Plectrum

A guitar plectrum can be used for various effects on the harp.

The plectrum is held between the thumb and the second finger. Only one plectrum can be held in each hand.

Plectrums can, for example, be used for:

Plucking strings

Glissandi

Scraping strings

Jet sounds

Guiro sound on tuning pins

Ratteling between strings

Playing p.d.ch.

Buzzing agains a string

Using a plectrum makes the sound more penetrating than the sound of strings plucked with the fingers. The sound differs according to the material and hardness of the plectrum. To spare their fingers some harpists use felt plectrums for long passages of glissandi.

A plectrum symbol is added above or below the notes.

The whole harp.