What you need
Just the bowl, a cushion to rest it on, and a mallet (usually included). That's it.
How to hold the bowl
Rest a small or medium bowl on your flat, open palm, with your fingers straight and not touching the sides. Fingers on the walls dampen the sound. Large bowls sit on a cushion or ring on the floor or a table.
Two basic techniques
Striking: Gently tap the side of the bowl with the mallet. Let the sound ring out fully before striking again. This produces a clear, bell-like tone.
Rimming: Press the mallet against the outside rim and move it in slow, steady circles with light pressure. This creates a continuous, building resonance, the signature sound of singing bowls.
Common mistakes
- The bowl rattles or buzzes: you are moving too fast or pressing too hard. Slow down.
- The sound does not build: keep the pressure even and the whole length of the mallet in contact with the rim.
- The tone dies quickly: check that nothing is touching the walls: fingers, cushion edges, a table.
Tips for beginners
- Start slow: pressure and speed come with practice
- Keep consistent pressure when rimming
- Listen to the sound and let it guide you
- Practice for 5–10 minutes daily
Next step
Try the 10-minute sound bath routine, or listen to the bowls in our collection to hear how different sizes sound.
