Jaw Harp

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3 inch rounded metal frame with a thin metal strip in the middle

The jaw harp (AKA jew’s harp) has many different names because so many different cultures around the world have invented and played it—some for almost 4,000 years! They can be made from metal or bamboo. Players open their jaw a little bit and lightly press the outer frame against their top and bottom teeth. Then, they pull and release the tongue of the instrument to create vibrations that are amplified by the mouth cavity.

How to Obtain

Jaw Harps are quite affordable and can be found for $8 or less. Mine is relatively cheap, and I find it works just fine for learning how to make different sounds with the instrument. Nicer jaw harps cost $20-$45 and come in many different styles. Some are artistically crafted and stunningly beautiful!

How to Learn

Watch Youtube videos. A few tips! It is difficult to produce different pitches with the jaw harp (using overtones), but it is easier to produce different timbres (or, tone qualities) by changing the shape of your mouth into different vowel shapes as you play. Also, different rhythms can be achieved by quickly alternating between breathing in and out (‘rhythmic hyperventilating’) as you play. ALSO ALSO, while I was learning to play, I hit my teeth with the instrument’s tongue quite a few times. It is not a pleasant experience. Strike the instrument’s tongue straight back and forth (not at an angle) to avoid this.

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