Myth #2: “Playing on the sidelines? You just don’t do that!”
You’ve probably heard this before. But is it really true? Let’s find out!
The edge is full of overtones
The rim of your gong is anything but an area you should avoid.
This is where particularly overtone-rich, vibrant timbres emerge, expanding your playing and making it even more multifaceted.
While the center provides the fundamental tone, the edges add brilliance and movement, finer textures to the sound, and clear, prominent accents
You can't produce these sounds in this way in the middle.
Even more sonic variety
Whether you use a gong mallet or a gong scraper, the rim of your gong offers a wide variety of sounds.
With a mallet, you can create precise, clear accents along the rim of the gong and “open up” and structure the sound of your gong.
A gong striker produces complex, floating overtones as well as dynamic sound textures with surprising depth.
Especially during gong baths, sound baths, or meditation sessions, the rim can help create new momentum and make the space more dynamic.
Our conclusion: Play the edges too
For us, the rim of your gong isn’t off-limits—it’s a real treasure trove of sound.
That’s why we recommend consciously incorporating it into your playing. With the right technique and the appropriate gong mallet or gong striker, you can discover fascinating timbres that will enrich your gong playing.
