Harp Glissandos: How to play 4 different Glissandos on the Harp

Glissandos on the harp SOUND so impressive, but they're ACTUALLY really easy to learn! In this tutorial, I teach you 4 different glissandos on the harp so you can play something beautiful with little effort!
Timestamps for each glissando in this tutorial
00:00 - Introduction
00:53 - How to play the Upwards Harp Glissando
04:01 - How to play the Downwards Harp Glissando
05:28 - Practice Tip: Getting the most controlled harp glissandos
06:48 - How to make your harp glissandos sound EXTRA MAGICAL!
08:40 - How to play the Overlapping Harp Glissando
11:15 - How to play the Infinity Harp Glissando
14:37 - What harp glissandos look like in Sheet Music
❓ Question of the Day ❓
Which was your favourite glissando from the 4 you learned today? Let me know in the comments below! 👇
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#Glissando #LearningTheHarp #BeginnerHarp

[@kukacostejberizs]

Glissandos are really impressive, they sound like heaven.

[@panko6779]

As a huge noob i didn't even tune the 1st and last octaves

[@panko6779]

Best method to trick relatives into giving you red packets in Lunar New Year

[@sradefarras]

You are always a ray of sunshine in this dark, dark world

[@kristinasterling815]

As you said, to make glissando sound "E"ven "B"etter put the E and B levers down (if harp is in key of C). It is Magical! And if you want to "D"o a "G"reat glissando with an E flat harp turn levers down for D and G. It's magic.💫

[@heidijaeger3497]

You do such a good job of breaking this down into manageable steps for beginners.

[@ThenewNtree]

Yes I agree 🙌🏾

[@nicesoul]

And also those little graphics help a lot too. So many thanks to you!

[@thewordartist]

Been performing 11 years and never once used a glissando in a paid performance. However, after watching, I'm considering their use. Thank you for the lesson!

[@JA-vv8wy]

I’ve been playing for years and didn’t know there was a technique to it! This will definitely help mine sound better. I personally like Glissandos because they are a distinct harp sound that no other instrument can make (that I’m aware of) and when I’m playing at church alongside a pianist it can be hard to hear my harp so I like to play them for embellished to music as we lead up to the chorus of the song. It’s lovely and helps the crescendo. I also like to add them to any cover songs I play simply to make the song “different” from what you’d hear from a piano arrangement. I feel like if someone hires me for a wedding then they specifically want a “harp sound”, not simply the same song a you can play on a piano. Thanks for the helpful tips!!

[@donnarobinson6260]

Love learning the harp

[@moirbasso7051]

Your positive attitude, jovial countenance (and not taking yourself too seriously!) is such a help in the act of learning- I learned new ideas from this video. Also, the extra visuals (****Magical****) helped make the point.

[@mandarinlearner]

Some harpists use a large piece of thick triangular felt to avoid blistering fingers doing a lot of glosses. Some symphony harpists have it attached to a piece of ribbon worn on the neck

[@annettekelly1592]

That intro glissando was PERFECTLY GORGEOUS!! And I am just at the place where I want to do glissandos. LOTS! Thank you!

[@lindafitak]

Wonderful! Thank you Christy-Lyn! ❤

[@websitesthatneedanem]

What a wonderful cheerful person!

[@holyweenveronica1791]

So sweet Christy 😘! Don t tell people that glissando is so easy 😜

[@thomasantony4474]

I like the video and please post Glissando for A flat Major (4/4, Tempo 90-100)

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Great video, Christy-Lyn! Will definitely watch for ostrich arm 😂

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hehe 😂

[@omarkassem4410]

It is easy if one is taught properly by someone like you. Very useful video.

[@magosaldana5064]

You Are Very Talented

[@sleepbootbianca]

Thank you for explaining the glissandos in such great detail!! (And.....for everyone looking at this videos: as a patreon of Christy Lynn I get so much inspiration and extra harp-education! Mayby you will consider to become a patreon too? We can all benefiet from her knowledge.) Lost of love, Chantal

[@user-yy9hc6yr4l]

Thank you Christy, that was most gloriously beautiful.

