Buzzing is the bane of many a harper. Buzzes occur when a finger touches a vibrating string. Buzzing is particularly a problem in the bass of the harp, because the bass strings, vibrate in wider patterns, and keep moving for a long time.

So what is a harper to do to stop harp buzzing?

There are two main types of buzzes:
– a fingertip buzz which happens when you replace a finger on a string which you have just player

– a fingernail buzz which happens when one of your fingernails touches a vibrating string nearby 

So if you’re hearing a buzz, the first thing to check is

-  which finger is causing the buzzing?

- which type of buzz is it? (fingertip or fingernail)

Dealing with a fingertip buzz

Fingertip Buzzes are a result of your fingertips being near but not fully on the strings. This is most often due to hesitation with your placement.

When replacing on a vibrating string, placing firmly is really important. Try to make the moment of placing the finger on the string as fast and firm as possible - don’t hesitate. Place just before you’ll play, and with deliberateness.

It may sound like a cliché, but confidence is the key! If you are hesitant, and approach the strings slowly, you’re far more likely to buzz! Hesitation will always create buzzing, as will sloppy placing of a group of notes as less than a unit.

Eliminating nail buzzes

Nail buzzes happen when you are setting onto a DIFFERENT string than the one that is already vibrating, and you catch the vibrating string with you nail.

Good hand position is important here to eliminate this!

 Check your hand position - Notice are your fingers closing and opening below your knuckles? Or are you allowing your hand to twist or pull out of its good harp hand position?  If you buzz, stop immediately and figure out which finger is hitting which string at which point as you place, and adjust that finger’s position.

Play the passage very slowly, changing your hand position ever so slightly until the sound is clean. Now do it again, and if it’s still clean, figure out just what you did to get that sound. Remember, you are ultimately the only one who can determine what fine adjustments in your finger angle or approach will allow you to “land” the notes without buzzing.

Once you know what to do, practice it until you can do it every time. You will get it, I promise.

TIP: Try playing your pieces an octave lower to really challenge yourself!