But the biggest appeal is definitely the price. Getting a good lyre will be less than $100, compared to something like a violin a decent bow is several thousand, or the Hurdy Gurdy where you have to sell your soul to get even a half decent starting instrument.
I agree! I guess the price was one of the reasons why I picked the lyre in the first place. Of course if you're willing to pay more you'll always find one with a higher quality, but budget options are plenty and nice enough to play.
@@VioletsOnMars My heart is having palpitations at the "sword fighting bows" comment, but a good thing you freed it. I think I stole an instrument on accident myself, I had a glockenspiel set for school, thought right now someone else borrowed it, which I'm fine with because the sound was killing me
Another useful thought regarding the lyre and sheet music. Look at the lines and spaces on sheet music. Each line and space has a corresponding string on the lyre. The sheet music oriented horizontally, your lyre strings oriented vertically. If you have a lot of strings, just add more lines and spaces on the sheet music, the pattern stays the same.
Zelda songs really are the goat for people learning instruments 😂 My Lyre came last night and within 15 minutes I had figured out Zelda's Lullaby, Song of Storms, and Bolero of Fire 😂
@@MrSaturnMusic heyyy sorry for the question, I want to play the lyre and I really, really want to learn the legend of zelda's songs😭🙏 may I know if you bought the lyre from amazon? if yes, can I have the link? Thank you for reading, really, I'm desperate🙏
Very easy to learn: but only thanks to your tutorials! I can’t imagine trying to learn without them. You play like you’ve been playing for years. Thank you for your videos (:
I learned the Witcher Lullaby from watching your channel! It was something that was tremendously difficult for me to play on the violin. I was happy due to the fact that you don't need to learn so many aspects of the instrument! You're right, learning to play feels absolutely rewarding because of how lovely the instrument sounds just by plucking the strings. I remember almost being discouraged from violin while in school, when I first started. When you're learning to slide your bow and it sounds scratchy and your finger work is blah. 😆 Lyre harp makes a lovely sound regardless. Even tuning it can be relaxing. Speaking of relaxation, due to less frustrations with this instrument, practicing with it is great for de-stressing. I picked up the lyre because someone told me that they used it to help with anxiety and tension. They weren't kidding! Playing around with it is soothing and distracting in beneficial ways. I hear that the lyre harp is great for those with learning delays. Hyperactivity and other such memory affiliations--like ADHD, dyslexia, etc. It might be easier to stay engaged with it because it sounds satisfying when learning. It's not super overwhelming or imposing and it's soothing to the touch. Definitely an instrument for all kinds of individuals. 😁👍
Thank you for sharing your experience. I feel the relaxing properties of the lyre the most when I'm "in the flow". I'll forget all worries and let myself soak in the music. I had no idea the lyre harp is great for people with learning difficulties. I appreciate you sharing good info!
The sounding beautiful motivation is definitely a real thing, it's why I got a Kalimba after my friend told me about them. I haven't used it much due to other projects but my will to play it is still strong and really, you can't mess up (for the most part) which I think helps a lot and is why less frustrating.
I used to play violin and piano (7 years of music school as a child), but sadly stopped. Feels like a decade or so since I last played. But this year, something changed in me, and I found, cleaned and tuned my violin. Poor thing probably needs more care than that for being in my closet for a decade (pegs need fixing), but hey, fingers still remember. Playing it felt like I was waking up from a very long sleep. Recently I felt like I would really like to learn something new. I watched some of your videos about harp lyre, lovely instrument. At least I'm confident I'll manage to learn this after violin, haha. Will try to save some money from paychecks for one. Thank you for the info! Have a good day!
Hi! I completely understand what you mean by feeling like waking up after a long sleep. I felt the same way when I picked up an instrument again after years! It's amazing how music is never forgotten! If you could play the violin, I’m sure you’ll find the lyre much easier to learn. Thank you for sharing! Have a wonderful day! 😊
I just got my first lyre harp this week.I think this instrument is easy to learn compared to other musical instruments.However,too few people learn this instrument.It's hard to find a teacher or someone who can communicate with you.Many difficulties in learning can only be solved by myself. sad😭
@@SamanthaonMars Thank you for updating so many videos about lyre harp.I believe that more people will fall in love with this instrument because of watching your video.
Actually if you move your thumb and index finger throughout each string, each string can play several notes. Mine is 24 string but a added beads on each string that I can use like a slide guitar to pitchbend. You could also use your fingers but it would add a scratching sound because of your fingerprints.
That's an interesting idea! I didn't know it would work this way. Thank you for sharing with me. I wonder if there would be buzzing with the bead on the string?
Good video, Samantha. :) I always thought both flute and harp were beautiful, but thought they'd be way too hard to learn, and never played either.. I tried silver flute eventually, but it didn't work for me.. Many decades later, I did find a wooden flute, and it was very easy to play.. I thought harp would be way beyond me, and it probably is, but lyre harp is just as Samantha on Mars described it.. It is very easy to play, for all the reasons she highlighted. So without too much anxiety or even too much money, I now find myself playing both flute and lyre harp.. I love my lyre harp so much I have ordered another one with an extra 5 strings.. i play by ear, so sheet music isn't necessary, and I usually play world music choir songs, so there's no sheet music available anyway, but this really is a simple and beautiful instrument to play..
You picked my dream combination. The flute and the lyre harp produce the most heavenly sounds together, as if the music lives inside you, and vice versa. This lady performed both and the result is breathtaking. ua-cam.com/video/kheCT2Nv-9U/v-deo.html (Fast forward to 1:40 where the flute comes in). I dream of trying the flute some day, haha.
Thank you so much for the useful informations. I've been thinking of learning Lyre harp because it is portable. I love harp music but it's not something I can just take with me anywhere and I only have very little knowledge in music. I tried the keyboard once & I gaved it up.
Then the lyre sounds like a great choice for you. While the initial tuning phase can be a bit tedious, once you get past that, it becomes a truly enjoyable instrument to play!
You inspired me so much that I finally bought a 16 string Aklot lyre. It’s beautiful, i just wish it had the notes labeled or engraved at the top. I thought the one I ordered did. Will be learning all the songs you post. Is there any chance you can do a tutorial teaching a simply song that uses only a few strings like 4-5 lol. My first goal is to simply learn a little music theory, remember the string notes, and learn 1 tune at a time. Love your channel, subscribing now
What a nice comment to receive! I'm so glad you have been inspired to pick up the lyre. I realize that the new lyres don't have the engraved notes anymore. I've seen people use sticker labels to tell the strings apart. Some people would even color the tuning pegs, or part of the strings. There isn't a lot you can do with only 4-5 strings, lol. To start you may check out these 5 songs for beginners: ua-cam.com/video/JMH1-nDj_sA/v-deo.html . There's a link to download the notes in the descriptions. Also check out these 5 simple tunes: ua-cam.com/video/rgiAFlc_Qj4/v-deo.html . Here's an interesting choice for you, a song called "Seikilos Epitaph". The oldest complete tune in the history of mankind. The ancient Greeks played it on the lyre 2,000 years ago so this is where lyre music started. Here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/h646FVhXkdg/v-deo.html .
