| Boing! Boing! | | | | it referred to as Gimbarde, as it is called in France. |
| What is that that all too familiar but still confusing | | | | Italians call the jaw harp Scacciapensieri. Scandinavian |
| sound? It is the jaw harp, thought to be the oldest | | | | countries such as Norway, Denmark and Finland use |
| musical instrument in the world. Characterized by its | | | | variations of the word harp - Munnharpa, Mundharpe |
| unique twang sound, the jaw harp has found a place | | | | and Huuliharpu, respectively. |
| in hundreds of musical genres around the world, | | | | Modern Times |
| including several modern American musical styles such | | | | Today the jaw harp has found a place both in |
| as rock, pop, country and bluegrass. | | | | modern music and popular culture. Famous musicians |
| Ancient History | | | | ranging from Roger Daltry of The Who to Bon Jovi |
| The history of the jaw harp can be traced back all | | | | to Black Sabbath have all experimented with the |
| the way to ancient China, back in the third century | | | | instrument and have recorded and released songs |
| B.C. Paintings from this era depict musicians playing a | | | | with that twangy sound. Joe Walsh of The Eagles |
| small musical instrument made of bamboo that | | | | used it in his hit song Life's Been Good. Snoopy, the |
| resembles modern jaw harps. | | | | lovable cartoon dog from the Peanuts cartoons can |
| As trade routes from China to Europe emerged in | | | | often be seen playing the mouth harp. |
| the coming centuries, the jaw harp traveled across | | | | Getting Started |
| the Asian continent, through the Middle East and into | | | | If this quirky, versatile little musical instrument has |
| Europe. By the thirteenth century A.D. this tiny little | | | | piqued your interest, then dive right in and start |
| instrument was a big part of just about every culture | | | | playing! Jaw harps are very inexpensive to purchase, |
| across Europe and Asia. | | | | usually ranging anywhere from five to twenty dollars. |
| Because of its rich history and tradition in so many | | | | There is no need to take lessons to get started. |
| cultures, the jaw harp is known by over eight | | | | Plenty of online resources are out there to help you |
| hundred names today across the planet. The most | | | | get started, including jawharpguide's how to play |
| common English names are Jew harp, Jew's harp and | | | | page. |
| mouth harp. When traveling to Europe, you may hear | | | | |