RAV drum rhythm tutorial, we use the RAV Vast2 C Golden Gate to demonstrate a simple pattern that will sound great on any handpan or RAV drum. Starting at the highest note of the scale, you will play a sequence of 4 descending notes and repeat this 4 times. Then you will start the next phrase on the second highest note, descending 4 notes from there and repeating 4 times. This goes on a few times until you get to the tonic (C4 in this example), and then you repeat the whole verse again. Watch and learn!
The RAV Drum played in this video has a C Golden Gate Scale tuning. This scale is unique because it starts with a C major 7 arpeggio (1 3 5 7 or C E G B) and then goes into a lydian sound featuring the sharp 4th (F#). This is a bright sound that is great for yoga classes, meditation, and deep personal practice.
Purchase RAV Vast2 C Golden Gate (the instrument used in this video) here: https://www.didgeproject.com/product/rav-vast2-c-golden-gate-aka-rav-drum-metal-tongue-drum/
Notes in the Golden Gate scale: C3, E3, G3, B3, C4, D4, F#4, G4, B4
Scale tones (in the same order): 1, 3, 5, 7, 1, 2, #4, 5, 7
RAV Drum (aka RAV Vast) is a relatively new instrument that fuses the concepts behind handpans (hang drums) and tongue drums (traditionally made of wood). Perfectly cut steel tongues vibrate harmoniously together to create an ethereal sound perfect for meditation, relaxation, and other mystical music experiences.
RAV was invented in 2013, the same year PanArt stopped making the Hang. RAV is from Russia with cut keys as opposed to the hammer tuned Hang drum, which is not cut or welded in anyway. The RAV has a deep resonance and profound reverb effect where the sound lasts for a long time while the Hang drum sound goes for a much shorter duration. This allows for a lot more space between key strokes in the RAV because the sound carries so long without losing the rhythm, which can make for more experimental playing in some respects than the Hang or handpan. The fullness of the sound and the duration of each key stroke makes the instrument very meditative to play because it renders itself to slow playing but of course can also be played very quickly and rhythmically. The backside is not as accessible or resonant as a handpan but can still be played rhythmically. The price of a RAV is 1/3 the cost of a Hang and is also generally easier to play than the Hang for most people. It is also a much more durable and sturdy instrument. The handpan can be knocked out of tune with too hard of a hit and over time may need to get tuned up regardless while the Rav does not and is almost impossible to knock out of tune. The Rav also has harmonics beyond the fundamental key like the Hang/handpan and both are available through Didge Project for purchase at https://www.didgeproject.com/store.
