How To Play (and Find Music For) the Steel Tongue Drum

Learn how to find music for steel tongue drum, tank drum, or hang drum. I get asked a lot how to play and find music for the steel tongue drum! Here's some ideas to get you started on your music journey :) Get the drum featured in this video here: amzn.to/3fWfOR2
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means that if you buy something from the above Amazon link, I might get a small share of the sale :) Thank you!
Searching "number tabs" can help with music like this: i.pinimg.com/564x/e3/45/a3/e3...
pianobynumber.com/ has books that will work with many tongue drums
Chords like this version of Jingle Bell Rock are lots of fun to play as accompaniment: www.oakton.edu/user/4/billton...
If you want an in-depth course on how to play your tongue drum, check out Master the Handpan here: masterthehandpan.teachable.co... You can use the code MUSICALMOLLY to get $30 off! The beginner's tongue drum course (RAV Essentials) has over 7 hours of lessons plus an active Facebook group to ask questions of the wonderful instructor, David, and your fellow students. This is an affiliate link, so if you decide to purchase a course it supports this channel as well!
Check out my Patreon and help support my work! / musicalmolly

[@laurakabel9052]

I just bought a tongue drum and have no skill with any musical instrument. I don't know what possessed me, except that I fell in love with the sound. Your video is very helpful! Thank you.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm so glad! I hope you enjoy it :D

[@Stella-vj6sx]

I just did the exact same thing - I do think these thingies are magic... They will bewitch all those who listen to them for a moment, and then those people need to buy one.

[@NikoHL]

Me too! Mine hasn't arrived yet..

[@Shadesof]

Same here. But planning to learn

[@kellylynettehayes3396]

just ordered one too! Can't wait to try it. I know nothing about reading music...but hey it will be fun learning.

[@Nan-59]

Ohhhh my gosh! I'm 62. I haven't heard "EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE" in YEARS!! Thanks for the memories!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Haha, that's what I grew up on too 😊

[@dovemartin8379]

I always hear people reference this mnemonic, and i wonder if my own elementary school teacher was messing with us when she said everyone uses "Ernie Gives Bert Dead Fish" because i have never again heard anyone use it outside of people that i went to school with lol

[@markf4517]

As a Bongo player I've found these tongue drums to be cool played like a hand drum.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Very cool! I am not a percussionist by any means and I love seeing them played like that 😊

[@murphy903]

You did a great job of simplifying something that can be a bit daunting. Also love your happy, positive approach. Your inner joy really shines. Thank you.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thanks so much 😊

[@littleboober]

omgoodness i could watch you smile all day....

[@annettemorley744]

What a delightful teacher you are! Your pure joy is a blessing and you explain a difficult concept so simply. Thank you!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thanks so much 😊

[@bellastname1244]

I'm hopefully getting that same tongue drum soon, I'm so excited! Your videos are wonderful, thank you for making and posting them.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Of course! I'm happy to help, I hope you love it! 😊

[@ranger2316]

How could you NOT be enthused and hooked to try one of these after watching you? Thank you for making my day a bit brighter. I've ordered one for my granddaughter as a gift .... cant' wait for her to go back to school so I can get it out and play with it! 😁

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww thank you! Enjoy 😊

[@alexanderjones5109]

thanks! i just got one of these for christmas and i have zero knowledge on it, just trying to find easy sheet music to follow along to has been really hard! your video helps :)

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm so glad it was helpful! 😊

[@curdleddreams2711]

lol I am in the same position

[@angelablea2]

I just bought one, I saw your review on it so I searched up your videos and I am truly grateful to find you have more! My drum will be here in a few days ☺️

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

How exciting! I hope you love it 😊

[@fredfonseca6034]

Hi Ms. Molly. Thank You so very much for your videos. I just purchased the Vervo handpan but thanks to your so very cool videos I also took advantage of the links You!! Lol provided for the piano by numbers. I use music playing for therapy since I got back from the war. So far is very helpful. So now I'm decided to give the handpan a go. Thx again.!!

[@Amanda_Butterfly]

So glad I came across this video early on in my.learning (my drum arrived yesterday). Realising that I'll be able to turn sheet music into number tabs is going to open it up so much for me! Thank you

[@Winson06]

This is helpful! Loving the sounds that’s coming out of the drum! Your smile too🙃 thanks!