I have like A LOT of questions 😅 1. What are the differences between 16,19,21,24 strings lyre? Which do you recommend? 2. How to arrange songs and how to transpose notes? 3. What are the differences between the lyre harp with hole and without hole? Which do you recommend? 4. Can you play songs that were arranged in 16 strings to a 19 strings? Can you play songs arranged in 19 strings to a 16 strings? I'm planning to buy lyre harp on my birthday because of your videos. I'm very curious btw, this video is very helpful thank you for sharing this with us!
Hi Alaina! So excited that you're about to jump on board! 1. Do you play other instruments? 16 and 19 are great to start with. You can play both melody and bass within a manageable range. 19 offers 3 more notes, though I don't need them that often. 21 or 24 would be overwhelming for me if I had started with them. I think they're more suited for those who already know an instrument similar to the lyre, such as the piano/harp/kalimba. You may also consider: - Size: the more strings, the bulkier and heavier it is. - Tuning: the more strings, the more tuning you have to do. - Price: lyres with more strings are usually pricier. 2. I play by ear / trial and error most of the time. I just try various combos for the best sound, LOL. For songs that I can't figure out on my own, I look for sheet music or resources for other instruments. 3. They're just different ways of producing sound. Lyres with a hole use a sound box for resonance while the bowl-shaped lyres make use of a dish. 4. Arrangements for 16 strings can be played on a 19-string lyre. It may not work the other way round short of 3 strings.
@@SamanthaonMars omg thank you so much for answering my questions and yes i can play kalimba but i think I'll go with 16 or 19 strings . Thank you so much!!
@hap natsuki A tuning wrench and a tuner. Also a quiet place so that no noise interferes with the tuner. You're welcome to watch my "how to tune a lyre" video for the details: ua-cam.com/video/GkFsgHpadgg/v-deo.html :)
That was a good video! My first instrument was a Kalimba, then a harp. Now I am eyeing a lyre and it seems like a fun little instrument to play! And a big plus is that it´s not as big as a harp and I can transport it without problem
Looking at it as a keyboardist, i can immediately see why you say Piano experience may help. Conveniently labelled strings from left to right, without even any sharps/flats... I could literally pick this up and play a few simple tunes on it without ever having held one of these. Probably gonna get me one of these at some point. I like trying different instruments. :)
You have a great advantage as a keyboardist. I encourage you to give the lyre a try. Tuning will probably be the most tedious part because you don't have to worry about that on a keyboard. Other than that, the lyre is a fun instrument. Enjoy your musical journey! :)
Dear ❤ I would like to start praying harp; I have no idea about music theory. Thank you for your introduction of Lyre Harp. I start to play this instrument❤
This video motivates me to start playing the liar because I don’t know how to play the piano I wanted to play on something easier instead. Right now I could only play guitar and kalimba (another cute small instrument), this seems like a really small and better alternative instead of learning the piano. Plus I love small instruments 🥰 and the way they sound
Guitar is more difficult than the lyre. If you can handle the guitar, you can play the lyre in no time. I love small instruments too. They're so fun to play.
As deciding whether to get my daughter a lyre harp, this video helped a lot, I may now buy me one also; so that my daughter and i can learn together..thank you
But here I have a question for you, Samantha: is it possible the make the lyre to sound more “harpish”? I don’t play any string instrument, so I set this question from an ignorant ground. It seems that the number of notes you play simultaneously is very limited. Am I correct?
The strings are a big part of how an instrument sounds. Budget lyres are often equipped with steel strings, while standard harps use gut strings or nylon strings. Gut strings are expensive and thus seldom seen in budget instruments. The more economic choice would be nylon strings. You can either replace the steel strings with nylon or buy an instrument that comes with nylon strings, perhaps something like this: ua-cam.com/video/4f2DeHs6-mM/v-deo.html . You are correct in saying that the notes played simultaneously are limited, even if you use both hands, because there are so few strings.
I am planning on getting a lyre soon, hence I must inquire what type of Aklot lyre would you recommend a beginner? I was initially quite perturbed by the lack of lyre harp related videos present, thus your channel has been of great relief and assistance
Hi Amanda. It depends on the type of music you want to play. If you want to play a wide range of music, 16 strings would be nice to start with. You may even consider 19. If you want to play ancient music, 10 strings or fewer would be more suited. I wouldn't limit myself to brand. There are so many available. Be sure to look for one with good feedback. Look at videos of people unboxing or playing it, to see what they say about the lyre's quality and sound. Hope the information helps. =)
Very good video. Thank you for the introduction to the lyre harp. I think I might get one and start learning. Looks like a good skill to learn and affordable too. Also has a very nice sound compared to other similar instruments. Will likely return to your videos for instruction. This one was very well done.
Thank you so much! I completely agree that it's an affordable and beautiful-sounding instrument. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Happy learning!
Each string can be tuned up or down to change its pitch but there's only so much one can do. It's generally safe to tune a string a half step up or even a whole step. Too tight and the string will break. If you're looking for a lyre, check the manufacturer's specs. They should tell you the recommended range of the lyre. Use this as the primary reference when buying a lyre.
I just started yesterday and it is so easy! I taught myself sheet music but it’s only easy to play when I have a pick 😅 my lyre harp costed around 100 dollars ( 3:09 you can see my lyre harp it’s the one with the pigtail things and the deer as the hole 😊)
Hi! Thank you for the comment! It's wonderful to know you're enjoying the lyre. I started out with a pick too. It makes the string ring out more, which gives out a super nice sound. I wish you a great holiday & a happy new year! 🎄🌟
The lyre is extremely unpopular in where I got it, since in histroy they had some beef with Greeks, I got one for 53 usd during a family visit which was sold for a flipping 200~ usd in Amazon at US. It's wild. If you're lucky you can get high quality ones for really cheap prices It also sounds damn amazing and I'm trying to learn Epic musical songs without a guide. Surprisingly enough it wasn't that hard. Absolutely recommend it 9,5/10
Great beginner introduction - as a harpist too it is much the same reasons except the big difference, coordinating two hands and of course a bit more technique in terms of good sound generation and positions using all fingers to play more complex chords vs just one or two notes at a time ...
You're absolutely right. With a small instrument like this, it's hard to have the depth and variety a harp can add to a piece of music. Not to mention I lack the skills to play good music. I've seen others who played the lyre like a harp, and the sound was much better than what I can do. I watched your Interstellar cover with the theremin and harp. Beautifully played, especially the layer added by the harp.
