Playing 'Havana' On Steel Pan

The steelpan, also known as a steel drum, is a musical instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. Playing Havana on a steelpan requires striking the metal surface with beaters or mallets. The first step is to choose the type of steel drum, with options including the tenor pan, double tenor pan, and bass pan, each with a different sound range. Setting up the drum at the correct height and distance is also important. Steelpans can be played virtually, but for those seeking a physical experience, there are various techniques to approach playing the instrument, which is sure to be a fun and enjoyable process.

Choosing the right steel drum

The next step is to decide between a chromatic or diatonic steel drum. Chromatic instruments contain all the tones of the scale and can reproduce all melodies and chords, whereas diatonic instruments contain only the notes of a chosen scale and are limited to defined keys. Chromatic steel drums usually require two to six drums to obtain all the necessary notes, whereas diatonic instruments are built on a single drum. This makes diatonic steel drums more portable and a better option for those who want to avoid a heavy learning curve.

The range of the steel drum is another important consideration. Steel drums, like other instruments in a symphony orchestra, come in several registers, from low-pitched to high-pitched. The six bass steel drum, for example, is the equivalent of a double bass and has 18 notes distributed over six drums. The tenor bass steel drum has a slightly higher pitch and often doubles the bass lines in the higher octave. The cello steel drum, made up of three to four drums, has a powerful and majestic sound. The guitar steel drum has a shorter tone to emphasise the percussive side of the instrument. The second steel drum is a versatile instrument dedicated to both melody and accompaniment. Finally, the tenor (soprano) steel drum has the highest sound range and is the most popular instrument in the family due to its comfortable chromatic range, ease of access, and small size.

The finish of the steel drum is also a matter of personal preference and budget. A chrome-plated steel drum offers good corrosion protection and a dramatic aesthetic effect, but it is more expensive and can slightly impact the tone of the instrument. A painted steel drum, on the other hand, is more affordable, easier to maintain, and tends to limit the sustain of the sound.

Setting up the drum

Choose the Right Height:

Position the drum at a height that is easily accessible to you. The ideal height is around your waist, so you can reach it comfortably without having to strain your arms or back. Adjust the height of the stand or the surface on which the drum is placed to achieve this.

Maintain the Right Distance:

Make sure you stand at the correct distance from the drum. You don't want to be too close or too far away. A good rule of thumb is to have your elbows slightly away from the drum, giving you enough space to move your arms freely while playing.

Tuning the Drum:

Tuning is a crucial aspect of setting up your steel drum. It involves adjusting the pitch and timbre (colour of the tone) to ensure the instrument produces the desired sound. While you can attempt to tune the drum yourself with a small hammer and a rubber-tipped tuning stick, it is recommended to leave it to a professional tuner, as it requires skill and experience. The tuning process consists of three main steps:

• Coarse tuning: This involves softening the metal and setting the initial pitch.
• Fine tuning: Here, the pitch and timbre are fine-tuned while the drum hangs in the playing position.
• Blending: This is the final tuning stage, where the pitch, timbre, and loudness of the notes are adjusted to achieve the desired sound.

Mallets and Playing Techniques:

Different types of steel drums require different mallets, so choose the appropriate mallets for your instrument. The mallets consist of a dowel (made of wood or aluminium) and a rubber tip, with the size of the tip varying depending on the type of steel drum. Thinner rubber tips are used for higher-pitched drums like the tenor pan, while thicker and softer tips are used for lower-pitched drums.

When holding the mallets, grip them lightly and loosely. Holding them too tightly will hinder the production of a good sound. Keep the mallet contact time short to allow the notes to vibrate freely.

Holding the pan drum mallets

The first technique is to grip the pan mallet/stick with your fist. The second is to press the grip with your index finger. The third option is to hold more than one-third of the mallet with a light grip, and the final technique is to grip the mallet with three fingers. It's important not to hold the mallet too tight, as this will prevent you from producing a good sound. It's better to hold it a bit loose and keep the mallet contact time as short as possible so the notes can vibrate freely.

The type of mallet you use is also important. Each instrument in the steelpan family uses a different type of mallet. The mallet is composed of a dowel, or shaft, which is made of either wood or aluminium, and a rubber tip that comes in different sizes. The size of the pan note dictates what pitch/frequency that note produces. Lead pans, which have small notes and produce higher-range tones, use mallets with very thin rubber tips. Bass pans, which have the largest note size and produce lower tones, use mallets with thick, softer rubber tips. The added contour on bass pan mallets helps to draw out the deepest of the low notes.

Learning the correct technique to play Havana

Learning the correct technique to play "Havana" on a steel pan starts with selecting the right type of steel drum. The tenor pan, also known as the lead or soprano pan, has the highest sound range and is a good choice for beginners as it traditionally plays the melody in steel band arrangements. The double tenor pan, which has the next highest range, can also be an option, as it often doubles the tenor pan's melody in a lower harmony.

Once you've chosen your steel drum, setting it up correctly is crucial. Adjust the height of the drum to match your waist level, ensuring you're standing at an appropriate distance. It's important to leave some space between your elbows and the drum. Fine-tuning the drum is also essential; while you can do it yourself, it's best left to a professional tuner who will set the playing pitch and the timbre or colour of the tone.

Now, let's talk about holding the pan drum mallets. There are different techniques, but it's vital to hold them properly. Grip the mallet with your fist, pressing it with your index finger, or hold it with three fingers, ensuring a light grip. Avoid holding the mallet too tight, as this will affect the sound quality. Keep the contact time short to allow the notes to vibrate freely.

The steel drum mallet typically has a wooden or aluminium dowel (shaft) and a rubber tip. The thickness and weight of the mallet will influence the sound produced, so choose one suitable for your steel pan. Thinner rubber tips are used for higher-pitched drums like the tenor pan, while thicker and softer tips are for lower-pitched drums.

With your drum set up and mallets ready, you can start playing "Havana." Remember to memorise the song, as pannists (steel pan players) often don't read musical scores. Enjoy the process, and soon you'll be playing "Havana" with ease and style!

Practising and memorising the song

Once you have chosen your steel drum and set it up at the correct height, you are ready to start practising and memorising 'Havana'. As a pannist (a person who plays the steel pan), you will likely be memorising the song rather than reading a musical score.

Start by breaking the song down into sections and mastering each part individually. Begin with the first few bars, playing them over and over until you can play them without hesitation or error. Then, move on to the next section, and the next, gradually adding on to the parts you have already learned. This methodical approach will help you internalise the song's structure and make it easier to play from memory.

Repeat the song, or sections of it, at regular intervals. Spacing out your practice sessions will improve your long-term retention of the song. Focus on the challenging parts, but also be sure to review the easier sections to keep them fresh in your memory.

As you practise, pay attention to the dynamics and expression of the song. Steel pans are played with sticks or mallets, and the volume and tone can be varied by adjusting your grip and the amount of force applied. Experiment with different techniques to find the sound you want to convey.

Finally, as you become more familiar with the song, try playing it at different tempos. Start by playing it slowly, and then gradually increase the speed as you gain confidence and accuracy. This will help you internalise the song and improve your overall technique.

Frequently asked questions