[@lindareese4579]

Thank you 😊❤️ for this amazing opportunity to learn different glissandos..

[@heidijaeger3497]

You do a really good job of breaking this down into understandable chunks and things to pay attention to. Thank you.

[@livelifeloud1]

I’ve just come across your videos as I’m doing early research before getting my first harp, and you are simply delightful! Thank you for sharing your videos with us!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Oh that’s amazing, I’m so excited for you!! Your first harp is such a wonderful momentous occasion! 😃🎉

[@eloisebaker1125]

Thank you this is very informative! I just started the harp, and thanks to your videos people think I'm really good haha, because obviously they don't know how to play and harp is impressive. I love what you do !

[@jacomiententeije5417]

Wonderful Christy-Lyn

[@kathleenmcclatchey8788]

You are such an amazing teacher - so fun and inspiring and I so appreciate the way you break down each step and explain them so clearly. You are helping so many of us to fill the world with beautiful harp music. What a gift! Thank you!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Ah that’s such a lovely thing to say. Thanks Kathleen! 🥰

[@TheFinnishChick]

I just adore you! You are so funny, caring and wonderful, you explain things so well! I would never have started playing if it wasn't for you and your videos. I have rented a 34-string harp and I love it so much. You are such an inspiration! Thank you Christy-Lyn!

[@annettekelly1592]

I can’t seem to get through this without commenting! Bow and arrow! You know the bow was the first type of harp! (I did a little history of the harp presentation at the library, sample music through the years included.)

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hehe that’s so cool! I hadn’t really thought of that, but it makes sense. Always nice to see you in the comments, Annette! ❤️

[@LearningtheHarp]

Timestamps for each glissando in this tutorial 00:53 - How to play the Upwards Harp Glissando 04:01 - How to play the Downwards Harp Glissando 05:28 - Practice Tip: Getting the most controlled harp glissandos 06:48 - How to make your harp glissandos sound EXTRA MAGICAL! 08:40 - How to play the Overlapping Harp Glissando 11:15 - How to play the Infinity Harp Glissando 14:37 - What harp glissandos look like in Sheet Music ❓ Question of the Day ❓ Which was your favourite glissando from the 4 you learned today? Let me know in the comments below! 👇

[@debbieverser6043]

Infinity

[@user-sr7cz6ll4d]

thanks

[@NomNomGirl1]

What is your favorite song on the harp

[@Anna.Channel]

Overlapping :)

[@eloisebaker1125]

I love it all, and i love your energy!

[@cookingwithjohngrouber7128]

Pew pew! Hahaha, my favorite part in this... The ostrich head is next favorite!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hehe, gotta have some fun! 😁

[@STrobairitz]

I LOVE your lessons!

[@HelloSally13]

I would love a video on rolling chords. I’m working on mine not sounding so jagged! Thanks 😊

[@StaringCompetition]

Sally Morcom kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJLKnoSldsp0Y7M Josh Layne is another great harpist with technique videos

[@LearningtheHarp]

Rolled chords video coming tomorrow!

[@HelloSally13]

Thank you! This made my day!

[@stringdalliance]

I’ve always thought that more than one glissando was overkill. But I love the way you encourage even tone and maintaining control throughout multiple motions.

[@ellooku]

You are really born to play Harp. Forgive me for I will use your glissandos audio sample to create songs till I buy my harp. Tired of using digital piano harps to create songs for they are not realistic.

[@kristinasterling815]

I couldn't wait to get home and watch how to do a glissando today. Great lesson as I feel do much smarter!

[@br17br17]

Thank you SO much, Christy-Lyn - especially for the pentatonic glissando, which I have been trying to figure out for a year. You've made me dream about the circle of fifths all night, to try this in every key - but it doesn't work if the levers are already raised. So I found a 'work-around' in C (harp tuned to E flat, levers raised for C major) - drop the Bs to B flats (making C7s across the harp), and MUTE all the Es with your left hand (two at a time). Now you get a magical C7 glissando (dominant?) - that can be used in any key, even if the levers are already raised. I'm sure you have a better way of doing this - it would be wonderful to see you teach it. THANKS AGAIN for the magical pentatonic glissandos!

