Playing 'Under The Sea' On Steel Pan

Playing Under the Sea on a steel pan is a great way to add a tropical vibe to your music. The steel pan, also known as a steel drum, is a unique instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. With its circular shape and steel construction, it offers a range of musical possibilities. To play Under the Sea on a steel pan, you'll need to master the correct technique, including proper positioning, weight distribution, and hand and elbow placement. Additionally, learning the different strokes used in steel pan playing, such as the down-up stroke and the single stroke roll, will help you bring the melody of Under the Sea to life. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced pannist, grab your steel pan and get ready to create some enchanting tropical music!

Steel pan setup and positioning

To play the steel pan correctly, you must first learn the correct setup and positioning. The steel pan's circular shape makes it unique but also challenging to play. Here are some tips for setting up and positioning your steel pan:

Stand directly in front of the instrument, leaving a gap of approximately 4–5 inches between your body and the skirt of the pan. Distribute your weight evenly on both feet, and avoid shuffling your feet from side to side while playing. Keep your elbows at or slightly above waist level, and ensure your hands are close to the playing surface to facilitate accurate and speedy playing.

The pan should be hung at waist height so that it can be easily reached and played. To play comfortably for extended periods, maintain a balanced stance, ensuring you don't lean most of your body weight on one foot. Position yourself an appropriate distance from the instrument, allowing a slight bend in the elbows and easy access to all the notes.

The grip you choose for holding the pan mallet is also important. Different pannists use different grips according to their preference and comfort. Here are some common mallet grips:

• Grip the mallet with a fist.
• Press with the index finger.
• Hold the mallet lightly with the index finger and thumb, with no more than half an inch of the stick protruding below the little finger.

Correct body posture

When playing the steel pan, it is important to maintain correct body posture to facilitate control and prevent fatigue during extended playing sessions. Here are some tips to achieve the correct body posture:

Stand or sit with a straight back, keeping your spine straight and tall. This will help you maintain a correct and comfortable posture, reducing the risk of back strain and improving your breathing while playing.

Distribute your body weight evenly between both feet. Avoid putting most of your body weight on one foot, as this may cause discomfort and imbalance. Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground to maintain stability and balance while playing.

Position your elbows slightly away from your body, ideally at or a little above waist level. This will allow your arms to move freely over the steel pan without raising your shoulders or bending your elbows at an uncomfortable angle. Keep your elbows relaxed and avoid locking them to facilitate blood flow and reduce muscle tension.

Maintain a comfortable distance from the steel pan. Stand directly in front of the instrument, leaving a gap of approximately 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) between your body and the skirt of the pan. This distance will provide you with enough space to move and reach all the notes without straining.

Keep your hands close to the playing surface of the steel pan at all times. This is crucial for accurate and speedy playing. When moving the mallets or sticks from one note to another, your hands should glide smoothly above the playing surface.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to achieve the correct body posture for playing the steel pan. Remember to adjust your posture as needed to find the most comfortable and controlled position for your body.

Hand and finger placement

Firstly, stand directly in front of the steel pan, leaving a gap of approximately 4-5 inches between your body and the skirt of the pan. This will give you enough space to move without bumping into the pan. Keep your hands close to the playing surface at all times, so you can easily reach all the notes.

When it comes to holding the pan sticks, there are a few different techniques you can use. One method is to hold the stick between your thumb and the first joint of your index finger, with the remaining fingers wrapped lightly around the shaft, allowing the fingertips to gently touch the palm. Another option is a light grip, holding the mallet with just your index finger and thumb. Alternatively, you can try gripping the mallet with your fist. For the best results, the grip should be fairly loose, but remember to adjust it slightly when playing higher-pitched notes, tightening your grip to maintain the intensity of the sound.

Keep your elbows at or slightly above waist level, and avoid raising your shoulders or bending your elbows at more than a 45-degree angle. This will ensure your arms can move freely over the pan. If you need to access a note that requires a bit more reach, pivot slightly from the waist, and lean into the instrument if necessary.

With the correct hand and finger placement, you'll be well on your way to playing the steel pan like a pro!

Mallet grip

To play "Under the Sea" on a steel pan, you'll need to know how to grip the mallet properly. Here are some tips for achieving the correct mallet grip:

First, it's important to choose the right type of mallet. For lead steel pans, also known as tenor steel pans, a wooden dowel mallet is recommended for beginners. Wood provides better control and won't accentuate hitting errors as you learn the touch and feel of the instrument. Additionally, a wooden mallet will help keep the steel pan in tune for longer. While aluminum mallets are an option for more experienced players, they can cause the instrument to go out of tune sooner if used incorrectly.

When holding the mallet, there are several grip techniques you can use:

• Grip the mallet with your fist.
• Use your index finger as a pressing grip.
• Hold the mallet lightly, gripping no more than one-third of it.

Experiment with these grips to find which one works best for you. A good grip will give you improved performance and better control over the instrument.

Additionally, the length of the mallet can impact your playing. Traditional tenor or lead steel pan mallets are typically 5 to 6 inches long. This shorter length helps produce the best sound by keeping the mallet parallel to the playing surface. However, if you're new to steel pans, you might feel more comfortable with a longer mallet, around 7 to 9 inches, similar to those used in other percussion instruments.

Lastly, remember to hold the mallet loosely. This will allow for freer movement and better sound and performance. Don't hold it too tightly, as this will hinder your ability to produce impressive noises.

Playing techniques

Playing the steel pan requires a specific setup and technique. To begin, the steel pan should be hung at waist height for easy reach and optimal hand positioning. The player should stand directly in front of the instrument, leaving a gap of approximately 4-5 inches between their body and the skirt of the pan. It is important to maintain balance, with body weight evenly distributed between both feet, and elbows at or slightly above waist level. The hands should be kept close to the playing surface for accuracy and speed.

When playing, avoid shuffling your feet and, if you cannot reach a note, keep your feet planted and pivot slightly from the waist, leaning into the instrument if necessary. This technique is particularly useful when playing background pans, which are usually larger and arranged in a horseshoe formation, requiring the player to shift their weight from leg to leg.

The pan sticks/mallets should be held between the thumb and the first joint of the index finger, with the remaining fingers wrapped lightly around the shaft so that the fingertips touch the palm. The grip should be loose, tightening only when playing smaller, higher-pitched notes to maintain sound intensity. The sticks should appear to glide above the notes as they move from one to another, and the wrists should immediately return to the starting position after striking a note to avoid a muted sound.

The two main strokes used to play the steel pan are the down-up stroke, or piston stroke, and the flick stroke. The single stroke roll, a technique used to sustain a tone, is achieved by rapidly alternating right and left-hand down-up strokes, starting slowly and increasing speed over time.

Frequently asked questions