[@robfontall5364]

you are a wealth of knowledge!..such a fun person too!

[@kristynjohnson3510]

Love the chord ideas .. i play guitar piano and ukulele..will have fun trying to figure this out❤

[@miimidindima8206]

How very helpful for those of us just starting with these delicious instruments. Thank you! And what an absolute joyful delight you are. Best wishes x

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you 😊

[@Stella-vj6sx]

Dear Molly, I just want to thank you so much for making these videos on the tongue drum. Until yesterday, I didn't even know this instrument, but I fell in love with the sound - so much so, that I'm getting one myself now, and your video really helped me to decide which model to get and what range. Sadly I couldn't order the one you linked, because they charge so much for delivery to Germany, which is where I am. I'm getting a diatonic c- major drum with 15 tones now and I'm glad you explained the transcription. With practice, there are now so many songs to play! I can hardly wait for my drum to arrive so I can get started :)

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Wonderful!! I hope you love it. You should of course get the kind that's right for you, sounds like the one you're getting is perfect. Happy drumming 😊

[@monicapatton1405]

This was so helpful! Thank you. I just got my first tongue drum today. So excited to learn. ♥️

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Wonderful, I hope you love it! Happy drumming 😊

[@b.l.brownfield1828]

Good Golly Ms. Molly, how helpful! Great explanations, easy to follow, pleasantly delivered! Thank You

[@ayoooooob8728]

You direction and sprit is awesome Thanks

[@jessicajoan2477]

thank you for the great explanation especially you related the different notes reading. It helps me a lot as I do not have a chance to learn proper music theoary in my young time.

[@katewaters5092]

You are the best. I just figured out a song I wanted to play that showed the letters but not the numbers. Next I will try actual sheet music. Thank you so much. ☺️

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Yay! Happy drumming 😊

[@lisaspera8590]

I really love your videos, you are knowledgeable and I'm interested in getting a tongue drum, I go to festivals and recently got a djembe drum because I love the sound, and now I need a tongue drum to add to my collection.

[@dakotabarker244]

This was very easy to follow and I really appreciate the slow walkthrough.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm so glad it was helpful! 😊

[@CherylPaulina]

Love your vibe! Thank you for this tutorial - super helpful :)

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

So glad to help 😊

[@cheryls4526]

Very good explanation. I’m very new to this as in never had one in my hands. Meditation, made aware of these. So I’m researching how to learn this instrument. Thank you and it works for me. I had no clue about sheet music being able to play on this and now I’m more eager to learn. Thank you

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm glad this was helpful! It's a beautiful instrument for meditation :)

[@cheryls4526]

@@MusicalMollyKhan how do I find music for meditation that I can play on the tongue drum? Mine just arrived yesterday? Thank you

[@LilCraftyNook]

I have been playing bells for 8 years but have been wanting to play the drums since I was a teen!! I saw this advertised on MyRoses (didn’t realize I could buy it on Amazon) and am eagerly awaiting my tongue drum!! Thank you for clarifying how this is laid out!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Oh how fun! I hope you love it. It's such a great feeling to make your dream happen 😊

[@LilCraftyNook]

@@MusicalMollyKhan Thank you!!

[@aroundmyhome]

I just bought it for my daughter. Thank you for your guide. 🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@cookiebombay2683]

This was super helpful. Thanks!

[@catherinelivingston9668]

Love the joy you have!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you 😊

[@Jmac3235]

Molly, this is terrific! I cannot read music or really know anything about it, theory-wise (eg until now I didn’t even really know what a chord is! 🙄). You’ve explained some simple basics so well for someone like me. I can’t wait to get my first tongue drum and start playing and maybe even eventually learn to read music! Looking forward to watching many of your videos. Thank you! ps your smile and joy are contagions!

[@Zampan0]

She has a lovely singing voice.

[@roseebright-marona6441]

Molly u are ADORABLE! Thank you for your learning videos. Just received my small steel tongue drum and looking forward to your guidance thru my musical journey! 😊 💞✌ OUT!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Wonderful! Happy drumming 😊

[@anjadewaal5478]

Thank you very much. Helpfull for the absolute beginner. Which I am.