@@SamanthaonMars Thanks Sam! Have you tried the Lyre side on, to me that seems more natural? But filming it would be more problematic and your audience certainly appreciates your work so ... does any of it really matter!
@@theremingary I only put it on the table when I film, lol. That table has the best natural light in my home. Usually, I play it upright. It's kind of hard to use harp techniques on the lyre. Perhaps I don't learn well just by watching UA-cam videos. I need to practise two-handed playing.
@@SamanthaonMars yes makes sense re: filming! I think the lower stringed lyres for sure, but the ones approaching 24 strings it makes sense for 2 hands - eg: this just popped up ua-cam.com/video/g-qnBRZnk5w/v-deo.html
I've been playing Guitar for a year now but have the sudden urge to buy a Lyre... it's got such a refreshing sound. It's a shame there are no sharps or flats so it's limited to the key of C/A minor but it's not that bad if you can transpose things. The Lyre is an easy instrument to learn (it's much more intuitive than playing something like the Violin or Flute), but, it's difficult to play any instrument to it's full ability. Like, conceptually it's easy (just like the piano is conceptually easy, if a lot more versatile) and it's beginner friendly because of how simple it is, but because it's so simple that there's you have to find ways to improve your playing within the limits of the instrument. At the end of the day the only limit to what you can play (besides the missing sharps and flats and small octave range) is your hand coordination, musical knowledge and creativity (like for every instrument) so the skill ceiling is still high.
I have one in the attic, never tuned it and the first time i got it i played it wrong and then decided to give up for years. However its still in the attic and i recently got interested into music again so i might get it from my attic and learn it again.
I'm happy to hear you've rekindled your interest in music and might revisit the lyre! I find that the most important thing is to find joy in playing, rather than focusing on playing right or wrong. We're not in a competition. :D
Thank you for saying that! :) The process of tuning all these lyres is the same. I have two videos on my channel about tuning. Feel free to check them out. :)
Beginner question : Which of your Lyres (except of the Lyre with the seven strings) do you suggest more for beginners? Cuz they all look nice and nifty 😅. (Also, can all of the three play the exact same song or music nicely?)
All of them can play the same song because they all have 16 strings and are tuned to the same range. In this video I talked about the pros and cons of the 3 lyres, which I think will help you find one that suits you: ua-cam.com/video/m3z4OBTDTDQ/v-deo.html :)
I play piano and harp.. I have a lyre. There's no issue finding notes and playing by ear. But I've never figured out how to hold it. I instinctively want to play both sides like a harp. I find it very awkward to hold. I finally decided to lay it on my lap but then I can only play with one hand mostly. It also sounds better with fingernails but I have keep NY nails super short for the harp so that doesn't work for me. So still trying to get comfortable with it after several years. I do like it. But feels awkward.
Some people use a strap to hold the lyre in place, like this lady here: ua-cam.com/video/e8WGY-M_Sq4/v-deo.html . It maybe worth trying. As to nails, perhaps wearing those plastic nails for the guitar? They need some getting used to, but could possibly solve your problem.
I really want to get my hands on a lyre! I own 4 kalimbas - from the looks of it, the notes seem quite similar. How similar is the lyre to the kalimba?
Hi. You're right. They're both diatonic instruments (like a piano with only white keys) so your knowledge of the kalimba can be transferred to the lyre. The biggest difference is how the notes are arranged. The lyre is linear. The strings go from low to high in one direction. It makes the lyre easier to learn than the kalimba.
Good question. This is a limitation of a diatonic instrument. I can't play C# unless I tune another string to C#. Usually I "give up" either one of the neighboring strings to tune it to C#. But if a song requires all of these notes: C, C#, and D, then one of the notes can't be played.
Just discovered ur channel gotta say ur really helpful thx for sharing these info keep it up! Hm btw i wonder as someone who never had any experiance with music instruments which model is better ? I have watched the gap difference video but dont know which one to buy i like the deer one
Hi. Thanks for coming here! I would say all 3 models are suitable for someone with no experience in music. Having said that, the closer strings of the deer model do make playing more difficult for me because of buzzing. And I've had the deer lyre for 6 months. But then this is also because of the way I play. My fingers go in between the strings which increase the chance of buzzing. If you use the glide method (explained by Sharon Brownell in this video ua-cam.com/video/ozK-VyZivyw/v-deo.html) or the Kora method (ua-cam.com/video/0DHY7asK1Cs/v-deo.html), you won't get this problem so much.
Hiii ! I hope you’re doing great today 🥹 I have a very important question to ask you: how did you teach yourself how to play ? Like did you see tutorials ( if so could you please give me a link please ) or did you find a ( or multiple ) sites that teach it or something like that ?
Hi. I'm doing great, thank you. I listen to a song and make out the notes by myself. Most of the time I can do this by ear or by trial and error. Sometimes I need the help of free sheet music online, or the tutorials for other instruments. I don't have a specific site. I just google search, but I don't always find what I need. The reason I have this channel is to fill the gap of free resources for the lyre harp. I thought, why not make my own? lol.
Hi Alvin. They're on my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/SamanthaonMars . I do have two beginner song compilations for free. They're the ones I replied you in your other comment. Just let me know if you can't find them.
Why did you start to play and learn with 16 strings? Isn't 10 easier? How many songs wouldn't you have been able to play with the 6 strings less on a smaller Lyre?
Hi. It was probably from reading an article on Reddit about the differences between 7, 10, and 16-string lyres. I'll post the link in the next comment but if UA-cam removes it, search for the article titled "Should you get a 7-string, 10-string, or 16-string lyre in the
I ran into that article yesterday after posting this question. Basically probably 10 is enough but let's be versatile and get a 16 string one. Thanks for replying! 🙏
I picked up one that is practically identical to the third one you show. I have yet to find any music for it, so I put it in a drawer and forgot about it.
The 7-string lyre? Is it pentatonic or diatonic? If diatonic, check the UA-cam channels of "CHERRY" and "TapTheForwardAssist". They have tutorials for 7-string diatonic lyres. If your lyre is pentatonic, you can create your own music. No matter how you play, it will sound harmonious. There's no need to follow any tutorials to be able to play.
You can control the volume on your own. For a softer sound, try striking the strings lightly and using your fingertips instead of nails or a guitar pick. Personally, I play my lyre in my apartment all the time, and it doesn't get too loud. If your instrument has nylon strings, they tend to have a softer sound compared to metal strings. How you play the strings actually matters more than the string material when it comes to loudness.
I know am two years late but I’m very curious! There’s the three shapes of the harp lyre you showed,are they all the same? Is a 16 string harp lyre perfect for a beginner? And how would you recommend learning?
