Jaw Harp

About the Sound and Character

The sound of the jaw harp is a cosmic buzzing, pulsation, and a rich spectrum of overtones. By altering articulation, lip shape, tongue position, and breathing, the musician extracts different notes from the baseline drone, acoustically creating hypnotic “electronic” effects.

Structure and Features

It consists of a small metal (or wooden) frame with a flexible tongue fixed in the middle. The instrument is pressed against the teeth or lips, and a finger plucks the tip of the tongue, causing it to vibrate.

Genres

• Shamanic practices and folklore of Northern peoples
• Ethno-trance and folk rock
• Psychedelic and experimental music