[@roysecarrasco8286]

I love the sound!!!

[@hinabakshi3570]

Hi Molly. Thank you! You're so full of happiness which makes listening to you great! I just got a 12" tongue drum. What is the center 5 for? It is quite deep. And, on the music scale for sheet music which I can read, there is middle F let's say (number 4) and there is higher F on the musical scale...we only have the lower scales on the drum am I correct? Another question, I am trained for meditation teaching and would love to create a couple of minutes of music using this. For the beginning and ending of sessions. Can you guide me as to the best sounds for this? I know you said once that I would omit two numbers so that anything I play would then sound good? That there are two notes that would not sound great if incorporating it for a random meditation? Thanks so much!

[@andrewlowe2962]

So easy to follow and your so sweet on top of it, thank you.

[@keithlawhorn40]

thank you , great information

[@mamborickyclassicalmusicac4733]

thanks wonderful inspired me to get one

[@kvstrickland]

You are brilliant !!! Thank you

[@livbyron4150]

Thanks - you also could use those stick on letters (like the replacement ones for a worn keyboard) and put them on the corresponding numbers & that'd make it easier to follow sheet music. Just a thought.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Oh that is a great idea! Thanks for the tip 😊

[@clareedens4914]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@swervinmervin1]

Awesome .. Thanks for the tips!!!! Its a music morning 🎼🎶 enjoy your day 🌞

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you, you too :D

[@mamabear000]

You make great videos, good personality, ty so much can't wait to get my tongue drum for Christmas😊

[@estellemarshall6402]

Thank you!

[@sherrimorris5403]

What a beautiful voice you have and very good explanation!!

[@kathleenquinn6053]

I am getting my drum tomorrow. Looks like fun

[@johnnyblaze2716]

Thank you so much 😊 You’re fantastic.

[@coteliz773]

Thank you so much!

[@zwolfz.]

Summer so far boring so this should help 👍

[@theresadurinzi6812]

Thank you, this is SO helpful!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm so glad :D

[@sebastiaannagtegaal500]

You could also search form songs that are written for the kalimba i have found there is a lot of music that is written in numbers for that instrument and IT works quite wel with the toung drum

[@danaposton3649]

I read sheet music so this sounds super easy ❤Thank you for the video

[@RooRooRoo16]

So informative. thank you

[@camsteiner9701]

NoNice job at simplifying this thank you

[@kathymiccoli5818]

thank you!! Your laugh is precious

[@gabrielbrouillard9832]

You are really nice i play a lot of instruments and i think you are a wonderful teacher please continue its more then a pleasure

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 😊

[@stevemoffat2272]

Very helpful, thank you : )

[@pamjedlicka8451]

Really appreciate your talk on the tongue drum. My husband gifted one to me.....although I don't know how to 'play music,' but I also love the sound and will check out your suggestions and give it a go. Mine did come with a little book of songs (the only one I ever heard of was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) but the sound is very soothing and I will practice.....) Thanks again!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Oh how lovely! Enjoy ☺️

[@reagan6743]

Thank you for these videos, you have really helped me get comfortable with my tongue drum and get a better understanding on what the numbers mean! I appreciate how positive and cheerful you always are in the videos too :)

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you! I'm so glad it's been helpful 😊

[@beonfire]

awesome this has been super helpful

[@julietkan]

Thanks a LOT!!

[@hbc1133]

thanks so much!

[@earthtotay]

You just helped me with getting this, honestly I purchased this without thinking much into it so it’s probably best I educate myself on this LOL

[@cynthiahollars4720]

Came here for the information, stayed for the giggle~thanks!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww, thank you! 😊

[@Dani4891]

This was so helpful!!! Thank you!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm so glad! 😊

[@kunalroy4010]

hi Molly! You are so adorable. I was thinking of buying this and you majorly helped me go forward with it. God bless you.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you 😊

[@balwantkhalsa820]

Hello Molly; thank you for the fun Videos! I'm 71 years old and have never attempted playing music until recently. I can't carry a tune but have rhythem. I have been studying playing the pakhewaj, which is a precursor to the tabla. It's is supposed to be tune to C#, which means nothing to me nor do I have the sensitivity at this time to tune it properly. I thought if I ordered the harmonic tongue drum it may help me to have a better understanding of musical scales, etc. The harmonic drum, I believe is tune to D major. I would love to be able to tune my pakhawaj in the future by ear. Is the harmonic drum a good idea to order to meet my goals as stated above? I also would like to understand basic music theory and be able to sing basic notes and at least harmonize with others. Thank you for sharing!