They are not the same. Besides the differences explained in the videos, I can share that the deer lyre had the poorest quality because the material was so weak that multiple strings have sliced into the lyre, rendering the instrument no longer playable. This should not happen. To answer your question on beginner lyres, 16 and 19 strings are both good for beginners.
Yes, you need to tune them every time before you play. It can be tedious, especially when the strings are new in the beginning, but it gets easier later on as the strings settle to the new tension.
Is it this one? I'm not too good with song names, haha. ua-cam.com/video/dgaeHNJYiX0/v-deo.html Also, I have a Genshin playlist if you're interested: ua-cam.com/play/PLj-Q184iQi50iZbua5qpBXM3mMumoOMY8.html
Hi thank you for your videos. I will be ordering my first lyre soon and will be using your videos to play and get comfortable with the lyre. There is one song I really would love to learn that I haven't seen on your channel called Tier na Nog by Celtic women. You mentioned if you can't read music ( which I can't) you can find notes. Is there a specific website that you use for this? I have tried goggle but it only brings up the sheet music.
Hi Christina! Glad you like my videos! I play by ear most of the time and I make videos of the songs I figured out. The videos on this channel have the notes written out on screen. If you'd like a PDF version to print out, you can download them from my Patreon page. However, I don't know other websites that offer notes for the lyre harp. Sometimes tutorials for other instruments work if they're written in C major. But for Tier na Nog I can't find any such tutorials on UA-cam. :(
@@SamanthaonMars thank you for that explanation and for looking into Teir na Nog for me. I will definitely consider your Patreon as a pdf version would be very helpful, thanks 😊
The first thing to consider is the type of music you want to play. Germanic music is best played on 7 strings, Greek or ancient music on 10 strings. If you want to play a wide range of music, consider a lyre with more strings. 16 is great for beginners. If you have a musical background, you can even consider 21 or more strings. Of the 3 lyres in this video, the round ones are a bit easier to play because the strings are a bit further apart.
I know that I am late,but can someone please tell me where I can find a good lyre for cheap? Or can I just order from platforms like Amazon and dont have to look out for quality?
I tried the kalimba. I found it hard because none of the notes were labeled so i was just guessing most of the time. I really want to try a labelled lyre hard
Having the notes is so much easier. I totally understand! Other people have told me the bowl lyre (i.e. solid body lyre) no longer came with notes, so it may not be suitable for you. But the other two lyres still have the notes on them. You can look at different brands and find one that fits.
Hi Guille. Thank you! You may check out other brands. Some of them produce lyres with exactly the same body shapes just with small tweaks here and there. I hope you find what you need.
Hi. A website I like is musescore dot com because it has a play-along feature on top of their sheet music. Other times I just run a google search to see what I'll find on the Internet.
Mine doesn't have the notes burned into the wood, I thought it would have them but looked again at what I ordered and nope. I have to make up a cheat sheet now...😆
You can tune it at home, just download a chromatic tuner app on your phone. I've also made some tuning tutorial videos. You're welcome to check out if that would be helpful!
@@SamanthaonMars thank you so much, i saw the tutorial right after writing my comment haha Sadly the apps you recommend aren't available to me but I found a different one that works! Also it turns out it's really hard to tune a lyre, or maybe just mine it's super sensible :0!
I use punctuation marks to tell them apart. A comma (,) is visually low, so I use them to represent low notes. Replace commas with 3. An apostrophe (') is high. Replace them with 5. A note without any punctuation is in the middle, and in the octave of 4. D3 = D, D4 = D D5 = D' I use punctuation marks instead of the numbers because it's easier to see on screen. Hope it helps. Let me know if you have other questions. :)
@@SamanthaonMars thanks but my question is do you read music sheet and write down punctuation marks d ' d3 etc ? How you prepared this . Like in your tutorial videos
@@RobFilm I play by ear most of the time. After listening to a melody, I write out the letter notes in C major. It works for simple melodies. For more difficult pieces, I look for free sheet music online. If they're written in C major, then bingo! I can use them right away. If not, I may try to transpose it to C major, but it depends on the melody. Some melodies are not suited for the lyre at all. For example, those that require lots of sharps/flats and their natural notes at the same time. Free sheet music is hard to come by. So sometimes I turn to UA-cam. There may be tutorials made for other instruments, that can be used on the lyre if written in C major. So that's about it.
hey i suscribed to your channel i want to buy a lyre harp but one question before i'll get it can i play it with finger picks? because i dont want my fingers to get calluses. i hope you could answer me
Hi. Yes, you can play with a pick like what he does here: ua-cam.com/video/REYZ2nxS_s0/v-deo.html. You can also use picks that wrap around the finger, like in this video: ua-cam.com/video/xn0RskY07ZA/v-deo.html (this is not a lyre but those would work).
How many strings do you reckon is the best? I'm currently looking into lyres and I found one that has 24 strings, but I'm not really sure or knowledgeable in this area EDIT: I'd like to buy something wherein I won't need to buy another one in the future again
Depends on the type of music you wish to play. If you want to strum chords to accompany something else, you need less strings, perhaps 7 would be enough. If you're into historical music, get a historical lyre. They have less strings than their modern counterparts. If you want to play a variety of melodies, 16 is a decent number to start, or 19. Anything more is more suited to someone with some musical knowledge, and who knows how to utilize all the strings. But then there's no harm in getting a lyre with more strings. You don't have to use all of them. I say get a lyre that you think will motivate you the most.
@@SamanthaonMars thank you so much! I honestly just want to make covers of some songs, so I think I'll go with 19. More strings just make it too much for me and of course I need to take consideration of the price
But the biggest appeal is definitely the price. Getting a good lyre will be less than $100, compared to something like a violin a decent bow is several thousand, or the Hurdy Gurdy where you have to sell your soul to get even a half decent starting instrument.
I agree! I guess the price was one of the reasons why I picked the lyre in the first place. Of course if you're willing to pay more you'll always find one with a higher quality, but budget options are plenty and nice enough to play.
@@VioletsOnMars My heart is having palpitations at the "sword fighting bows" comment, but a good thing you freed it. I think I stole an instrument on accident myself, I had a glockenspiel set for school, thought right now someone else borrowed it, which I'm fine with because the sound was killing me
@@VioletsOnMars I know it's bad, but sword fighting with a violin bow actually sounds like a lot of fun! 🤣🤣🤣
Why would anyone want to play the hurdy gurdy. It’s ugly.
@@rainysunday6186 Because it sounds lovely, and because a lot of people like it.
It is super easy to be honest, more so because we have your video tutorials, your channel helped me and encouraged me and now I know at least 3 songs
That's great!
Another useful thought regarding the lyre and sheet music. Look at the lines and spaces on sheet music. Each line and space has a corresponding string on the lyre. The sheet music oriented horizontally, your lyre strings oriented vertically. If you have a lot of strings, just add more lines and spaces on the sheet music, the pattern stays the same.
