Lap Harps

Lap harps are convenient as a second harp for the harpist-on-the-go, and are also a great way to get started playing the harp. You also may want to get a portable harp to take on vacation.

Lap harps are stringed instruments available in a couple of different varieties:

• Psaltery lap harps are small, highly portable instruments that rest flat on your lap. These instruments will be appealing to children, or adults who don't have a strong musical background.
• Celtic lap harps, also known as folk harps, are smaller versions of traditional harps. These instruments are more portable than full-sized harps, and will require a higher level of musicianship in order to play proficiently.

Psaltery Lap Harp
The lap harp, or psaltery lap harp, is a very simple instrument to play. It features 15 strings, and is typically tuned to a single key. The lap harp is generally played with only one hand, although musicians looking to experiment with the instrument may use both hands.

The lap harp is small and portable, and the single-key tuning makes the instrument perfect for beginning musicians who want to play accompanied by another performer. As long as the other performer stays in the same key as the lap harp player, the lap harpist can't play a wrong note.

Lap harp players will generally forgo sheet music in favor of music cards that slip underneath the strings of the instrument. These cards indicate which strings the player should play in sequence. Generally only one verse is included on the music card, and a player will repeat the verse as necessary. The music card makes the lap harp very easy to learn and play, even for non-musicians. Lap harp players may use a finger pick, or their fingertips, to pluck the instrument's strings.

Celtic Lap Harp
A lap harp can also refer to a miniaturized upright harp, such as a Celtic harp or folk harp. These instruments require considerably more musical knowledge and manual dexterity to play than a psaltery lap harp. These instruments feature over 22 strings, and are generally played with both hands.

To properly position the Celtic lap harp, sit on a chair without armrests and place the base of the harp between your thighs. If the harp feels unstable, you might consider purchasing a frame or harp sling to hold it in place. The top of the harp should rest comfortably against your right shoulder if you're right handed, or your left shoulder if you're left handed.

The Celtic lap harp is played with the edges of your fingers and thumbs. As you pluck notes with your fingers, they (your fingers) should fall into your palm. Your thumbs will pluck the strings in the opposite direction, away from your body. Your dominant hand will be positioned higher and closer to your body than your opposite hand. Your dominant hand plays the melody, while your other hand plays the bass line. This can be challenging for some musicians. It's comparable to playing the piano, which generally has the same arrangement of each hand playing melody and bass simultaneously.

See our reviews of the best online harp stores, or enjoy some additional harp articles:

Learn to Play the Harp Online

Harp Basics

Free Sheet Music - Really?