Whether you are a complete novice or an advanced practitioner interested in enhancing one’s knowledge about this ancient art, it is always beneficial to know the right ways how to play a singing bowl, especially when you take into account the vast array of bowls that are available with their different tones and uses.
Understanding the Basics of Singing Bowls
There are a few things that one has to know before diving into the steps on how to play a singing bowl, and these include the various parts of the singing bowl and the materials used to make it since this will determine the type of sound and vibration that is given off.
Singing bowls, which are usually metal made from copper, tin, iron, come in varying sizes and shapes, with some being small and high pitched like the ones you hold in your palms, while others are large and deep, requiring both hands to play.
Also, it will be of great value to understand the differences between antique and modern bowls, as it helps you know their history and the factors that make them produce different sounds. These knowledges will enable you to choose the right bowl suitable for your needs and preferences.
Choosing the Proper Mallet for Your Singing Bowl
The mallet or striker is an important accessory as far as playing a singing bowl is concerned and the choice of mallet affects the quality of sound produced greatly. There are different types of mallets in terms of shape, size and material which include wooden, felt or rubber and each of them produces a different sound when hitting the bowl.
For instance, a wooden mallet may give a metallic sound, which is suitable for chanting, while a mallet whose surface is covered with suede or felt will give a more gentle sound that is suitable for healing and relaxation purposes. When choosing a mallet, people must take into consideration the size and the material of the bowl they are going to use as well as the kind of sound that they prefer since using the wrong mallet will produce dull or out-of-tune sounds that will only hamper the sound of the bowl.
Preparations for Playing Singing Bowl
When discussing “how to play a singing bowl”, the best way is to make sure that one is in an environment that is conducive to playing a singing bowl and it is advised that one should look for a quiet place where there will be no disturbance, the sound of the bowl can be heard freely without any form of interference.
One could use a soft cushion or a ring to support the bowl. Not only does this help to keep the bowl steady during use, but it also ensures that the sound is at its best because it muffles any vibrations that may occur due to contact with other surfaces.
Also, creating a cosy and relaxing environment by turning off the lights or using a candle can make you will be able to concentrate on the sound and the vibrations of the bowl, making it more enjoyable and therapeutic.
Basic Techniques for Playing the Singing Bowl
There are two techniques of playing the bowl: one is striking and the other is rimming. Both of them enable one to produce sound and feel the vibrations of the bowl differently. To strike the bowl, one has to strike the rim or side of the bowl with a mallet to produce a chiming sound, which is clear and ringing; this is used in creating a meditative atmosphere or in marking the start and end of a meditation session.
To get a good, continuous, and steady sound, the mallet should be held loosely but with some pressure, and when striking the bowl one should use a smooth, soft, and flowing motion and not hit the bowl too hard as this may result in a loud and unpleasant sound.
The rimming technique, however, requires the player to move the mallet in a circular motion along the edge of the bowl, and this results in the production of a sustained sound, which is quite therapeutic and calming. To perform this technique, the mallet should be held vertically, and the pressure has to be lightly applied as one moves around the rim as the sound intensifies, then speed up gradually and ensure that the hand is very stable to avoid any interruption in the sound.
High-Level Techniques for Playing the Singing Bowl
As a part of learning how to play a singing bowl, after learning the basic striking and rimming techniques it is possible to use more elaborate techniques to get better sound and vibrations from your singing bowl. One such technique includes the “double-striking” technique, where one taps the bowl once and then taps it again to produce two notes that intermingle to give the sound a fuller texture.
Also, trying various mallet placements, like changing the angle at which one is holding the mallet or using a combination of materials, can create various sounds that add up to the vibrational energy of the bowl.
The other technique that can be used is a combination of the striking and rimming methods, whereby one starts by striking the surface lightly to produce sound and then uses slow rimming to sustain the sound, making it more musical and interesting to the ear and the entire body.
At Vibemend, you will find a very selective and exclusive range of singing bowls, mallets, and other products that are perfect for those who are starting their journey as well as for experienced practitioners who are in search of the best products for sound healing. Thus, by incorporating these elements into your practice, you can discover all the possibilities that singing bowls can bring to your life, as well as healing and calmness brought to your life.