Thanks for pointing it out!
I really like how the deer lyre looks. Before I learned the actual name for it, I called it the jellybean lyre
Yes it does look like a jellybean!
I figured out how to play the lyre very quickly. I learned Zelda songs by ear. I also play guitar and its definetly way more difficult than the lyre
Zelda songs really are the goat for people learning instruments 😂
My Lyre came last night and within 15 minutes I had figured out Zelda's Lullaby, Song of Storms, and Bolero of Fire 😂
@@MrSaturnMusic heyyy sorry for the question, I want to play the lyre and I really, really want to learn the legend of zelda's songs😭🙏 may I know if you bought the lyre from amazon? if yes, can I have the link? Thank you for reading, really, I'm desperate🙏
Very easy to learn: but only thanks to your tutorials! I can’t imagine trying to learn without them. You play like you’ve been playing for years. Thank you for your videos (:
Glad you like them! I'm still learning everyday. 🥰
I learned the Witcher Lullaby from watching your channel! It was something that was tremendously difficult for me to play on the violin. I was happy due to the fact that you don't need to learn so many aspects of the instrument!
You're right, learning to play feels absolutely rewarding because of how lovely the instrument sounds just by plucking the strings.
I remember almost being discouraged from violin while in school, when I first started. When you're learning to slide your bow and it sounds scratchy and your finger work is blah. 😆
Lyre harp makes a lovely sound regardless. Even tuning it can be relaxing. Speaking of relaxation, due to less frustrations with this instrument, practicing with it is great for de-stressing. I picked up the lyre because someone told me that they used it to help with anxiety and tension. They weren't kidding! Playing around with it is soothing and distracting in beneficial ways.
I hear that the lyre harp is great for those with learning delays. Hyperactivity and other such memory affiliations--like ADHD, dyslexia, etc. It might be easier to stay engaged with it because it sounds satisfying when learning. It's not super overwhelming or imposing and it's soothing to the touch. Definitely an instrument for all kinds of individuals. 😁👍
Thank you for sharing your experience. I feel the relaxing properties of the lyre the most when I'm "in the flow". I'll forget all worries and let myself soak in the music.
I had no idea the lyre harp is great for people with learning difficulties. I appreciate you sharing good info!
I just found one at an antique shop for £40 ! this is so so helpful ty!!!
The sounding beautiful motivation is definitely a real thing, it's why I got a Kalimba after my friend told me about them. I haven't used it much due to other projects but my will to play it is still strong and really, you can't mess up (for the most part) which I think helps a lot and is why less frustrating.
One of the things I do is I pluck two strings at a time to blend the notes together!
I just found out my local library has lyre to rent out, I’m going to pick it up today 😊
Wow, your local library sounds like an amazing resource! Being able to rent instruments is such a great idea.
I used to play violin and piano (7 years of music school as a child), but sadly stopped. Feels like a decade or so since I last played. But this year, something changed in me, and I found, cleaned and tuned my violin. Poor thing probably needs more care than that for being in my closet for a decade (pegs need fixing), but hey, fingers still remember. Playing it felt like I was waking up from a very long sleep. Recently I felt like I would really like to learn something new. I watched some of your videos about harp lyre, lovely instrument. At least I'm confident I'll manage to learn this after violin, haha. Will try to save some money from paychecks for one. Thank you for the info! Have a good day!
Hi! I completely understand what you mean by feeling like waking up after a long sleep. I felt the same way when I picked up an instrument again after years! It's amazing how music is never forgotten! If you could play the violin, I’m sure you’ll find the lyre much easier to learn. Thank you for sharing! Have a wonderful day! 😊
I just got my first lyre harp this week.I think this instrument is easy to learn compared to other musical instruments.However,too few people learn this instrument.It's hard to find a teacher or someone who can communicate with you.Many difficulties in learning can only be solved by myself. sad😭
Oh yes! I know how it feels! Hopefully the lyre will become more popular.
@@SamanthaonMars Thank you for updating so many videos about lyre harp.I believe that more people will fall in love with this instrument because of watching your video.
@@1l569 Thank you! How nice of you to think that! :)
@@SamanthaonMars 🥰🥰🥰
Actually if you move your thumb and index finger throughout each string, each string can play several notes. Mine is 24 string but a added beads on each string that I can use like a slide guitar to pitchbend. You could also use your fingers but it would add a scratching sound because of your fingerprints.
That's an interesting idea! I didn't know it would work this way. Thank you for sharing with me. I wonder if there would be buzzing with the bead on the string?
@@SamanthaonMars it's kind of like a guitar string, but vertical.
I play Kalimba! I would love to learn this one too!
Bard level +1
The lyre is similar to the kalimba. You can learn it in no time!
Good video, Samantha. :) I always thought both flute and harp were beautiful, but thought they'd be way too hard to learn, and never played either.. I tried silver flute eventually, but it didn't work for me.. Many decades later, I did find a wooden flute, and it was very easy to play.. I thought harp would be way beyond me, and it probably is, but lyre harp is just as Samantha on Mars described it.. It is very easy to play, for all the reasons she highlighted. So without too much anxiety or even too much money, I now find myself playing both flute and lyre harp.. I love my lyre harp so much I have ordered another one with an extra 5 strings.. i play by ear, so sheet music isn't necessary, and I usually play world music choir songs, so there's no sheet music available anyway, but this really is a simple and beautiful instrument to play..
You picked my dream combination. The flute and the lyre harp produce the most heavenly sounds together, as if the music lives inside you, and vice versa. This lady performed both and the result is breathtaking. ua-cam.com/video/kheCT2Nv-9U/v-deo.html (Fast forward to 1:40 where the flute comes in). I dream of trying the flute some day, haha.
Thank you so much for posting all your tutorials. I love them. I just ordered my first lyre.
Thank you for watching my videos. :)
Where can I buy it? Thank you
Thank you so much for the useful informations. I've been thinking of learning Lyre harp because it is portable. I love harp music but it's not something I can just take with me anywhere and I only have very little knowledge in music. I tried the keyboard once & I gaved it up.
Then the lyre sounds like a great choice for you. While the initial tuning phase can be a bit tedious, once you get past that, it becomes a truly enjoyable instrument to play!
Thank You Samantha. So helpful. So true. Thankyou for sharing this in Learning The Lyre Harp.
Omg thanks to you I finally got it after 2 months of hard work
Congrats on getting one! :) Happy playing!
You inspired me so much that I finally bought a 16 string Aklot lyre. It’s beautiful, i just wish it had the notes labeled or engraved at the top. I thought the one I ordered did.
Will be learning all the songs you post.
