D Kurd handpan: the most loved beginner scale
A D Kurd handpan is a handpan tuned to D Kurd, the most popular variation of the D minor scale. It sounds emotional, meditative and versatile. At LIDAH, D Kurd is our most popular scale, and you will find it on the D Kurd 10, the D Kurd 13 and the Pro D Kurd 16.
In this article, we explain what a D Kurd handpan is, how it sounds and which of our D Kurd handpans suits you. It is part of our complete guide to buying a handpan.
What is a D Kurd handpan?
A handpan scale is the collection of notes that the instrument is tuned to. Each handpan is tuned to one specific scale, which defines the character of the instrument.
Many beginner handpan players start with a variation of the D Minor scale, and the most popular variation is D Kurd. If you have read that D Kurd is the most popular choice and want to know why, this article explains it.
On the top, all our D Kurd handpans have the same ten notes: the central ding, D3, with A3, Bb3, C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, A4 and C5 arranged around it.
The top of a LIDAH D Kurd. The ding sits in the middle, with nine notes around it. This top is the same on the D Kurd 10, 13 and 16.
What does a D Kurd sound like?
D Kurd has deep, soothing tones. The scale is widely loved because it sounds:
- Emotional
- Meditative
- Versatile
Scales like D Kurd often feel calming, introspective and meditative.
Hear it for yourself. Below, Dany Rud plays our Stainless Steel D Kurd 10.
Why do so many beginners choose D Kurd?
The most popular beginner scale is D Kurd. There are several reasons why.
Intuitive to play
Many beginners start with D Kurd because the scale is intuitive. It allows new players to create beautiful melodies quickly.
Many tutorials and recordings
D Kurd is one of the most commonly used handpan scales, which means you will find many tutorials and recordings online.
A meditative sound
D Kurd sounds emotional and meditative, with deep, soothing tones. Scales like D Kurd are frequently used in meditation, yoga sessions and sound healing.
For most beginners, the best first handpan is a D Kurd with 10 notes, in the standard 53 cm size and made from Stainless or Ember steel. Read more about the best handpan for beginners.
D Kurd 10, 13 or 16: which one should you choose?
The difference between them is underneath: the 13 and the 16 add notes on the bottom.
D Kurd 10
The D Kurd 10 has only the ten notes on top, with no notes on the bottom. Our Stainless Steel D Kurd 10 is our most popular handpan for beginners.
D Kurd 13
The D Kurd 13 has the same ten notes on top and three more on the bottom: F3, G3 and D5. It is the same deep D Kurd sound, with three more notes to move between. The extended range gives you greater variety for richer melodies and creative freedom, and it is beginner friendly with more room to grow.
Pro D Kurd 16
The Pro D Kurd 16 adds six notes on the bottom, Bb2, C3, F3, G3, D5 and E5, for players who love the deep and balanced sound of D Kurd and want far more room to explore.
D Kurd 10
No notes on the bottom
D Kurd 13
Three notes on the bottom
Pro D Kurd 16
Six notes on the bottom
Stainless Steel or Ember Steel?
Our D Kurd 10 and D Kurd 13 are made in two steels:
- Stainless Steel: exceptional sustain for a clear, resonant sound
- Ember Steel: exceptionally long sustain for a warm, resonant sound
Steel changes the warmth. There is no quality difference between the two, and neither is better. Read more about handpan steel types.
Below, Dany Rud plays our Ember Steel D Kurd 10.
Is D Kurd the right scale for you?
If you are unsure where to start, the Stainless Steel D Kurd 10 is the safe and beautiful choice.
D Minor is very popular, but other scales such as Amara or Pygmy can also be great beginner options, depending on the sound you prefer. Read more about which handpan scale to choose.
Looking at a mini handpan? The Mini D Minor 9 has the same notes as our D Kurd 10, except for one. If you want exactly D Kurd, choose a standard handpan. Read more about mini handpan vs standard handpan.
In the end, the right handpan scale is simply the one that resonates with you the most.
Explore our handpans
If you're ready to discover your own handpan sound, you can explore our handcrafted instruments and listen to how the different scales sound.
Not sure yet which scale suits you? Take our Handpan Test and discover the sound that resonates with you.
If you have any questions about handpans, feel free to message us on WhatsApp or use our contact form. We are always happy to help you find the instrument that suits you best.
Frequently asked questions
Is D Kurd the same as D minor?
Not exactly: D Kurd is a variation of the D minor scale, and the most popular one.
How many notes should my first D Kurd have?
Our D Kurd handpans start at 10 notes: the Stainless Steel D Kurd 10 is our most popular handpan for beginners. If you already know you love D Kurd and want somewhere further to go, the D Kurd 13 gives you three more notes to move between.
Is D Kurd good for meditation?
Yes. D Kurd sounds emotional and meditative, with deep, soothing tones, and scales like D Kurd are frequently used in meditation, yoga sessions and sound healing.
Which LIDAH handpans are tuned to D Kurd?
The Stainless Steel D Kurd 10, the Ember Steel D Kurd 10, the Stainless Steel D Kurd 13, the Ember Steel D Kurd 13 and, in our Pro Series, the Stainless Steel D Kurd 16.
