Metal Singing Bowls are a diverse family of instruments, with some experts classifying as many as 40 different types of singing bowls, each with distinct shapes that affect sound quality and therapeutic use. Understanding the varieties of metal singing bowls is crucial for practitioners as different bowls produce varying sound frequencies, overtone profiles and amounts of sustain, significantly impacting their application in sound therapy and meditation practices. Some bowls are centuries old and carry historical and artistic value, making them prized possessions for collectors and sound therapists alike.
Hear Didge Project’s demonstration of the Cosmos Series Singing Bowl Set by Meinl Sonic Energy:
How The Physical Design of Metal Singing Bowls Affects Their Sound
The shape and thickness of a bowl influence its sound output. For example, bowls with edges that rise to vertical are often considered masculine and produce deeper tones. The potential for discovering new sound qualities and effects in singing bowls remains vast, indicating a continuous journey of experimentation and research in sound therapy.
How to Play a Metal Singing Bowl
Here are some tips on holding or positioning the metal singing bowl and mallet, selecting the proper mallet, and finding the right playing techniques for optimal sound:
- How to hold the metal singing bowl correctly: Hold the bowl your non-dominant hand and keep your palm open with fingers flat. Do not claw the bowl as your finger tips will dampen the sound and limit the vibration.
- Choose the right friction mallet to make the bowl sing: Size matters; match the stick to the bowl for the best sound. Use a mallet of 1″ diameter for bowls that are up to 6″ in diameter. For bowls larger than 6″ in diameter, use a 2″ diameter mallet.
- Proper Playing Technique to make the bowl sing: A great way to start the “singing” effect of the bowl is to first tap the bowl on the exterior of the rim with a friction mallet to start its vibration. Then begin simultaneously pressing the mallet against the exterior of the bowl while circling the mallet around its circumference, applying steady pressure toward the center of the bowl. The angle of the mallet can be anywhere from completely vertical to 45 degrees (top toward center). This angle is something you will need to explore as a player and you can find what works best for the bowl and mallet which you have. Maintaining a consistent angle and position while playing allows for a smoother, more pleasant sound. This requires practice to maste
- Managing chatter in metal singing bowls: Understanding how to control the stickโs pressure and speed helps prevent chatter, or an undesired clanging sound, allowing for a more consistent sound. You many want this chatter, depending on what you are trying to accomplish.
- Exploring mallet varieties: Using a padded beater instead of standard felt friction mallet can offer a different tonal quality, providing an alternative playing method that many find enjoyable. With a padded beater you can hit the bowl harder, without fear of damaging it, and get some different tones to come out, but you won’t be able to make the bowl sing with that tool
- Warm up the bowl: When the bowl really gets going and is played for a few minutes, you may find more tones coming out that didn’t originally appear at the start, due to the warming of the vibrating metal.
- Practice your metal singing bowl technique to enhance quality: Like any instrument, consistent playing develops a richer sound over time. Engaging with an individual metal bowl frequently fosters a deeper connection and appreciation.
As an aside, adding water to the inside of metal singing bowls can amplify sound and create unique sonic effects, showcasing an interesting interplay between physical elements and sound production.
Which combinations of metal singing bowls work best together?
Finding bowls that work in harmony together can be accomplished by using basic music theory principles and finding intervals that resonate well together. We find that the intervals of minor third, major third, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, minor sixth or major sixth are the best intervals to use for two bowl set ups. To create chords, you can create major or minor triads in any inversion. For more about music theory for sound healers, join the Dream Seed Sound Healer Training Program.
Where to order metal singing bowls
For more details and ordering info on Himalayan Singing Bowls sold at Didge Project, see the Cosmos Series Singing Bowls product page here:
