Harp Notation & Pedaling Guide — Complete Reference

Complete guide to harp notation — grand staff, pedal diagrams, glissandi, harmonics, damping, and how to write idiomatically for both pedal and lever harps.

The Harp Is a Unique Notation Challenge

Harp music uses the grand staff (treble + bass clef, like piano) but adds pedal-change diagrams, glissando notation, harmonic symbols, and damping marks that are unique to the instrument. Writing for harp without understanding these conventions produces unplayable parts.

Pedal Diagrams

Concert (pedal) harps have seven pedals — one for each note of the scale (D-C-B-E-F-G-A). Each pedal has three positions: flat (up), natural (middle), sharp (down). The pedal diagram — showing all seven pedal positions — appears at the beginning of the piece and after every key change. Notation: D♭ | C♮ | B♮ | E♭ | F♭ | G♭ | A♭.

Glissandi

The harp's signature sound. Notated as a wavy line between two notes with the starting and ending pitches specified. The harpist sets the pedals to create the desired scale (usually pentatonic or diatonic) and sweeps the strings. Always indicate the tuning of the glissando if it differs from the key signature.

Harmonics and Damping

Harmonics: notated with a small circle above the note. Harp harmonics sound one octave higher than written. Damping (etouffe): indicated with 'x' note heads or the word 'damp' — the harpist stops the string from vibrating with the hand. Essential for clean bass lines and avoiding muddy resonance.

Frequently Asked Questions