Is there any chance you can do a tutorial teaching a simply song that uses only a few strings like 4-5 lol. My first goal is to simply learn a little music theory, remember the string notes, and learn 1 tune at a time.
Love your channel, subscribing now
What a nice comment to receive! I'm so glad you have been inspired to pick up the lyre.
I realize that the new lyres don't have the engraved notes anymore. I've seen people use sticker labels to tell the strings apart. Some people would even color the tuning pegs, or part of the strings.
There isn't a lot you can do with only 4-5 strings, lol. To start you may check out these 5 songs for beginners: ua-cam.com/video/JMH1-nDj_sA/v-deo.html . There's a link to download the notes in the descriptions. Also check out these 5 simple tunes: ua-cam.com/video/rgiAFlc_Qj4/v-deo.html .
Here's an interesting choice for you, a song called "Seikilos Epitaph". The oldest complete tune in the history of mankind. The ancient Greeks played it on the lyre 2,000 years ago so this is where lyre music started. Here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/h646FVhXkdg/v-deo.html .
I have like A LOT of questions 😅
1. What are the differences between 16,19,21,24 strings lyre? Which do you recommend?
2. How to arrange songs and how to transpose notes?
3. What are the differences between the lyre harp with hole and without hole? Which do you recommend?
4. Can you play songs that were arranged in 16 strings to a 19 strings? Can you play songs arranged in 19 strings to a 16 strings?
I'm planning to buy lyre harp on my birthday because of your videos. I'm very curious btw, this video is very helpful thank you for sharing this with us!
Hi Alaina! So excited that you're about to jump on board!
1. Do you play other instruments? 16 and 19 are great to start with. You can play both melody and bass within a manageable range. 19 offers 3 more notes, though I don't need them that often. 21 or 24 would be overwhelming for me if I had started with them. I think they're more suited for those who already know an instrument similar to the lyre, such as the piano/harp/kalimba. You may also consider:
- Size: the more strings, the bulkier and heavier it is.
- Tuning: the more strings, the more tuning you have to do.
- Price: lyres with more strings are usually pricier.
2. I play by ear / trial and error most of the time. I just try various combos for the best sound, LOL. For songs that I can't figure out on my own, I look for sheet music or resources for other instruments.
3. They're just different ways of producing sound. Lyres with a hole use a sound box for resonance while the bowl-shaped lyres make use of a dish.
4. Arrangements for 16 strings can be played on a 19-string lyre. It may not work the other way round short of 3 strings.
@@SamanthaonMars omg thank you so much for answering my questions and yes i can play kalimba but i think I'll go with 16 or 19 strings . Thank you so much!!
@hap natsuki A tuning wrench and a tuner. Also a quiet place so that no noise interferes with the tuner. You're welcome to watch my "how to tune a lyre" video for the details: ua-cam.com/video/GkFsgHpadgg/v-deo.html :)
Question: I’ve seen a lyre-making kit that’s pretty cheap on Amazon…is it worth it?
That was a good video! My first instrument was a Kalimba, then a harp. Now I am eyeing a lyre and it seems like a fun little instrument to play! And a big plus is that it´s not as big as a harp and I can transport it without problem
Thank you. I think you'll adapt to the lyre in no time with your kalimba and harp background. Happy playing!
Looking at it as a keyboardist, i can immediately see why you say Piano experience may help. Conveniently labelled strings from left to right, without even any sharps/flats... I could literally pick this up and play a few simple tunes on it without ever having held one of these.
Probably gonna get me one of these at some point. I like trying different instruments. :)
You have a great advantage as a keyboardist. I encourage you to give the lyre a try. Tuning will probably be the most tedious part because you don't have to worry about that on a keyboard. Other than that, the lyre is a fun instrument. Enjoy your musical journey! :)
Fantastic video Samantha! So glad you put this together! Well done!
Thank you!!
Dear ❤
I would like to start praying harp; I have no idea about music theory.
Thank you for your introduction of Lyre Harp. I start to play this instrument❤
能夠將這個樂器介紹給其他人，實在是一種福氣。希望 lyre harp 能為你的生活帶來無盡的美，讓你在彈奏中找到平靜和喜悅。❤
This video motivates me to start playing the liar because I don’t know how to play the piano I wanted to play on something easier instead. Right now I could only play guitar and kalimba (another cute small instrument), this seems like a really small and better alternative instead of learning the piano. Plus I love small instruments 🥰 and the way they sound
Guitar is more difficult than the lyre. If you can handle the guitar, you can play the lyre in no time. I love small instruments too. They're so fun to play.
this is making me want to try it ! thanks
Please do!
this has convinced me to get one and learn :) thank you
Hi I'm Tsai Hong Lee, I enjoy this video this is one of my favorite instruments!!!🥰
Hi Tsai Hong Lee! I'm happy to hear that. 🥰
謝謝！
多謝你呀，你人真好！🥰
This really helped me decide
Glad it helped! :)
I really wish I could buy a book (or two or three) of all your songs!
Thank you for the appreciation! Currently I just have a Patreon page in which I put the notes of each song in separate PDF files.
As deciding whether to get my daughter a lyre harp, this video helped a lot, I may now buy me one also; so that my daughter and i can learn together..thank you
Glad it helped! :)
Thank you so much for your helpful information!
I just put together a 15$ seven string kit i got off of the internet, about to try learning
But here I have a question for you, Samantha: is it possible the make the lyre to sound more “harpish”? I don’t play any string instrument, so I set this question from an ignorant ground. It seems that the number of notes you play simultaneously is very limited. Am I correct?
The strings are a big part of how an instrument sounds. Budget lyres are often equipped with steel strings, while standard harps use gut strings or nylon strings. Gut strings are expensive and thus seldom seen in budget instruments. The more economic choice would be nylon strings. You can either replace the steel strings with nylon or buy an instrument that comes with nylon strings, perhaps something like this: ua-cam.com/video/4f2DeHs6-mM/v-deo.html . You are correct in saying that the notes played simultaneously are limited, even if you use both hands, because there are so few strings.
I am planning on getting a lyre soon, hence I must inquire what type of Aklot lyre would you recommend a beginner? I was initially quite perturbed by the lack of lyre harp related videos present, thus your channel has been of great relief and assistance
Hi Amanda. It depends on the type of music you want to play. If you want to play a wide range of music, 16 strings would be nice to start with. You may even consider 19. If you want to play ancient music, 10 strings or fewer would be more suited. I wouldn't limit myself to brand. There are so many available. Be sure to look for one with good feedback. Look at videos of people unboxing or playing it, to see what they say about the lyre's quality and sound. Hope the information helps. =)
Thank you very much! This video is very helpful.✨
Glad it was helpful!
wow thanks....This just make me more interested and motivated to learn playing this....Thanks a lot😍😍
Literally in the same boat regarding the guitar knowledge, thank you for your insights!
