Playing Technique

Holding the sticks is an important part of playing pan as it determines the quality of note produced. 

Although a firm grip is required, there must be a level flexibility to allow the sticks to bounce off the pan when it is struck.

For the frontline pans each stick should be held between the thumb, the first joint of the index finger (second finger) and the second joint of the middle finger (third finger) of each hand.  The ring (fourth finger) and little (fifth finger) fingers should be curled up so that your hands form the shape of a fist.

For the middle pans each stick should be held between the thumb, the first joint of the index finger and the second joint of the middle and ring fingers of each hand.  The little finger should be curled up so that your hands form the shape of a fist.

For the background pans each stick should be held between the thumb, the first joint of the index finger and the second joint of the remaining fingers of each hand.  The little finger should be curled up so that your hands form the shape of a fist. 

To produce a sound you have to strike a note on the pan with one of the sticks.  As you strike the note you need to move the stick away from the pan immediately.  This is to allow the note to resonate.  If you leave the stick on the note it will produce a dull muffled sound.

Initially, you will notice that you are making your strike by moving your elbow.  The correct way to strike the note is by moving your wrist.  This takes some time to get used to as you are learning a new skill.

Once you have mastered striking a note using your wrists you will be able to start rolling.  Rolling is achieved by alternately striking the pan with your left and right hands in quick succession.   It is done to create the effect of sustained pitch.   Again this is a new skill: you will need to start off slowly and build your speed up as your wrists become more supple.