[@LearningtheHarp]

I haven’t explored that kind of glissando. I’m glad you’re having fun with it! 😃 🙌🏻

[@KimFsharpHarp]

Best glissando training I’ve seen! Thank you

[@jessicacramer]

This is so cool to learn!

[@MiserableLittleDoomGoblin]

1:18 "Pew Pew Pew!" 🤣

[@euphonus9654]

Wonderful and extremely helpful video! Thank you! I am writing a part for harp but I never played one. The "What harp glissandos look like in Sheet Music" is the one that I particularly looks for.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hehe, oops! I should have talked about that. I hope you find that info elsewhere! ☺️

[@janedoe4988]

Thanks for this help! I will feel more secure in gliss bliss.

[@jacquelinebryant2962]

So glad you posted this I have some sheet music that has a infinity glissando in the right have and a melody in the left hand and I've had so much trouble getting it even!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Ooh fun!!

[@jenborn5358]

LOVE LOVE LOVE ❤️!!! ❤️

[@jenborn5358]

And you are so funny Kristy!!! 🤣

[@gift4words78]

Lol you look so happy and jolly in your videos. It’s obvious you love what you do? I pray that I will be able to afford a harp soon. You seem to be a very good teacher.

[@ellenshiraef8314]

Thank you so much for sharing! I have the same Harp :-)

[@hanisoomi]

It helps A Lot to learn and practice glissando! Thanks a million for sharing this! ♡♡♡♡

[@alexscott1257]

You are a joy to watch and listen to!

[@lelaboratoiredemusique701]

I just want to say that i descover you today and... you are so smiling, i love it ! I’m just curious for now but one day... I will buy a harp and play so much glissando and more and more. Kiss from France 🇫🇷💚

[@paigeholt5992]

I really want to play the harp, but was worried it would be extremely complicated because it’s such a beautiful instrument- I agree you put it into easy to follow terms and it is much appreciated! Thank you!!!

[@jeremiahbacon3651]

what an angel

[@quantumquestions5849]

Thank you

[@nigelcarren]

Please don't hate me, but I have just spent a couple of hours playing what I think you have just called an overlapping Glissando (on the keyboard), but I arpeggiated them. Each arpeggio recaps once before moving up an octave... The whole thing is just for two seconds to help soften the jolt from a high vocal to an even higher though insane chorus in a movie trailer demo. The Harp was useful to suggest / add some normality/an element of expectation to an otherwise unusual composition. But I just needed to see your hands and this was helpful thanks. Compliments of the season to you from an English armour-maker in a French forest.... and of course all the mice! 🐭🐭🐭⚒️🎼🌲

[@karenknapp6825]

Favorite is overlapping gliss! Thank you for this great video!!

[@reginaclarke1574]

Just wonderful! Thank you!

[@liliaka2828]

You are good!

[@sailorbulan6041]

c'est très jolie, merci pour cette vidéo.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Je suis heureux que vous ayez aimé! Je suis heureux de vous aider. I used Google translate, hope it worked! Haha.

[@eddyandfanny]

👍 Thumb up, I am trying to practice thanks to your explanations, so nice. My favorite: the overlapping glissandos 👌

[@Delsha777]

Wow! I leaned so much. I really enjoy the Glissando's. Thanks so much!!!

[@Anna.Channel]

Thank you! That is very interesting! And I enjoy the way you are talking!

[@NatureAmbassador]

Such fun! So simple but sound so good! :-)

[@user-yj9pf9es9b]

Beautiful! Это очень хорошее видео. Это прекрасный канал по обучению игры на арфе!

[@hknapp-hj2sn]

Fun. This makes me think of Let's Make a Deal... "It's a brand new car!!!"

