How to Get Started on the Jaw Harp

The trick to playing a jaw harp - also known as a Jew's harp, mouth harp, trump, kubing, drymba, varhan and gewgaw - is control. This ancient, international folk instrument relies on the player's hands, breathing and the shape of the mouth to make that fun, boinging sound. There are many ways to hold a jaw harp. This is the recommended way for beginners to get a feel for the instrument.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Harmonicas
• Jaw Harps
• American Folk Songs CDs

1. Identify the parts of the harp. You have a frame and a tongue called a lamella. The frame is the part you hold; the lamella is the part that vibrates to make sound.
2. Form a C with the thumb and forefinger of your left hand.
3. Put the round end of the harp into the C with the neck or stem end pointing to your right. Hold the frame with that thumb and forefinger when you play. (Reverse this if you're left-handed.)
4. Put the neck of the jaw harp between your front teeth and bite down very lightly. Your thumb should be in front of your chin, and your forefinger should be below your nose.
5. Make sure the bent tip of the lamella is pointing away from you.
6. Keep your lips relaxed and out of the way. When you get the hang of playing, you can rest your lips lightly on the frame to control the sound, but don't wrap them around it.
7. Use the forefinger on your right hand to pluck the lamella gently. While learning to play, it's easier to pluck toward you.
8. Practice and experiment by changing the way you breathe. The shape of your mouth and the location of your tongue affect the way the vibrations resonate.

Tips & Warnings

• The trick to keeping the sound sharp is to make sure the lamella is free. If it's touching your lips or teeth, it won't vibrate properly.
• Bite a little harder on the frame if the harp vibrates against your teeth.