Understanding Harmonics on the Harp

Revised May 7, 2025

Harmonics are one of the distinctive techniques available to the harp. This guide provides practical information for writing harp harmonics, including optimal range, notation, and the different types of harmonics.

Prefer to learn via video? Scroll down to watch.

Table of Contents

• What Are Harp Harmonics?
• Right and Left Hand Techniques
• Optimal Range for Harp Harmonics
• Notation Practices
• Additional Types of Harmonics
• (Video) Learn more about harmonics
  • Join the Discussion
• Got Questions?
  • Stay Connected

What Are Harp Harmonics?

Harp harmonics are created by lightly touching a string at a specific nodal point—usually the midpoint—while plucking it. This technique suppresses the fundamental vibration, allowing an overtone to sound. The resulting pitch is typically an octave above the open string, though higher partial harmonics are also possible in certain cases.

Right and Left Hand Techniques

Both hands can play harmonics, but each uses a different technique because of the harp’s positioning. The right hand only can play single harmonics by using the side of the index finger to touch the node.

The left hand uses the side of the hand to touch the string, which also makes it possible to play doubled harmonics—two harmonics sounded at once, usually within a fifth.

Optimal Range for Harp Harmonics

Harmonics are the most reliable in the harp’s mid-range. Higher strings are too short for accurate nodal placement, making clear harmonics harder to achieve. Lower strings, especially those in the wire-wound bass section (starting around G2), tend to sound muffled or unclear because of their length and material.

Each hand’s technique also affects the available range. For the right hand, harmonics are effective between C4 and G5. For the left hand, harmonics work best between A2 and A4. While the left hand can play harmonics as low as C2–G2, the tone is less clear due to the wire strings.

Harmonics outside these ranges may be possible but are not consistent across all harps. Staying within the optimal mid-range will allow the performer to achieve a more resonant, reliable sound.

Notation Practices

Contemporary harp notation generally indicates harmonics at the played pitch rather than the sounding pitch. This method helps performers identify the correct string without needing to transpose mentally. The example below shows the sounding pitch as a diamond notehead, but for standard octave harmonics, only the played pitch should be notated.

Note: Historical scores may use different notation systems. To avoid confusion, include a brief performance note in the score to clarify whether harmonics are written at played or sounding pitch.

Additional Types of Harmonics

Beyond traditional octave harmonics, the harp offers additional harmonic techniques:

1. Doubled Harmonics: Played with the left hand, sounding two harmonics at once within a fifth.
2. Harmonic and Non-Harmonic Intervals: A left-hand harmonic paired with a regular plucked note, typically within a sixth.
3. Higher Partial Harmonics: Producing intervals like 12ths, 15ths, and 17ths. These are more specialized and vary depending on the harp and performer. Composers interested in using this type of harmonic should work closely with the performer.

Harmonics offer a unique color to the harp’s sound. When writing harmonics, consider range limits and technical practicality. Writing idiomatically ensures the performer can produce the intended effect with clarity and ease.

(Video) Learn more about harmonics

In the video, I mention an article from Orchestration Online founder, Thomas Goss. You can read Part 1 of this article here.

Referenced scores:

• Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, “Interlude”
• Holst’s The Planets, “Saturn
• Salzedo’s Chanson dans la Nuit (Song in the Night)
• Parish-Alvars’ Serenade
• Holliger’s Sequenzen über Johannes I, 32
• Rabb’s Wasatch Crest

Join the Discussion

What are your thoughts on notating harp harmonics? Do you have any other questions? Leave a comment and let me know!