HOW TO TUNE YOUR HARP (watch the VIDEO below)
- First, What's with all the Tuning!!!??
A new harp requires several tunings each week, for 3 or more weeks. Frequent tuning develops the harp’s “Flex Memory.” Which means the strings and the soundboard have been stretched properly. It’s like exercising, the first time you don’t get very far, but you keep stretching and eventually you can touch your toes.
On top of the Flex Memory issue, you need to distribute the tension over all the strings. When you tune a string, you put it under tension. When you tune the neighboring string, the tension on the first-string decreases and it goes out of tune. That requires you to re-tune the strings... and the tension is re-distributed... and the strings goes out of tune... and it starts all over again. It’s a vicious circle for a new harpist.
With a schedule of regular tuning, the strings and soundboard of a new harp will find their fully-stretched potential. Then the harp will hold its tune over longer periods.
If you are tuning for the first time, or re-stringing your harp with a full new set of strings, here are some guidelines and hints that will help you.
- Preparation
Use a piano or an electric tuner for reference. Over-tuning, to a higher note or octave, will likely result in breaking a string.
Know the note: Harp strings are color coded to help you see the notes and octaves. The C-strings are Red, the F-Strings are Blue, and the other strings are clear or white.
Know the octave: Identify the octave range of your harp. An octave has 8 notes, ranging C to C. The octaves are numbered 1, 2, 3… from low to high. Middle-C is the 4th octave and is written as C4. Octaves 2, 3, & 4 are written: C2, D2, E2, F2, G2, A2, B2, C3, D3, E3, F3, G3, A3, B3, C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, A4, B4.
Check the alignment: Make sure that each string is notched properly as it passes over the bridge pin. The bridge pins are beneath the tuning pegs and above the levers.
Disengage the Levers: You should have all your tuning levers pressed down. You want to tune a string to the natural note with the lever disengaged. The position of the levers for tuning may change depending on the song you will play, but for now just put all levers to the down position. A lifted, engaged, lever shortens the scale length of a string enough to move the pitch up a semi-tone; from natural to sharp.
Equalize the Tension: Tune all the red C strings first. Next, tune all the blue F strings. Finally, tune the clear strings. This method of tuning stretches the soundboard in a very even manner.
– Step By Step Tuning
Where to Begin: One school of thought is to tune the middle octave of the harp first, because these notes are easiest for an electric tuner to register. Then you can use these notes as a reference for the rest of the harp. Another school of thought is that you tune from the highest notes to the lowest; starting at the shoulder and tuning down toward the pillar of the harp. Tuning in this direction will limit the possibility that you over-tune the short strings which are the easiest to break. Once you have the harp holding tune, you can tweak the tuning from high to low, or low to high, or anyway you wish.
Comfortable Position: Sit or stand behind the harp as you would normally when you play.
Red & Blue First: Until your harp is holding tune, you want to distribute the tension as evenly as possible over the strings and soundboard. Uneven tension can cause strings to break. The easiest way to do this is to tune all the red C-strings first, then tune the blue F-strings, and finally tune the clear or white strings.
Pick a String: With your right hand, place the tuning key on the string’s tuning peg (always hold the tuning key; if you let go it could fall and damage your harp). With your left-hand index finger, pluck the string you are tuning. Your left thumb can rest on the neighboring string for stability.
Turn to Tune: To raise the pitch of a string, turn the tuning key away from you (toward the front of the harp). To lower the pitch, turn the tuning key toward you (toward the back of the harp). Pluck the string as you tune. Tune slightly past the note (slightly sharp), and then tune back down to the natural note. This is more stable than simply tuning up to the natural note.
Careful: With so many strings on a harp it is easy to get confused. If the string you are plucking is not changing pitch while you tune it, STOP TUNING and check that your tuning key is on the correct string.
Seat your Pegs: As you turn the tuning peg firmly push the peg in toward the harp arm, to seat the peg. The pegs are tapered and will hold securely as you press inward.
Play, Play, Play: After you have tuned each string you are ready to play. Playing new strings helps them to stretch, so be prepared to tune again soon.
- Trouble Shooting
For information on buzzing strings, loose tuning pegs and more, check out the EnSoul Music Designs FAQ Help Center https://www.ensoulmusic.com/faq
Thanks for reading.... Kim M. Ph.D.