Basic Harp Mechanics for Beginners

Series Summary

The oldest records of harps and harp playing date back to Mesopotamia, though there are many harp-like instruments recognized across history. They lyre, known primarily in the Bible, is another stringed instrument which is identified by having its strings parallel to its soundboard like the harp. Harp playing is a delicate and difficult venture, requiring use of all fingers except for the pinky, which is generally considered too small to reach the strings effectively. In this video clip series, our expert will introduce you to the harp, demonstrate basic mechanics and parts of the instrument, as well as share information on harp maintenance such as string changing and tuning.

Video Transcript

"Hi! My name is Jesse Sparhawk on behalf of Expert Village. I can be reached at www.myspace.com/jessesparhawk for any questions about the harp. Right now, we will be covering basic mechanics of the harp. The harp is probably one of the best examples in musical instruments of what is called a chordophone, which is the vibration of strings. If we start with middle C, which is a red string, when you go the next red string, which is C above middle C, the length of this string being an octave or 8 notes higher than the middle C is exactly one half of the length of this C. So this string, C, from the contact point up at the neck and down to the bridge, that length is exactly twice the length of this next C. The same thing as you go up and down the harp with every other string. So this C is twice as long as this C, twice as long as this C, twice as long as this C, this C is half as long as this one, and half as long as this one. It continues on and on like that, up and down the harp with every string. So that’s also good for anyone that has any knowledge about the guitar when you get to the twelfth fret of the guitar, which is the point on the fret board that has the two dots, generally. If you pluck a string and you press your finger down, you will also notice that you have the same note but one octave higher. That’s because you are literally cutting the string in half with the finger at the fret. So that’s the case here on the harp, except instead of cutting the string in half with your finger, you just have multiple strings that are tuned to the same note, which is different octaves apart. "