Caswell is giving you the better technique lesson...notice that his hands and fingers are relaxed; fingers pointing down, thumbs pointing up. More importantly perhaps, he instructs you how to "place" all the fingers on the strings that are about to be played, before playing any of them. This "placing" is important for accuracy and speed (eventually!). When you get a piece of new sheet music (I know, the dots vs ears issue can surface here but hang on...), find the easiest, most relaxed sequence of fingers for each note in the melody, AND, write finger names (1-2-3-4) from thumb to ring finger respectively, with each note. Then take the phrases apart so that you can "place" one sequence of fingers (=notes) before going on to the next one. This gets easier and faster as you practice, and then learn new pieces; and in a short time you'll be able to do this placing/fingering with all new pieces...even learning them by ear without notation! BUT, if you can possibly get some one-one, in-person lessons, that will save you loads of time and is well worth the cost!
Yes, I like the Caswell material. As a lifelong clasical guitarist, harp technique is natural for me--and there are some similarities (such as "rest stroke" for preparation and positioning)
I've been desiring to get into harp for decades--but was always too occupied with other instruments. But I believe it's a natural instrument for me...must be why I've had such a strong affinity for it over the years...but what took me so long before getting with it, I think, was my "concept"--but finally having gained that from acquiring wherewithal of the idiom through listening and playing repertoire on other instruments (fiddle, mandolins, hammered dulcimer, accordians/concertina, flute...)
But I find the fundamental movement (plucking) feels very natural--coming from cl guitar...also, the technique of placing fingers on adjacent strings at rest is what my fingers naturally default to--as this is also shared with cl guitar technique. This and the natural plucking motion in the hand is essentially the same with both instruments. Of course, there are small differences and adjustments to make...
Well after a few weeks practice I find my left-hand facility rapidly improving...working out my repertoire and have a few of my favorite O'Caroln tunes down
Love the harp and it's everything I'd imagined and hoped it would be
harp ... beginner help
harp ... beginner help
Anyone have a few favorite youtube clips for beginning harp pedagogy?... (hand placement)
# Posted on January 31st 2012 by catty
Re: harp ... beginner help
This might be of interest
http://www.ayepod.net/webcasts/teaching/chclarsach.htm
if you wish to fork out a few quid?
# Posted on January 31st 2012 by Johnny Jay
Re: harp ... beginner help
Our Local Harp Beginner's usually go here. ' Hope It Help's '
jim,,,
http://www.eatms.co.uk/
# Posted on January 31st 2012 by FIDDLE4
Re: harp ... beginner help
I like this chap --
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxWb6wZ1VGg
# Posted on January 31st 2012 by gam
Re: harp ... beginner help
...same chap with a tutorial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcCa5rlhSrE
# Posted on January 31st 2012 by gam
Re: harp ... beginner help
Thanks all
# Posted on February 1st 2012 by catty
Re: harp ... beginner help
You need a lot of pluck.
# Posted on February 1st 2012 by Guernsey Pete
Re: harp ... beginner help
This Chris Caswell series is quite good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_y-Itm2O-A&feature=related
# Posted on February 1st 2012 by catty
Re: harp ... beginner help
I found these lessons useful for beginners
http://www.welsh-harps.com/harp_playing_lessons_video.php
Also on utube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0x-x9W3tYE
# Posted on February 5th 2012 by debroos
Re: harp ... beginner help
Caswell is giving you the better technique lesson...notice that his hands and fingers are relaxed; fingers pointing down, thumbs pointing up. More importantly perhaps, he instructs you how to "place" all the fingers on the strings that are about to be played, before playing any of them. This "placing" is important for accuracy and speed (eventually!). When you get a piece of new sheet music (I know, the dots vs ears issue can surface here but hang on...), find the easiest, most relaxed sequence of fingers for each note in the melody, AND, write finger names (1-2-3-4) from thumb to ring finger respectively, with each note. Then take the phrases apart so that you can "place" one sequence of fingers (=notes) before going on to the next one. This gets easier and faster as you practice, and then learn new pieces; and in a short time you'll be able to do this placing/fingering with all new pieces...even learning them by ear without notation! BUT, if you can possibly get some one-one, in-person lessons, that will save you loads of time and is well worth the cost!
# Posted on February 5th 2012 by khandro
Re: harp ... beginner help
Oh yeah, LOVE your harp! It's a user-friendly, EXQUISITE instrument and congratulations ahead of time for your efforts!
# Posted on February 5th 2012 by khandro
Re: harp ... beginner help
Yes, I like the Caswell material. As a lifelong clasical guitarist, harp technique is natural for me--and there are some similarities (such as "rest stroke" for preparation and positioning)
I've been desiring to get into harp for decades--but was always too occupied with other instruments. But I believe it's a natural instrument for me...must be why I've had such a strong affinity for it over the years...but what took me so long before getting with it, I think, was my "concept"--but finally having gained that from acquiring wherewithal of the idiom through listening and playing repertoire on other instruments (fiddle, mandolins, hammered dulcimer, accordians/concertina, flute...)
# Posted on February 6th 2012 by catty
Re: harp ... beginner help
I went from nylon strung guitar to harp. Right hand was pretty straightforward, but the left hand having to pluck.......
Also. the right hand is reversed - thumb takes higher notes than fingers. When going back to the guitar, I had new things to try.
# Posted on February 6th 2012 by Weejie
Re: harp ... beginner help
But I find the fundamental movement (plucking) feels very natural--coming from cl guitar...also, the technique of placing fingers on adjacent strings at rest is what my fingers naturally default to--as this is also shared with cl guitar technique. This and the natural plucking motion in the hand is essentially the same with both instruments. Of course, there are small differences and adjustments to make...
# Posted on February 6th 2012 by catty
Re: harp ... beginner help
Assuming you have a gut strung harp - watch you don't let those nails grow! It might prove expensive.
# Posted on February 6th 2012 by Weejie
Re: harp ... beginner help
"...but the left hand having to pluck......."
Granted, my left hand is slower than my right...at this point
# Posted on February 6th 2012 by catty
Re: harp ... beginner help
Well after a few weeks practice I find my left-hand facility rapidly improving...working out my repertoire and have a few of my favorite O'Caroln tunes down
Love the harp and it's everything I'd imagined and hoped it would be
# Posted on February 24th 2012 by catty