Saung Gauk: Lesson 01 - Using thumb and index finger

SAUNG GAUK
(The traditional arched harp from Burma/Myanmar)

Lesson 01: Movements of the fingers
as shown by my teacher U Phone Myint

The harp is played with the index finger and thumb of the right hand. While the index finger stretches out nearly straight, it immediately touches the next following string most of the times, thus giving the player a secure feeling to be at the right place or string each time. The index finger does not touch the next string if it plays down (up in scale) the harp.
The thumb is plucking the strings to the outside without touching. It often jumps in between the strings so this is the finger which needs the most practise if it comes to the orientation on the harp without looking. It is a good idea to mark the basic notes on the strings so one can find them more quickly.

For more information on the harp, the scores for this and other harp tunes
information on tuning and how to play the harp and much more
please visit my webpage:

http://www.musicofasia.info/htmls/myanmar/myanmar_i-saung.html

or check out my channel here on youtube. Thanks!

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• saung
• gauk
• myanmar
• burma
• harp
• traditional