How the celtic harp makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the celtic harp belongs to the harps: strings run at an angle away from the soundboard, each plucked open.
More broadly it is one of the chordophones (string instruments), where sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
The Celtic harp is a triangular frame harp traditional to the Celtic nations of northwest Europe. It is known as cláirseach in Irish, clàrsach in Scottish Gaelic, telenn in Breton and telyn in Welsh. In Ireland and Scotland, it was a wire-strung instrument requiring great skill and long practice to play, and was traditionally associated with the Gaelic nobility of Ireland. It appears on Irish coins, Guinness products, and the coat of arms of the Republic of Ireland, Montserrat, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Other harps
More instruments from Ireland
Frequently asked questions
What does a celtic harp sound like?
As one of the harps, its sound comes from the way strings run at an angle away from the soundboard, each plucked open.
What type of instrument is the celtic harp?
It is classified as harps (Hornbostel–Sachs 322.221).
Where does the celtic harp come from?
The celtic harp originates from Ireland.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q1288250 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Celtic harp – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by David Monniaux – CC BY-SA 3.0