How are steel pans played?

Answer 1

Steel pans are played by striking the surface with mallets, which are typically made from rubber or plastic. Each pan is tuned to produce specific notes, and the layout resembles a musical keyboard, allowing players to play melodies and harmonies. Musicians can use one or two mallets, depending on the complexity of the piece, and they often employ various techniques like rolls and accents to enhance the sound. The instrument is commonly associated with Caribbean music, particularly calypso and soca.