Teachings on Sound

Readings to help you practice, choose an instrument, and live with sound at home.

Sound is simple when we let it be.
These pages are short teachings from our work with the gong: why it belongs in daily life, how to choose one, how to play with awareness, and whatever we add as the practice deepens.
You do not need to read them in order. Start with the question you have today.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST GONG

Fit the instrument to your purpose, space, lifestyle, and budget — not the largest one in the room.

Purchasing your first gong is exciting, but you don't need to rush.

Your first gong should fit your purpose, space, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the most important things I recommend considering before you buy.

1. Gong Size Is Important

The size of the gong makes a big difference in its sound and vibration.

Generally, the bigger the gong, the deeper the sound, the stronger the vibration, and the more sound energy you can experience. Larger gongs can fill a larger space.

Bigger is not always better for your first gong.

A large gong is heavier, takes up more space, costs more, and can be more difficult to transport.

Size changes depth, weight, space, and cost.

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My Recommendation: Start With a 24-Inch Gong

For most beginners, 24 inches is my favorite size for a first gong. It gives you a very nice balance:

Large enough to create beautiful, deep sounds and good vibration
Small enough for most homes and practice spaces
Easier to carry and transport
Convenient for classes, meditation sessions, and small events
More affordable than larger gongs

If you are learning and plan to take your gong from place to place, 24 inches is a very practical size to start with. Later, as you gain more experience, you can add larger gongs.

If You Plan to Travel by Airplane

If you expect to travel frequently by airplane with your gong, consider a 22-inch gong instead. It is lighter, more compact, and easier to manage. You may give up some of the depth and vibration of a larger gong, but the convenience can make it the better choice.

2. Choose the Type of Gong

For a first gong, my three favorite choices are Chau, Earth, and White Chau.

They can produce beautiful sounds and vibrations, and their prices are generally reasonable compared with more specialized gongs.

Chau Gong

Versatile and excellent for learning. Depending on where and how you strike it, you can find soft vibrations and deeper, more powerful tones.

Earth Gong

Deeper, grounding sound. A beautiful choice for meditation, sound baths, and personal practice if you are drawn to a fuller tone.

White Chau Gong

A different sound character from a traditional Chau, while still versatile enough for learning, meditation, and sound practice.

3. Listen Before You Choose

Whenever possible, listen to the gong before you purchase it. Even two gongs of the same type and size can have slightly different sound characteristics.

Listen to the sound. Feel the vibration. Notice how your body responds.

Ask yourself:

Do I enjoy this sound?
Do I feel connected to this gong?
Can I imagine playing this gong regularly?

Don't choose your gong only because of its appearance or because someone else likes it. Choose the one whose sound feels right to you.

4. Don't Forget the Mallet and Stand

Your gong is only one part of your setup. You will also need a good gong mallet and a stable gong stand.

Different mallets can bring completely different sounds out of the same gong. As you learn, you will discover how the size, weight, and softness of a mallet affect the sound.

Your stand should be stable and large enough to allow the gong to hang and move freely.

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5. Think About Your Total Investment

When you determine your budget, consider the complete setup:

Gong + Stand + Mallet + Gong Bag

You don't need to purchase the biggest or most expensive gong when you begin. I would rather see you purchase one good 24-inch gong and learn how to play it well than spend a lot of money buying several gongs before you understand how to use them.

My Simple Recommendation

For most people: start with a 24-inch Chau, Earth, or White Chau.

If you travel frequently by airplane: consider a 22-inch gong.

The bigger the gong, the deeper the sound and the stronger the vibration—but your first gong should be the size you can comfortably practice with, transport, and enjoy regularly.

6. If You Want to Invest in a Larger Gong

If you have strong arms, enough space in your home, and the budget to keep one beautiful gong for many years, consider a larger size.

For personal meditation, I recommend 28 to 32 inches. In general, a larger gong can give you deeper tones, longer sustain, and stronger vibrations.

If you have the space and budget, I would choose a 32-inch gong. For someone primarily using the gong for personal meditation, I consider 32 inches the largest practical size you really need.

You can purchase a 36-inch, 40-inch, or even larger gong, but for personal meditation it is usually not necessary. Those sizes need more space, are heavier to move, and cost considerably more. They can be wonderful for larger rooms, group meditation, and sound baths.

Bigger does not always mean better. The type and quality of the gong, the mallet you use, and how you play it all affect the sound and vibration.

My Simple Size Guide

22"

Best to consider if you frequently travel by airplane.

24"

My favorite first-gong size: practical, versatile, and easier to transport.

28"

A beautiful step up when you want more depth and vibration.

32"

My favorite long-term size for personal meditation if you have the space and budget.

36"+

Beautiful and powerful, but generally more than you need for personal meditation.

Remember, bigger doesn't automatically mean better. The gong itself, the mallet you use, your playing technique, your room, and your personal preference all influence your experience.

If you want to invest in one great gong to enjoy for many years, I would go with a 32-inch gong.

Don't buy the biggest or most expensive gong just because it costs more.

Choose the gong that fits your purpose, space, lifestyle, and budget.

Your first gong is the beginning of your journey with sound. Take your time, listen carefully, and choose a gong that you will enjoy playing for many years.