How to play the Jews Harp

Learn how to play the Jews harp in no time!

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Step 1: Holding the Jews harp

Start out by holding the Jews harp with the "L" curved part facing away from you. This works best if you point it at a small dog or cat or even another person.

Now, grip the edge of the rounded end firmly with your index finger and your thumb like in the second picture. You do not want it to slip or move at all so apply about the same pressure as if your were Vulcan neck pinching someone.

Make sure the no part of your hand or fingers are touching the thin piece of metal in the center, because it has to vibrate freely.

ara says: Oct 11, 2009. 10:15 AM

Hi! This is an ancient folk instrument in Romania, is named "drâmbå". I have recently buyed one to learn to play, but i'm confused. Is not dangerous to put it on teeth (because o vibrations)? Thanks in advance!

Bisquick the ninja (author) in reply to araOct 15, 2009. 11:01 AM

The only thing that is dangerous is if it slips or if you position itwrong causing the middle part to hit your teeth. Other than thatit shouldn't cause any damage.

Thanks for the comment!

N3M0H45 in reply to Bisquick the ninjaApr 30, 2010. 5:45 PM

Actually, it hurts if you snap yourself on the knuckles.
Twang! "Ouch!"

pogoman12345 says: Jul 7, 2009. 3:41 PM

im no trying to be mean or anything but that is the worst jaw harp in the world there called a snoopy harp and they sound terrible

Bisquick the ninja (author) in reply to pogoman12345Jul 10, 2009. 5:34 PM

Mine sounds just like the one they use at the beginning of "Steamboat Willie" the Disney cartoon which sounds great. You prolly just got a bad one.

budsully13 in reply to Bisquick the ninjaJan 7, 2010. 5:52 PM

I agree with you because I have that same one and it sounds just fine

bushkiwi says: Aug 17, 2009. 6:56 PM

Thank you : ) These are very clear & helpful instructions!

billytwix says: Jun 30, 2009. 6:36 AM

I went to the link to purchase one and all they had were jaw harps. they didn't have any jew's harps.

Bisquick the ninja (author) in reply to billytwixJul 2, 2009. 9:12 AM

They call them "Jaw"harps to be politically correct but they were originally called "Jews"harps. Hey thanks for the comment!

FunkNattidelic in reply to Bisquick the ninjaJul 2, 2009. 11:58 AM

Why were they called Jews harps?

gHjM3W5T20YCS4e30 in reply to FunkNattidelicJul 20, 2009. 4:43 AM

Jew's harp, jaw harp, mouth harp From Wikipedia

Bisquick the ninja (author) in reply to FunkNattidelicJul 3, 2009. 11:44 AM

Because they were created and played in Israel. Most people think that cowboys made them but that is not there true origin.

N3M0H45 in reply to Bisquick the ninjaApr 30, 2010. 6:04 PM

Actually, theres no specific reason there called Jews harps, and they weren't created in Israel, they don't realy have any exact origins because they came from all different places in all sorts of shapes and materials. 'Jews Harp' can refer to many different musical instruments that are placed to the mouth and plucked with a finger. At least I think thats what I read. Try: www.jewsharpguild.org www.jewsharp.com and jews-harp.com
Also, they come tuned if you buy the expensive ones, I've only ever gotten the the cheap snoopy harps, and somtimes you have to bend them into playing shape, and I did have one break on me.