Four Steps to Heavenly Harmonics

By Anne Sullivan 

Harmonics are one of the loveliest harp sounds, with a beautiful bell-like tone. Your harmonics can sound that way too if you follow these four simple steps:

Step One: Find The Center Of The String

Harmonics require you to “stop” the string with the fleshy part of your left hand or your right index finger knuckle in the exact center of the string. Find the center by measuring from the soundboard up to the lowest point of contact between the string and a pin, lever or disc. This is where you will place your hand.

Step Two: The Touch

Your left and right hands will touch the string in its center, but obviously your left hand and right hand touch points are different. The right hand touch point is the side of the second finger, between the first and second knuckle. The left hand touch point is the fleshy part on the edge of your palm, near the heel of your hand. Your hand must make complete but relaxed contact with the string. Once you have decided where to place your hand, your hand must stay in place, firmly but not forcefully, keeping your hand relaxed, until you have played the harmonic.

Step Three: The Thumb

The actual harmonic is played with your thumb. If you’re touching the right place on the string and keeping in good contact with it, your thumb just needs to play lightly to produce a perfect sound. Remember it’s not how hard you play that makes the harmonic ring. Stay relaxed, play gently, and your harmonics will ring clearly.

Step Four: The Timing

Once you’ve done everything else right, all that’s left is the timing. You must play the string and lift your hand nearly simultaneously. Your thumb will play a mere fraction of a second before you lift your hand. You will know instantly if your timing is off. If when you play you hear the regular pitch of the string instead of the harmonic, you have lifted your hand too soon. On the other hand, if you have left your hand on the string too long, you will hear a muffled sound instead of a clear tone.  The simplest way to think of it is to “play and lift” in one motion.

Here’s a quick review:

1. Find the center of the string.
2. Place your hand fully but gently on the center of the string.
3. Relax. Play your thumb lightly and lift.

You should have a heavenly harmonic!