How Is the Harp Musical Instrument Played?
The harp musical instrument is played by plucking strings to create a vibration. Similar to a guitar, the harp is a stringed instrument that can produce chords and melodies. Like all instruments, general practices and technique are involved in playing it.
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Strings
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Each string is tuned to a different note. The red strings are tuned to a C note. Each red string is one octave apart, with middle C being in the middle of the harp, and the shorter strings producing a higher pitch than the longer strings. The strings of the harp are like the white keys of the piano, creating natural notes, such as C, D, E and so on. To get the black keys of the piano, the keys that make sharp and flat notes, levers are located near the top of the harp that can be turned upward to take a note up a half step.
Body Positioning
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The harp is positioned upright with the bottom (the smallest part) on the floor. Players position themselves perpendicular to the side with the strings of the shortest length. The harp is generally leaned back into the right shoulder of the player. The harp shouldn't feel heavy on the shoulder, but should be fairly comfortable.
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Plucking
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The harp is played with both hands. Players position their hands by putting them close to the strings with their thumbs pointing up. The thumbs are then planted on the strings, with the other fingers placed on the strings around them. The strings are plucked by the fingers in a fairly relaxed manner, which involves the finger being pressed on the string and then being pulled abruptly towards the palm. Each hand has a different role in playing the harp.
Left Hand
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The left hand is positioned near the lower strings of the harp. It usually plays chords or bass notes. Generally, the harp is played using three or four fingers from the left hand, starting with the thumb as the first finger, the index finger as the second and so on. A chord is played by plucking all three notes of the chord at the same time. Plucking C, E and G creates a C chord, for example.
Right Hand
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The right hand is positioned near the shorter strings. It's generally positioned one or two octaves higher than the left hand. The right hand generally plays the main melody. Playing with the right hand is very similar to playing with the left hand. The main difference is simply the notes played.
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References
- Photo Credit hands and harp strings image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
