How to Play Singing Bowls

Singing bowls have a magical aliveness, and they interact in distinct ways with different people and environments when played. Handcrafted by different makers, each bowl has a unique voice. Comprised of the seven metals representing different planetary influences:

• Gold = the sun
• Silver = the moon
• Mercury = Mercury
• Copper = Venus
• Iron = Mars
• Tin = Jupiter
• Lead = Saturn

Together these metals produce a profound sound which can penetrate deep within the body and mind creating a subtle healing, also useful as an aid to meditation. The bowl is played by holding it in the flat open palm of one hand, allowing the body of the bowl to vibrate freely, while running a rounded wooden stick around the outside rim of the bowl with the other hand. When the correct combination of pressure, angulation, and velocity is reached, the bowl will sing, much as a drinking glass will vibrate to a certain frequency when you run your finger around the rim.

To play, strike with the wooden mallet. A beautiful tone lingers long after being tapped. Rub the outside rim with the mallet, and the bowl comes alive. The soothing sound grows to fill the room.

The Bowl as Percussion Instrument

The pitch of each bowl depends on thickness, size, and weight. It is fixed. However, tone and volume can be controlled by three factors:

1. the force of the blow
2. the hardness of the striking object
3. the point of percussion

Bowls are used in some Hindu orchestras, in combinations of different tones and rhythms. They color the tone beautifully. From quiet to climax, or a single clash at the proper moment.

How to Play Bowls

1. Hold the bowl in the palm of either hand.
2. With the mallet, rub the outside rim in a circular motion. Keep an even pressure.
3. Gently increase the speed as the bowl begins to vibrate, and as the sound grows. It may help to tap the bowl to begin the vibration.
4. Or enjoy the exotic sound by just tapping the bowl.

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