Triple Harmonics

N.B. Triple harmonics can only be produced with the left hand.

Production

Three strings are stopped at the middle (or 2/3, 3/4, 4/5) point with the base of the hand and the upper portions of the strings are plucked with the thumb, the second finger and the third or fourth finger. As the strings are plucked, the hand leaves the strings, letting them resonate.

N.B. It is considerably easier to produce triple harmonics when the three strings have the same accidental. The middle (or 2/3, 3/4, 4/5) of the string depends on the pedal position; therefore, the correct harmonic point on the string can vary considerably. If the two strings have a different "middle," it can be hard to produce three clear harmonics in the same hand. In order to do that one has to twist the base of the hand to be able to stop all strings at their exact middle.

Sound

Triple harmonics sound the same as their equivalent single harmonics.

Notation

Triple harmonics are notated as a chord where they are played. A small circle or diamond is added for every note. All the harmonics should preferably be of the same kind (octave, fifth, double octave, etc.).

TripleHarm

Triple harmonics.

Range

The following range is comfortable for playing triple harmonics in the left hand:

TripleHarmRange

Comfortable range for triple harmonics.

N. B Harmonics in the lowest octave of the harp sound soft and rather undefined.

Intervals

It is possible to play any three-note chord, within a distance of six strings, as a triple harmonic.