You're so welcome! :)
Very good video. Thank you for the introduction to the lyre harp. I think I might get one and start learning. Looks like a good skill to learn and affordable too. Also has a very nice sound compared to other similar instruments. Will likely return to your videos for instruction. This one was very well done.
Thank you so much! I completely agree that it's an affordable and beautiful-sounding instrument. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Happy learning!
@Samantha on Mars Thank you Samantha.
Hello! You have mentioned that each string is equal to a key. My question is, is it possible to play in a higher/ lower pitch like other instruments?
Each string can be tuned up or down to change its pitch but there's only so much one can do. It's generally safe to tune a string a half step up or even a whole step. Too tight and the string will break. If you're looking for a lyre, check the manufacturer's specs. They should tell you the recommended range of the lyre. Use this as the primary reference when buying a lyre.
@@SamanthaonMars thank you so much for answering my question! ♥️
@@aryssavermont1491 You're so welcome!
I just started yesterday and it is so easy! I taught myself sheet music but it’s only easy to play when I have a pick 😅 my lyre harp costed around 100 dollars ( 3:09 you can see my lyre harp it’s the one with the pigtail things and the deer as the hole 😊)
Hi! Thank you for the comment! It's wonderful to know you're enjoying the lyre. I started out with a pick too. It makes the string ring out more, which gives out a super nice sound. I wish you a great holiday & a happy new year! 🎄🌟
@@SamanthaonMars ty! Happy holidays to you too :)
The lyre is extremely unpopular in where I got it, since in histroy they had some beef with Greeks, I got one for 53 usd during a family visit which was sold for a flipping 200~ usd in Amazon at US. It's wild. If you're lucky you can get high quality ones for really cheap prices
It also sounds damn amazing and I'm trying to learn Epic musical songs without a guide. Surprisingly enough it wasn't that hard. Absolutely recommend it 9,5/10
Great beginner introduction - as a harpist too it is much the same reasons except the big difference, coordinating two hands and of course a bit more technique in terms of good sound generation and positions using all fingers to play more complex chords vs just one or two notes at a time ...
You're absolutely right. With a small instrument like this, it's hard to have the depth and variety a harp can add to a piece of music. Not to mention I lack the skills to play good music. I've seen others who played the lyre like a harp, and the sound was much better than what I can do. I watched your Interstellar cover with the theremin and harp. Beautifully played, especially the layer added by the harp.
@@SamanthaonMars Thanks Sam! Have you tried the Lyre side on, to me that seems more natural? But filming it would be more problematic and your audience certainly appreciates your work so ... does any of it really matter!
@@theremingary I only put it on the table when I film, lol. That table has the best natural light in my home. Usually, I play it upright. It's kind of hard to use harp techniques on the lyre. Perhaps I don't learn well just by watching UA-cam videos. I need to practise two-handed playing.
@@SamanthaonMars yes makes sense re: filming! I think the lower stringed lyres for sure, but the ones approaching 24 strings it makes sense for 2 hands - eg: this just popped up ua-cam.com/video/g-qnBRZnk5w/v-deo.html
@@theremingary Oh yes, I got recommended it too. She has amazing technique!
I have a question--are there such things as sharping levers for the lyre-harp, as there are for the Celtic folk harp? Thank you very much in advance.
Yes, some quality lyres do have levers. I've never seen a factory-made mass-produced budget lyre with levers.
That was awesome.
I've been playing Guitar for a year now but have the sudden urge to buy a Lyre... it's got such a refreshing sound. It's a shame there are no sharps or flats so it's limited to the key of C/A minor but it's not that bad if you can transpose things.
The Lyre is an easy instrument to learn (it's much more intuitive than playing something like the Violin or Flute), but, it's difficult to play any instrument to it's full ability. Like, conceptually it's easy (just like the piano is conceptually easy, if a lot more versatile) and it's beginner friendly because of how simple it is, but because it's so simple that there's you have to find ways to improve your playing within the limits of the instrument.
At the end of the day the only limit to what you can play (besides the missing sharps and flats and small octave range) is your hand coordination, musical knowledge and creativity (like for every instrument) so the skill ceiling is still high.
I have one in the attic, never tuned it and the first time i got it i played it wrong and then decided to give up for years. However its still in the attic and i recently got interested into music again so i might get it from my attic and learn it again.
I'm happy to hear you've rekindled your interest in music and might revisit the lyre! I find that the most important thing is to find joy in playing, rather than focusing on playing right or wrong. We're not in a competition. :D
Could you make a video on tuning a deer head lyre? I love your videos!
Thank you for saying that! :)
The process of tuning all these lyres is the same. I have two videos on my channel about tuning. Feel free to check them out. :)
I play clarinet, bass clarinet, and ocarina but I have always wanted to learn how to play a lyre, I am hoping to have one soon
Wow that's amazing! You're so talented.
I want to live just like David did
Your comment made me cry, really touched
My heart!
Beginner question : Which of your Lyres (except of the Lyre with the seven strings) do you suggest more for beginners? Cuz they all look nice and nifty 😅.
(Also, can all of the three play the exact same song or music nicely?)
All of them can play the same song because they all have 16 strings and are tuned to the same range. In this video I talked about the pros and cons of the 3 lyres, which I think will help you find one that suits you: ua-cam.com/video/m3z4OBTDTDQ/v-deo.html :)
@@SamanthaonMars Thank You!
I play piano and harp.. I have a lyre. There's no issue finding notes and playing by ear. But I've never figured out how to hold it. I instinctively want to play both sides like a harp. I find it very awkward to hold. I finally decided to lay it on my lap but then I can only play with one hand mostly. It also sounds better with fingernails but I have keep NY nails super short for the harp so that doesn't work for me. So still trying to get comfortable with it after several years. I do like it. But feels awkward.
Some people use a strap to hold the lyre in place, like this lady here: ua-cam.com/video/e8WGY-M_Sq4/v-deo.html . It maybe worth trying. As to nails, perhaps wearing those plastic nails for the guitar? They need some getting used to, but could possibly solve your problem.
Please make a book of your lyre songs & sell it!! 🥺
Such a kind suggestion! It's definitely something I'll look into. Thank you for the great idea!
Amizing video Loved it
I'm sold😊💯
Thanks for the good content
I really want to get my hands on a lyre! I own 4 kalimbas - from the looks of it, the notes seem quite similar. How similar is the lyre to the kalimba?
Hi. You're right. They're both diatonic instruments (like a piano with only white keys) so your knowledge of the kalimba can be transferred to the lyre. The biggest difference is how the notes are arranged. The lyre is linear. The strings go from low to high in one direction. It makes the lyre easier to learn than the kalimba.
