This is a video of Paiste (a Swiss manufacturer of symbols, gongs and metal percussion instruments) Gong Master Sven demonstrating how to properly play one of the company’s 80-inch symphonic gongs. Contrary to my popular belief, apparently you don’t just wail on it like you’re swinging for a home run — you just sort of tap at it and let the sound grow (plus sometimes rub it with what looks like a cotton swab). Now I’m no Gong Master, but even I know the real secret to gonging is getting butt-ass naked first.

Keep going for the video, it’s worth a watch to really hear how the sound develops from the instrument.

Source: Geekologie – Important Information: Gong Master Demonstrates How To Properly Play An 80-Inch Symphonic Gong