How Do You Get Started On The Jaw Harp?
The trick to playing a jaw harp – also known as a Jew’s harp, mouth harp, trump, kubing, drymba, varhan and gewgaw – is control. This ancient, international folk instrument relies on the player’s hands, breathing and the shape of the mouth to make that fun, boinging sound. There are many ways to hold a jaw harp. This is the recommended way for beginners to get a feel for the instrument. Identify the parts of the harp. You have a frame and a tongue called a lamella. The frame is the part you hold; the lamella is the part that vibrates to make sound. Form a C with the thumb and forefinger of your left hand. Put the round end of the harp into the C with the neck or stem end pointing to your right. Hold the frame with that thumb and forefinger when you play. (Reverse this if you’re left-handed.) Put the neck of the jaw harp between your front teeth and bite down very lightly. Your thumb should be in front of your chin, and your forefinger should be below your nose. Make sure the bent tip o
