How to Play the Gong

The gong is a musical instrument of Malay-Javanese origin, which has made its way into nearly all Asian cultures and even a number of Western cultures. Its uses are as wide as religion ceremonies, yoga classes and even rock bands, and its cultural appeal seems to have no bounds. Follow these steps to play this ancient and versatile instrument.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Find the right gong. There are more than a dozen kinds of gongs in the world. Some are metal, some are wood, some have raised edges and "nipples" and others are flat. Each has its own sound and specific uses, so try a few different kinds of gongs so you can find the right instrument to play.

2. Find a good percussion or gong teacher. Most expert percussion teachers will have at least a basic understanding of the gong. A percussion teacher can give you the basics about rhythm and how to strike the gong to produce different sounds. Eventually, however, you will need a gong expert to really unlock the magic of the gong for you.

3. Choose the right mallet. Each specific gong requires a different kind of mallet to produce the correct sound. Find out what mallet suits the gong you're using in order to play the instrument correctly.

4. Begin by striking the gong rhythmically in the center of the instrument. Gradually move out towards the circumference of the instrument to learn how different areas of the gong produce different sounds. Use a tuning device to see what notes you're playing so you can begin to learn the instrument in a systematic way.