How to Play a Crystal Glass

Playing crystal wine glasses, or the "glass harp" as it's called by musicians, takes years of practice and expertise. You must know what types of glasses will produce which tones and how much water you need in each glass. However, making the sounds themselves is easy and entertaining, especially if you like to experiment.

Things You'll Need

• Crystal goblet(s)
• Water

Instructions

1. Fill the glass about half-full with water. Use a wine goblet with a bowl and stem. The water should be room temperature. Moisten the tip of your index finger with water or saliva. Hold the base of the glass in place with your other hand.

2. Rub your finger around the brim of the glass in a smooth, continuous motion. Some of the moisture should rub away, producing a light squeaking sound. If the squeaking sound stops, re-moisten your finger and try again.

3. Continue to rub until you feel the glass begin to vibrate slightly. Rub steadily. The glass should produce a bell-like ringing sound. The sound will become louder the longer you rub.

4. Experiment with different size glasses and amounts of water. Larger glasses produce low-pitched sounds, while smaller ones are high-pitched. More water makes a note flat, while less makes it sharp.

References

• Make Music With Glasses
• Brian Engel Glass Harp Music
• Vibration Frequency, 'Slip-stick' Effect Makes Wine Glasses Sing