How to Play Gong

by Singing Bowl In Nepal | Jul 28, 2020 | gong

Overview- How to play Gong?

The gong has a deep precise pitch with dark timber and very full, round sound. Gong is the membranophone musical instrument. The pitch and nature of sound in the gong can be varied as per the wish of a person playing it. The sound and pitch solely depend upon mallet and the way it is struck into gong. If it is attacked too hard, the sound can overshoot whereas when it is attacked too soft the sound will be lost. That means you do not know how to play the gong.

To add more about it, Gong is musical percussion instruments that take the form of a flat, circular metal disc. Gongs produce metallic, dark, and majestic sound. The gongs origin is mostly believed to take place in China’s western region around the sixth century. Many people might be wondering how to play gong? In this article, we will delve into the answers to how to play gong?

Gongs are saucer-shaped typical large, a round disc that produces sound when it is struck using a mallet. The combination of striking force from mallet, striking sequence, and striking pattern imparts to the gong when it is played. When the flat surface of the gong is struck by using mallet then a rich and desired sound is produced from the gong. The pitch and the quality of sound can be adjusted as per the listener’s choice.

When a gong is played the sound is introduced quietly, increasing the volume to reach a crescendo and allowing the intensity to finish. When the gong is struck very forcefully then the sound produced will be too high and when it is struck very slowly then the sound will disappear. To be able to control the intensity and pitch of the sound, one should have a lot of practice with determination. Sound, amplitude, or volume of the sound wave typically depends upon how much force is applied while playing the gong.

Striking the gong perpendicular to the disc or tapping it once will cause a single resultant force in the same direction but tapping it more than once or applying a glancing blow will cause two lesser force. Therefore, by varying the glancing angle, the intensity of the sound can be managed. In most of the cases, the volume is kept intentionally low. This is done because the sound produced from this technique will be more restful and relaxing

You can watch a short video on How to play here

The glancing striker can be used in very versatile ways. The skimming moment of the striker or mallet across the disc, either as a downstroke or an upstroke stems from a flickering motion centered at the player’s wrist. This technique is key for mastering to play the gong. When the striker or mallet is repeatedly heated to the circular large disc then a sound is produced which is kind of healing and possesses relief properties.

To further delve into how to play gong? The rhythm and the tempo are the main points to be remembered while playing the gong. The mallet should be struck slowly first and the speed should be increased slowly and carefully.

 Conclusion

For some years, gongs are getting more and more popular around the globe. Therefore, more people are interested to know how to play the gong. Gongs were invented for a particular purpose but the use and benefit of gong extended as time passed. It is well known for stress relief and clearing the negative thoughts from the mind. Originally, they were invented to promote stillness and wellbeing. Gongs are considered as the symbol of mysticism and fortune. The gong is said to be the greatest tool of meditation for monks.

Gong is taken as reinforced vibrations more than an instrument. It helps to create a free space in the mind activating the glandular and endocrine systems. Listening to the pure sound from gong daily will helps to turn on our chakras. Ultimately, the gong creates a very positive atmosphere within us and helps in deep relaxation. Traditionally they were used to clear the way for important events and processions.

If you are interested to play the gong then you can attend an online tutorial or find a good teacher and learn it. Every instrument has certain instructions within it so everything should be performed according to rules.

Gong History Benefits & Working Mechanism

by Singing Bowl In Nepal | Jul 28, 2020 | gong

Introduction- History of Gong

Gong is a metal disc with a turned rim, giving a resonant note when it is struck. Gong was invented in China long before and gongs were used in Java’s. The gong history dates back to the 6th century. They are depicted in Chinese visual arts as of the 6th century. Gongs are supposed to have existed in various forms, are one of the earliest instruments known.

Apart from its traditional values and importance, gongs are widely used for producing music. Traditionally, gongs were used to clear the negative path and energy for important officials. Gongs possess high importance in eastern society. They continued to be the symbol of fortune and mysticism.

How does a gong produce sound?

When the surface of a gong is struck or rubbed by a mallet or any instruments a rich and harmonic sound is produced. Mallet right in the centre (knob) strikes the gong and the greatest volume sound is produced. When the gong is struck anywhere instead of the centre than the sound we want will not be produced the sound produced also depends upon the mallet used.

Depending upon which kind of mallet is used gong produces dark, metallic, and majestic sound. Its pitch is always recognizable. The gongs’ dynamic range is smaller in comparison to other percussion instruments. The larger the gong, the heavier it is.

 Gong history

The origin of a gong is still a little mystery that needs to be solved. It is widely thought to be originated in China. The gong is believed to be used for religious purposes in eastern Asia. In its long history, this instrument is more spread across Asian countries in comparison to other parts of the world but they have probably been used throughout the world for religious purposes.

A Chau gong is a very popular type of gong that has been found in a tomb dating. The gong presence in the tomb indicates that it helps very special prominence at that time.

Gong was believed to be originated in around the 6th century but they got popular on the other side of the world by the 9th century. The name ‘gong’ has come from java, which became a centre for Asian gong production. In East Asia, gongs are considered a symbol of mysticism and wellbeing.

Gongs are used by Buddhists for scared purposes. Gong history indicates that they were also used in homes, temples, etc. They are highly preferred for decoration purposes.

The popularity of gong in the western side started to evolve in the 20th century. Gongs become popular more than companies do across the world sought to produce them. Back to history, when gongs were produced for the first time there was no such demand of gongs in the market but now gongs are very popular. Gongs also were used as rages during Europe under Napoleon war.

 Uses and benefits of a gong

Gongs are highly believed to bring fortune and wellbeing. They are used in so many places to reduce negativity and to increase positivity. Gongs are played as a part of orchestral music.

Gongs produce so many varieties of sound according to the mallet use and the way it is struck. So when you will bang the gong or hear the mystical sound from the gong then have a thought that you are connecting yourself with spiritual power and tradition. Back in the history of the gong, they were used as family crafts.

There are so many benefits of rich sound produced from the gong. Few are listed here:

1. The gong creates free space for the mind to release all the extra and unwanted thoughts.
2. The sound from gongs softens the body blocks, stimulates circulation, and releases energy.
3. Gongs are highly recommended for stress relief.
4. Emotional transformation occurs by the music of gong.
5. It heals our nervous, glandular, and endocrine systems.
6. Gong history suggests that gongs activate our chakras and helps with the anti-aging process.