[@cathiburton8402]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@KatherineAnnabella]

Not all of those who happened upon your channel lack musical knowledge. Some of us love to learn new instruments.

[@sabirbrara2416]

you are so pleasant and helpful! thank you!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Glad to help 😊

[@l.patrickohern9650]

I have been enjoying watching your videos on this instrument. I just got my first one today. Keep up the Good Work...

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you 😊 Enjoy your new drum!

[@l.patrickohern9650]

@@MusicalMollyKhan Thank you. I have played Percussion for over 40 years. I like your videos on the instrument. Your positive demeanor is great. I have some technique to work out but I will get there soon enough. I am going to practice just playing with thumb and pinky for about an hour today. In the next month I want to fluently be playing with thumbs and at least 6 fingers if not all 8. Thanks again and keep up the good work. You are Inspiring people to pick up a new instrument and that is certainly worth doing...

[@Stoney1998]

Awesome great video I can't wait to learn how to play once mine comes in from Amazon

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I hope you really enjoy it! :D

[@jsim3957]

thanks for sharing

[@marikawettervik3044]

This one was perfect, now it will be a bit easier to learn!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Wonderful! Happy drumming 😊

[@mogsy76]

Omg you just taught me to play 😮 thank you so much 🤣🎶🤘☯️⚛️🙏🎵💜😊

[@houndmother2398]

Thank you, I bought a drum like yours and have no clue - just liked the sound. I have a musical background but am really rusty

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I hope you really enjoy it! Happy drumming 😊

[@michaelderogatis4658]

Ty Little Miss Annie Hall, EXCELLENT

[@sijo339]

Love... love...😘

[@666AlexPaliy666]

Wow, thank you so much. It’s really helpful. Hello from Russia 😊

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Hello! So glad it was helpful 😊

[@PafMedic]

Ok,This Was 2 Years Ago,I Just Got A 12” 13 Tone Glarry Steel Drum,Ive Played A Violin Since Childhood and No Issues With Reading Music,Just Finding It😂😂I Dont Mind Paying For It Either..Thank You and God Bless🙏🏼❤️🌏✨🔭

[@jeanniebell9493]

I bought 3 smaller ones for Xmas presents. I hope recipients like them ! I will refer them to you ! :)

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you! I hope they love them 😊

[@susanmiller5841]

Thank you for your clear description of the tongue drum and musical theory. My question is... I have a 7 with a dot under it and a 1 with a dot over it and I wonder their significance in sound and in the musical scale? Thank you for your reply. You also have a wonderful day.

[@oliversankoh4912]

Thank you Molly, the problems I'm having is on hitting the notes on the tongue drum doesn't seem to sound in accordance with what is on these songbooks . The book that came with it is ok, like the happy birthday song and the numbers to get along with it is perfect. I did that quite alright It made me fell more in love with the tongue drum it sounds really great. What I want to know is the numbers on the tongue drum, is it the same as the numbers on these books especially when playing the tongue drum? I'm just a beginner but I love the tongue drum very much it is so different from other musical instruments. Thanks Molly.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Hmm, the numbers in the tongue drum books should be the same as the numbers in the one that came with your drum. Do you have a specially tuned drum or handmade drum? That might make a difference.

[@246GamingOfficial]

Love your positive energy! I feel happier from that alone. Keep up the good work. 😊

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww, thank you!

[@origaminomicon8474]

i came to the dreaded comments section for the same reason. you are radiating good vibes, no question 😮✨

[@theunknowndoodler]

Kalimba tabs are perfect for this also ^_^

[@shraika]

thank you. i just bought one and i do read music

[@czak11blind11]

Excelent timing. My first tank drum, that i've ordered from China in august should be delivered tomorrow! Thank You :)

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Enjoy! It's a beautiful instrument.

[@LilCraftyNook]

Oh my! It took that long?? I ordered mine Nov 5.

