Does hand size matter for harp playing?

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[@queenofthenight9973]

Not only do I have small hands, I also have a hand deformity and a shortened ulna. And yet, I can still play harp quite well! It's all about finding the right playing style that works with your hand

[@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470]

Great, thanks for sharing your words of wisdome and encouragment!

[@TheHarpExplorer]

I once had a fellow harpist who struggled to play a regular FCFA chord with her small hands, which I found funny. But she was very good. I think the shape of your hand doesn't have to limit you, although each shape does pose some challenges that you will have to work around. When I straighten my thumbs they curl backwards, hurray! I have to round my thumbs in an exaggerated manner to make a decent sound.

[@kimostland6938]

My hand is 6 1/2 in long. So mine is a little smaller than yours. Now I know I have an advantage with scales! Thank you for the stretching exercises! I have started to do those. I play the lever harp so you give me courage that I could play the pedal harp!

[@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470]

Of course you can!!!

[@nicolef.peniston-bird5031]

My hands are tiny - 15,5cm and 10cm. I took a number of courses with Park Stickney, who has large hands, and he said I could adjust the chords according to my hand size. However, it didn't sound as luscious as his chords. So over time I practised stretching and strength - you can't rush it, otherwise you might cause injury. Now I have no problems 🙂Thanks for your great exercises.

[@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470]

Awesome!

[@lenarummelharfenmusik302]

Ha, I never measured my hand. But now: 18 and 15! So as you said, big chords are fine! BUT I never thought about the disadvantage and your are right, scales are probably a little harder! All in all, everyone can find a good position for playing the harp with the right teacher!

[@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470]

True!

[@CarolineWeharp]

Interesting topic, I measured my hand size too..and it’s pretty near to yours give or take! The exercises look good, I will try those thank you 😊

[@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470]

Let me know how it goes!

[@CarolineWeharp]

@@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470 Hi Chiara, thanks for your follow up re stretching fingers and also octaves..I’ve been working on the octaves, it took a while to feel an even pull with the 2nd/ 4th and then 3rd finger together, I am pleased you have demonstrated this as I appreciate any helpful tips.😊

[@sharonpearson340]

My hands are small. 6” from second finger to bottom of hand and 3” from thumb to chicken leg. I play harp well but struggle to reach lower octave even on a 34 string harp. My left hand is weak and I struggle playing scales fast with that hand.

[@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470]

Left hand is weak also because we don't have the support of the soundboard, so gravity is pulling us down...Insist! And you'll win!

[@SA-dn9sn]

My hands are large over 20 cm long and 14 cm thumb to chicken leg. I can easily reach a 10th but playing scales fast or anything very close together have ALWAYS been difficult!

[@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470]

Well, that proves the theory that life is a matter of balance between luck and unluck!😉

[@cackleberrycottage2340]

Well my hand measures the same as your does! My issue is that I am old (66) and so I struggle a bit with some arthritis and stiffness. However, I do think stretching exercises and playing the harp actually helps with those issues.

[@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470]

They definitely help! (and you're not old!!!)

[@jimbuxton2187]

I have large hands and you are totally right. Big chords and long arpeggios are great. Scales and close articulation is very difficult for me . I can grab and place a 12th. And have done a 13 th !!

[@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470]

Whaat? A 13th?!!

[@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470]

Let me know what you think!

[@dahlrussell]

A tip from cellists: never stretch your fingers in a flat side to side motion (as this can cause the kind of hand crippling issue that Schumann had), instead stretch your fingers back to front (or at an angle)... which is really how we use the hand on the harp and cello.

[@dahlrussell]

Maybe Consuela's "bad" teacher was actually very good for her, just not as well known... As you have discussed before, well-known does not always mean good teacher. ; ) I am 6'0", and have large hands. 7 3/8 and 5 1/4 inches Reaching a 10th is no problem for me. BUT- one of my teachers was constantly stopping to complain about how short my thumb is. LOL

[@chiarapedrazzettiarpatelie6470]

No, in this case she was a bad teacher haha I've asked her. She was a worse harpist and a worse teacher from what I've understood. But Consuelo could play, which is awesome! You have big hands, that's great! And small thumb...Oh well, everyone is different!