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Directions for Water Harps

A water harp can be used to create a unique form of music by combining crystal glasses and varying amounts of water to create different sounds. The process is simple and requires only a little patience to get the water ratio to make the right sound.

Water harps are also referred to as water harmonicas and glass harmonicas.

Things You'll Need

  • 8 crystal wine glasses
  • Water
  • An instrument
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Instructions

    • 1

      Line up eight crystal wine glasses, preferably ones that are long and narrow. Fill the glasses with varying amounts of water. Start with filling the glass on the far right side of the line-up with an inch of water. This will be the glass that plays the highest note.

    • 2

      Continue to add a little more water to each glass to the left of the first. Test the glasses by dipping your index finger into some water to moisten it and then lightly rubbing the rim of the glass in a brisk circular motion. This should produce a musical note.

    • 3

      Use an instrument of your choice, such as a piano, guitar or violin, to 'tune' the water harp. To match the tone produced by the wine glasses to the instrument, add a little bit of water or remove a little bit from each glass. The farthest left glass should be matched with a "C" note, followed by "D," "E," "F," "G," "A," "B" and "C."

    • 4

      To create music, moisten your finger and rub the rims of the various glasses, using a music sheet to guide you if you desire. You can also use a spoon to gently hit the side of each glass to create music with chime sounds.

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