Tuning a Harp

A concert harp has 47 strings and weighs up to 80 pounds.

A harp can provide gentle tones and soft melodies to a piece of music, but the instrument has the drawback of being somewhat difficult to tune due to the sheer quantity of strings it possesses. Like any stringed instrument, a harp requires regular attention to keep those notes on key, so you'll need to learn how to tune it if you want it sounding its best. With equipment available at any music store, your harp will be ready for its next performance in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Tuning key
• Electronic tuner

Instructions

1. Place the tuning key on the peg for the string you are tuning, beginning with the first string all the way at the far end of the harp.

2. Turn on the electronic tuner and place it near the harp. You may want to use a microphone clip and clip the microphone of the tuner to the harp.

3. Use your middle finger to pluck the first string. Watch the dial or display on the tuner. It will tell you if the string is sharp or flat.

4. Tighten the string with the tuning key if it is too low, or loosen it if it is too high.

5. Use your index finger to pluck every string thereafter, using your middle finger and thumb to dampen the strings on either side of it so you can hear the string you're plucking clearly. Move the tuning key up the pegs with your right hand with each string you pluck.

Tips & Warnings

• You can tune by ear by listening to the same note being played on a tuned instrument or a digital audio file. This will take come practice.

References

• Thormahlen Harps: Tuning Your Harp
• Denwar Harps: Tuning Your Harp