[@lauracrevel6078]

Oh cool ! Exiting things to try on my harp today 😄 thank you

[@phunkyn8bass]

I've never played a harp but this would be the first thing I did

[@saitenzauberharfe]

I like the way you describe the things you do. It‘s so funny 🙂

[@StaringCompetition]

Two finger glissandi are nice too. Upwards the trailing finger can damp the string just played, quite interesting. Downwards you can make a third or other interval with back of the nails.

[@LearningtheHarp]

For some reason I really don’t like the sound of those two finger glissandi... but I know some people like them! 😁

[@mochibesensei]

This video is so helpful! Thank you ^^ my fingers hurt now but at least I can do glissandos now!

[@maneldeaguas.]

Thank you Christy!!!! It's been so helpful!!! I'm going to use what I learnt in my electronic music productions. Lovely! Thanks!

[@katiepresby9224]

Well, that was fun! Thanks!

[@DaniMustangMeazzi]

perfection

[@LaWendellyn777]

So beautiful thank you!!

[@annettekelly1592]

So I notice that we keep our extra fingers curled in vs. open. Correct? Loved your sweet encouragement!

[@LearningtheHarp]

That’s how I teach it, because I find it’s easier for students to follow, and most people seem more relaxed that way. But it’s not wrong to do glissandos with your other fingers open 😊

[@jesusalbertogasparl2]

Magical & wanderful

[@tunnis7us]

perfect!

[@Grinder-one]

So magical !

[@Pythonaria]

You must be a mind reader. I was playing with glissandos the other night 😊

[@alistairmcdonald2382]

What fun😃

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yay! 🤩

[@francishetherton1837]

Good job! Thank you.

[@EVDMcomposer]

So I came across this video researching harp glissandos for my composing and as helpful as it is, I couldn't help hearing a South African accent? 😅 correct me if I'm wrong. Great content!

[@magosaldana5064]

Thank You MaMi, You Are Very Awesome And Beautiful 😻

[@livefunfully]

very helpful

[@JimboBango]

5:00 is that the 26 string cherry wood fullsicle? That's what I use! 😂

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yes! 😃

[@JimboBango]

That's awesome! I got it for myself after graduating Uni, it's been a joy learning the basics 😄 Your content is wonderful btw!

[@LearningtheHarp]

I’m glad you’re enjoying it! Such fun 😃

[@DJTabooMixTypeBeat]

Adult beginner Celtic H. here, thank you.

[@alistairmcdonald2382]

I’m in harp heaven🧚‍♀️

[@FREIMUZIC]

Great video!! How would you notate the “infinity glissando”?

[@LearningtheHarp]

It’s just a glissando going up and then down repeatedly, so it looks like a zigzag 😊👍🏻

[@sylvesternava1343]

Are Mikel Harps trusty?

[@besomebeauty]

Thank you, Christy! You said the glissando is not your favorite sound in the world. That made me wonder instantly... What IS your favorite sound in the world?!

[@georgemandom69]

What are the notes after you turn the switches up?

[@quiet216]

I don’t play but would this work with like 3-4mm nails?

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hey 😊. It's best to have short nails if you're playing a nylon/gut string harp - it's meant to be played with the pads of your fingers. Wire strung harps are played with the nails so if you like long nails, that is a good option!😁 xx Nicole, LTH Team Member

[@jeannieb.]

Wonderful instruction, as always Chrysty-Lyn!❤ I have a question though. Im a beginner, and wondering what that little move on the harp is called that makes celtic music sound more Celtic...lol. Its like a couple notes played quickly together before the next. Do you know what thats called, or did I make any sense?😅

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hi Jeannie! We call those little notes ornamentation. There are many different types. You can do a Google search on Celtic Ornamentation and I think you’ll find the information you’re looking for 😊👍🏻

[@jeannieb.]

@@LearningtheHarp Thank you Chrysty-Lyn! Goin' googlin'!!👍😃

[@BestPianoStudio]

What levers would you flip (for that special gliss. sound) if you are tuned to E flat yet have the levers flipped to play in the key of C.

