Tongue Drum for Adults

As a guideline for your first instrument, we recommend a size of 25 to 35 cm (10 to 14 in). This is the size adults choose most often, and its tongues are large enough to strike without hitting an adjacent one. It rests comfortably on an adult’s lap. Its full, sustained tone makes it a good choice if you plan to practise regularly. Larger models, however, are best kept at home unless you carry them in a sturdy case.

Many adults bring out this instrument during yoga or a sound journey. Others use it to create music alone or in a group. Played with the fingertips, it remains soft and quiet enough for evening practice in an apartment. Even with mallets, which produce a louder, clearer sound, its volume remains much lower than that of a drum set or a skin-headed drum, so it will generally cause little disturbance to your neighbours.

Diameter has a much greater effect on the price of an adult tongue drum than the number of tongues. At 30 cm (12 in) in diameter, the price difference between models with 9 and 15 tongues remains very small.

Special tunings are more common on high-end instruments, while included accessories such as mallets, note stickers, a booklet, or a stand affect the price only slightly.

Yes, an adult tongue drum can be played with bare hands or mallets. Playing with your hands produces a softer sound. On a large drum, the tongues are wide enough and spaced far enough apart that you can touch them with your fingers without hitting an adjacent one.

Playing with your hands does require a brief strike that lets the tongue vibrate, and it generally takes a few weeks of practice to master. If you’re just starting out, you could begin with mallets before switching to your hands once you know where to strike each tongue.

To play a large tongue drum for long periods, position it at a height where both hands can reach it without raising your shoulders.

Adjustable stands let you play while standing or sitting on a chair or meditation cushion. They support the instrument at just a few points so it can vibrate, while soft pads protect its shell. If you have a heavy model, a sturdy stand will keep it in place without muffling the sound or letting the instrument fall, while keeping it within easy reach and ready to play. Once you’re set up, relax your shoulders and keep your arms at a natural angle.