[@czak11blind11]

@@LilCraftyNook It never arrived. Seller tried to cheat me, Aliexpress helped me with recovering my money. I ordered another one in another store and result was the same. I won't try third time. Maybe it's not instrument for me :(

[@NubianP6]

@@czak11blind11 try Amazon! I ordered one for my daughter as a Christmas gift, and I had it in less than a week! The price was great, and it came with a quality carrying case, two sets of mallets, finger picks and additional numbers.

[@Happytimes111]

@@czak11blind11 I ordered from loobing as advertised on Facebook, which I found out was a scam site. Luckily PayPal refunded me instantly and I ordered an £89 one from amazon which is fine

[@f20zlk2000]

You are so cute! Thanks for this video. I'm getting one for Christmas and am excited to learn!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Wonderful! I hope you love it :D

[@janetzale8569]

Hi Molly, love your videos. I just learned about Tongue Drums a week ago and already bought one using one of your links. Thank you. I am looking at Master the Handpan but am not seeing any lessons in his course that relates to the Tongue Drum, only the Handpan and the Rav. Am I missing something?

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

The Rav lessons are actually really helpful for tongue drum as well (the Rav is technically a tongue drum 😊)

[@soralantern3073]

I got one for Christmas, and I also try to play the Kalimba, but I agree, I can't really find music for either one. I've had to resort to finding letter tabs for the Kalimba online, and I have a Music book, but It doesn't sound like much right now.

[@beverlylee-thompson5417]

I just bought an 8 note steel tongue drum in C minor. I have NO music training and the included music book was useless as it uses notes and the drum has numbers. Did find some songs on KZbin that use numbers, however my drum has two of several numbers so which one do I choose and why? Also the 6 and 7 have dots on one of the repeated numbers. What is this for and when do I choose one over the other? I cannot find answers to my questions anywhere. I love the sound and I’m trying to learn a few Disney tunes. Understanding the notes will help to keep me motivated about learning this beautiful instrument. Thanks.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Hello Beverly, I'm so glad you've started your musical journey with this instrument :D This video may answer some of your questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIWZnWumoZyrmrM If you have any questions after watching, please do reply and I'll do my best to answer :)

[@pandittanessa]

I watch this entire video with a smile on my face 😁 you’re personality is so calming 🙏🏻 thank you for this!!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww, thank you 😊

[@kathleennesdale7112]

Great video !!! Looking to buy a drum and learn to play. What do you recommend ! Thank you , Kathleen

[@USMC_BABE38]

I've been looking at getting my first one of these I've never played one before any advice

[@DBendo888]

Hi Molly, you are a lovely teacher. Thanks for making us this video! Quick question regarding number tabs like the example you showed.. What would numbers 8-12 be? I playplay a handful of instruments and I just received a tongue drum as a gift but my music theory is really weak. Actually as I am writing this I literally just noticed noticed you are on one of the websites that sells it! hahah. I have the Dminor 9 note 14 inch and I am impressed with the quality so far. Anyways knowing it's D,E,F,G,A,Bb,C,D with two different A's and two different D's would 9 be E, 10 be F, 11 be G, and 12 be A or am I totally off? 😅

[@7fortynine]

What a beautiful spirit! I was wondering to myself about sheet music for tongue drums and here you are, right on time!🙏🏾 Thank you! In the next day or so, I will look into how to properly tune my tongue drum.. Wholeness my friend 🌹💜

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you - I'm so glad you found it helpful :D

[@betzking]

This is so very helpful, thank you Molly! I have an arcane scale, starting on A. (A C D E F G A C) . Converting to numbers, is A #1? or is A #6?

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Great question! The Arcane scale is a variant on a minor scale, so A is #6. Also, there is no #7 in that scale, so you may not be able to play some music.

[@kayleighhughes2844]

Hi molly, I have the same 11 note drum as you it came with a songbook which is really helpful! However, a couple of the songs have a zero note. What does the zero mean? I have tried to look it up and work it out but to note avail! I hope you can help :)

[@katiepresby9224]

First of all, you are just as cute as a button! lol Thanks for this intro -- I've been intrigued by tongue drum samples, and am thinking of getting one. I will be watching for more.