[@JudyOFarrell]

Hi - I have my harp tuned to A flat (adult beginner here!) to play in different keys. Is there a way to access the pentatonic scale from A flat? I haven't been able to work it out! Any help is much appreciated 😊

[@LearningtheHarp]

A flat is an unusual key to tune your harp in… are you sure you wouldn’t rather tune in E flat? Hardly any harp pieces have D flats in them these days. For pentatonic scale for a harp tuned in A flat, you would put up your B, E, A, and D levers, and then play the white strings.

[@JudyOFarrell]

@LearningtheHarp Thank you so much for replying so quickly and for the A flat pentatonic scale! And also thank you for all your videos. I'm aiming to play in my local church and the hymns are in a wide variety of keys including quite a few in A flat major so this seems to give me the biggest range of common keys when playing the hymns.

[@rumilb]

I’m an expert at pretending to play glissandos!

[@Cuate]

Institutions unclear: became an ostrich *pew pew* shooter instead. 😆 enjoyed the video edits!

[@LearningtheHarp]

😂😂🤣👌🏻 Good one!!

[@DhruvBhan]

Hi, this sounds lovely! May I know what notes you change the E and B to when you pull up the levers?

[@LearningtheHarp]

The E string becomes an F, and the B string becomes a C. It just takes the note up a semitone.

[@im1ofthefew]

Very helpful lesson thank you! I have a lever harp and the person I bought it from told me to tune it with levers A, B, and E up... all the levers are supposed to be down though for standard harp tuning per your video I believe??

[@LearningtheHarp]

The glissandos will work fine with any tuning, so you could do it with all your levers down (you will be in the key of E flat) or with your A B and E levers up (you will be in the key of C). Either is good! If you want to do the magical-sounding pentatonic tuning, you would put all your levers down (including the Es Bs and As) and then just raise all your G and D levers. Give it a try, it sounds awesome! 🤩

[@MrQuuze]

is possible play harmonics (mainly one what rises pitch one octave) sametime when player does glissando?

[@LearningtheHarp]

I won’t say it’s impossible, but it would be unusual and difficult.

[@MrQuuze]

@@LearningtheHarp thanks. i bet unusual i never seen it others music.

[@lilapoop5300]

i have a lever harp and i have NO idea which levers to have sharped or flat

[@LearningtheHarp]

You need to figure out which key your harp is tuned in. Try watching my video about tuning in C or E flat 😊

[@lilapoop5300]

@@LearningtheHarp e flat and i have just learned how to play the glissando in the beginning :)

[@StaringCompetition]

Christy-Lynn I have a burning question! Why is your harp tuned to C major with the levers down? I never actually heard of somebody doing that unless they had partial levers or none.

[@LearningtheHarp]

For me it’s was just a temporary thing because I filmed a video on how to tune into C major if you were in E flat, and how to tune into E flat if you were tuned in C. I prefer tuning in E flat, but for some people who have no musical background it can be very confusing to understand how the levers work for different keys if you’re tuned in E flat. So if they want to keep things simple they could tune in C major instead, and then all the levers are for sharps 😊 Make sense?

[@lindawinn2568]

I love this lesson. ❤️ Thank you. You have explained everything so simply that it has already had a massive impact on my harp playing and the enjoyment of it. The only thing I have a problem with is the last few notes on the downward glissando, especially with the right hand. I have a 34 string harp and fairly long arms but I just can’t seem to keep the angle of my thumb right to make the last few notes fluid and even. Do you have any tips please?

[@LearningtheHarp]

When I’m doing a downwards glissando with my right hand, I don’t play all the way down to the bottom of my harp. The right arm isn’t long enough for that, you’re right! 😊

[@JS-fh5th]

There’s a song called Crespucolo Del Mare that begins with a harp glissando. I think the glissando occurs on an Em chord? If you give it a listen could you confirm this or just explain how to do an Em glissando? Later in the song I think it does another glissando during an Am chord. The song is a classical guitar piece. Thanks!

[@JS-fh5th]

Crepuscolo Sul Mare* lol pardon my Italian.

[@leotadaa817]

Thank you for the video! What is this harp?

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hi Leo! This one is a Lyon & Healy Ogden.

[@leotadaa817]

@@LearningtheHarp Thank you!