The harp is a fascinating musical instrument mentioned in several historical contexts and shown on the walls of ancient temples and tombs.
It’s a string instrument with many strings stretched to a soundboard. When the harpist strikes or plucks the strings, a sound is produced. But aside from this, there are many things about the harp worth knowing.
In this post, we’ll discuss 15 interesting facts about the harp that you probably didn’t know before, so keep on reading.
1. The Harp Is One Of The Oldest Musical Instruments
The harp is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world. Some of the oldest found in burial sites in Sumer (now modern-day Iraq) are thought to date back to 3500 BC.
During the same period, ancient harps were depicted on the walls of Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs.
2. The Harp Evolved In Several Parts Of The World
The harp’s history began in West Asia, around modern Iraq and Iran, where it likely came from an ancient instrument called the chang, which was common in Persia until the 19th century.
Over time, the harp changed from a small, handheld instrument to a larger one that could be played while sitting or standing. In South Asia, the harp’s ancestor was the ancient veena, which was even shown on old coins.
In ancient China and nearby regions, the harp was popular around 500 BC, though it isn’t used in modern Chinese music. In Europe, the harp’s ancestor, the lyre, was around as early as 1400 BC and even older remains were found on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
3. The Look of Harps Has Changed Significantly
In Ancient Egypt, harps looked like bows with a few strings. Players would rest them on their knees or stand to play. These harps had about 19 strings and didn’t have a pillar for support. You can see pictures of them in Pharaoh Ramesses III’s tomb.
In Asia, ancient harps were lighter and more angular, but they weren’t as sturdy. These harps were played upside down compared to modern ones.
The Irish harp, created around AD 800, was the first to have a fore pillar. This design evolved into the diatonic harp in the 19th century, with about 24 strings attached to a soundboard with wooden pegs.
4. There Are Several Types Of Harps Today
Today, there are mainly two types of harps: the lever harp and the pedal harp. The lever harp is diatonic and has levers that raise each string by a semitone. These harps are smaller and easier to play, making them popular among beginners and folk musicians.
The pedal harp is chromatic and has pedals that can raise each string by up to two semitones, making it ideal for advanced classical music.
There are also other, less common types of harps, including the Latin American harp, Celtic harp, electric harp, and harp guitar.
5. The Modern Harp Has 47 Strings
After years of evolution, the modern pedal harp now has 47 strings. Unlike a piano with white and black keys, it has 7 pedals.
The lower strings are usually made of steel, while the other strings are made of gut, and sometimes the highest strings are made of nylon.
When playing, a harpist presses the pedals to change the notes produced by the strings. The pedals can sharpen or flatten the notes of the same strings.
A lever harp typically has between 22 and 36 strings, though some can have up to 40. Lever harps are usually cheaper and easier to carry.
6. The Most Famous Harp Player Is King David
The biblical King David is probably the most famous harpist in history. He composed psalms, and some scholars believe he influenced the design of the modern harp. There are 66 Bible verses that mention the harp.
Other famous modern harpists include Alice Coltrane, Loreena McKennitt, Joanna Newsom, Andreas Vollenweider, and Valérie Milot.
7. The Name Harp Is German
The name “harp” comes from the word harpa, which has roots in Anglo-Saxon, Old German, and Old Norse languages.
It simply means “to pluck,” which is exactly how you play the harp — by plucking its strings to produce sound.
8. The Harp Is Played Using Only Four Fingers On Each Hand
Unlike what some people might think, a harp player uses only the thumb and the first three fingers of their hands to pluck the strings. The strings are played at an angle and then released to rest into the palm.
Before a performance, a harpist typically tunes the harp’s strings. It usually takes about an hour to test and tune all 47 strings on a modern harp.
9. The Harp Is Like The Piano When It Comes To Musical Notation
In musical notation, the harp uses a grand staff, which is the same used for piano music. This staff consists of two staves, one for the treble clef and one for the bass clef.
The harpist typically manages the pedaling themselves, although some composers might include pedaling instructions in the music.
Notes are generally marked as m.d for the right hand and m.g for the left hand. This notation helps harpists keep track of which hand should play each note and how to use the pedals effectively.
10. There Are Different Techniques To Playing The Harp
The main techniques for playing the harp are either striking or plucking the strings. Each of these techniques has several sub-techniques that influence how the music is produced.
Plucking is more common in classical music. It gives the player more control over the tone and volume and is easier to master. Its sub-techniques include the Xylo and the pince technique.
Striking is common in folk music because it lets the harpist move easily between strings without having to hold them. One method used in Ireland is the nail technique, where the harpist strikes the string with their nail instead of their finger.
11. It Takes About 3 Years To Master The Harp
If you want to play the harp, it’s best to practice regularly, about two or three times a week, with each session lasting around an hour.
Compared to other string instruments, the harp is easier to learn because you don’t need to use a bow or fret the strings. Plus, it only requires using eight fingers, unlike the piano which uses all ten. This simplicity is one reason why the harp was popular in ancient cultures.
12. The Harp Is Played In Different Music Genres
Despite being known for folk and classical music, the harp is also used in blues, jazz, R&B, and reggae. For example, blues harmonica is a key part of blues music, and jazz harpists like Alice Coltrane have made their mark.
In R&B, artists like Mary J. Blige use the harp for a smooth sound, while reggae music sometimes features the harp for a unique touch.
The harp has even appeared in rock music. Led Zeppelin’s song “Kashmir” includes a harp solo, and Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac used the harp in “Sister of the Moon” to create a mystical feel.
13. It’s Easier To Play The Harp While Sitting
Sitting while playing the harp is comfortable and helps you reach all the strings without bending over. Since modern harps are about six feet tall, using a chair at the right height will let you play comfortably.
Some people like to stand while playing because it gives them better control. For smaller harps or practice harps, you can place them on your lap or a box to raise them to a good height. This way, you won’t have to hunch over, which can cause neck and back pain.
14. You Have To Tilt A Lever Harp
A lever harp has a wide soundboard, so the harpist needs to tilt it to reach all the strings comfortably. To manage this, the harpist often sits with their legs slightly spread to fit the width of the harp.
With a pedal harp, it’s common to sit to the side, which helps the harpist see the strings more clearly. This positioning also allows for easier access to the pedals and provides better control over the instrument.
15. A Harp Is Quite Expensive
Harps are generally more expensive than other string instruments. A lever harp costs between $2,500 and $5,000, while a pedal harp can cost up to $150,000.
For beginners, there are practice harps available for $100 to $300. Because of the high prices, many harpists rent a harp first to see if they like it before buying.
The most expensive harp is the Louis XV Special, which has gold leaf engravings and costs a whopping $258,000 with its cover!
Summing Up Our Facts About The Harp
A harp is actually one of the easiest musical instruments you can learn, which probably explains its popularity in several ancient civilizations.
The majestic sound of the harp made it even more popular in modern music genres.
If you’re interested in playing the harp, this article can be your starting point to dig a little bit more into the secrets of this musical instrument.