@@SamanthaonMars thank you! I already think the Kalimba is incredibly easy, so I’m glad it’s similar haha
I first got interested in the instrument lyre because of the god Apollo tbh
Thank you Samantha. I have a question: How do you play C# when the strings are C and D. There is no middle string between C and D.
Good question. This is a limitation of a diatonic instrument. I can't play C# unless I tune another string to C#. Usually I "give up" either one of the neighboring strings to tune it to C#. But if a song requires all of these notes: C, C#, and D, then one of the notes can't be played.
i really wanted to play the basson, but with it costing more than a morgage i think ill stick to more bugdet friendly instruments
I love your accent!
Thank you! ❤
My question is whether on the lyre harp it is possible to play sharps and flats
i like how it sounds im gonna get one it will be a good break from guitar
I'm glad you liked the sound of the lyre. As someone who also plays guitar, I think you'll find playing the lyre refreshing. :)
Just discovered ur channel gotta say ur really helpful thx for sharing these info keep it up!
Hm btw i wonder as someone who never had any experiance with music instruments which model is better ? I have watched the gap difference video but dont know which one to buy i like the deer one
Hi. Thanks for coming here! I would say all 3 models are suitable for someone with no experience in music. Having said that, the closer strings of the deer model do make playing more difficult for me because of buzzing. And I've had the deer lyre for 6 months. But then this is also because of the way I play. My fingers go in between the strings which increase the chance of buzzing. If you use the glide method (explained by Sharon Brownell in this video ua-cam.com/video/ozK-VyZivyw/v-deo.html) or the Kora method (ua-cam.com/video/0DHY7asK1Cs/v-deo.html), you won't get this problem so much.
@@SamanthaonMars thx so much for replying it was really helpful 💚
@@викторвитя-с7х You're welcome. Feel free to ask if you have other questions. :)
Hiii ! I hope you’re doing great today 🥹
I have a very important question to ask you: how did you teach yourself how to play ? Like did you see tutorials ( if so could you please give me a link please ) or did you find a ( or multiple ) sites that teach it or something like that ?
Hi. I'm doing great, thank you.
I listen to a song and make out the notes by myself. Most of the time I can do this by ear or by trial and error. Sometimes I need the help of free sheet music online, or the tutorials for other instruments. I don't have a specific site. I just google search, but I don't always find what I need. The reason I have this channel is to fill the gap of free resources for the lyre harp. I thought, why not make my own? lol.
@ 2:32, is there anywhere on the web were you post the note sheets you created? I would like to print one and practice it
Hi Alvin. They're on my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/SamanthaonMars . I do have two beginner song compilations for free. They're the ones I replied you in your other comment. Just let me know if you can't find them.
Why did you start to play and learn with 16 strings? Isn't 10 easier? How many songs wouldn't you have been able to play with the 6 strings less on a smaller Lyre?
Hi. It was probably from reading an article on Reddit about the differences between 7, 10, and 16-string lyres. I'll post the link in the next comment but if UA-cam removes it, search for the article titled "Should you get a 7-string, 10-string, or 16-string lyre in the
Here's the link to the article: www.reddit.com/r/lyres/comments/koi43z/should_you_get_a_7string_10string_or_16string/
I ran into that article yesterday after posting this question. Basically probably 10 is enough but let's be versatile and get a 16 string one.
Thanks for replying! 🙏
Me who played the recorder
Me said to the recorder : bye 👋
I picked up one that is practically identical to the third one you show. I have yet to find any music for it, so I put it in a drawer and forgot about it.
The 7-string lyre? Is it pentatonic or diatonic? If diatonic, check the UA-cam channels of "CHERRY" and "TapTheForwardAssist". They have tutorials for 7-string diatonic lyres. If your lyre is pentatonic, you can create your own music. No matter how you play, it will sound harmonious. There's no need to follow any tutorials to be able to play.
Wich is more better (not so loud) for playing apartment indoor mini harp or lyre harp?
You can control the volume on your own. For a softer sound, try striking the strings lightly and using your fingertips instead of nails or a guitar pick. Personally, I play my lyre in my apartment all the time, and it doesn't get too loud. If your instrument has nylon strings, they tend to have a softer sound compared to metal strings. How you play the strings actually matters more than the string material when it comes to loudness.
@@SamanthaonMars thankyou😍💜
POV u play a wind instrument and trying to switch to a string instrument
I know am two years late but I’m very curious! There’s the three shapes of the harp lyre you showed,are they all the same? Is a 16 string harp lyre perfect for a beginner? And how would you recommend learning?
They are not the same. Besides the differences explained in the videos, I can share that the deer lyre had the poorest quality because the material was so weak that multiple strings have sliced into the lyre, rendering the instrument no longer playable. This should not happen. To answer your question on beginner lyres, 16 and 19 strings are both good for beginners.
@@SamanthaonMars ohhh okay! Thank you for answering!
Hi! :) I was wondering do you need to tune the strings? If so is it easy?
Yes, you need to tune them every time before you play. It can be tedious, especially when the strings are new in the beginning, but it gets easier later on as the strings settle to the new tension.
Sis, can you play the music of the Anemo archon Venti? Please? ❤
Is it this one? I'm not too good with song names, haha. ua-cam.com/video/dgaeHNJYiX0/v-deo.html
Also, I have a Genshin playlist if you're interested: ua-cam.com/play/PLj-Q184iQi50iZbua5qpBXM3mMumoOMY8.html
@@SamanthaonMars aww thank you so much 💙✨
What happened to your donner lyre? 😟Also, this video is really useful to beginners!!😃
A string broke as I was trying to stretch it to its limits. Not a very smart move. 😆
@@SamanthaonMars lol😆
We all learn from our mistakes but sadly not me! 😭🤣
I wanna learn the lyre harp but I'm not sure my mom will agree on getting me one:(
I hope your mom agrees and you'll be able to learn the lyre harp. Good luck!
Obrigada pelo conteúdo ❤
You're so welcome! ❤
Hi thank you for your videos. I will be ordering my first lyre soon and will be using your videos to play and get comfortable with the lyre. There is one song I really would love to learn that I haven't seen on your channel called Tier na Nog by Celtic women. You mentioned if you can't read music ( which I can't) you can find notes. Is there a specific website that you use for this? I have tried goggle but it only brings up the sheet music.
Hi Christina! Glad you like my videos! I play by ear most of the time and I make videos of the songs I figured out. The videos on this channel have the notes written out on screen. If you'd like a PDF version to print out, you can download them from my Patreon page. However, I don't know other websites that offer notes for the lyre harp. Sometimes tutorials for other instruments work if they're written in C major. But for Tier na Nog I can't find any such tutorials on UA-cam. :(
@@SamanthaonMars thank you for that explanation and for looking into Teir na Nog for me. I will definitely consider your Patreon as a pdf version would be very helpful, thanks 😊
Would you say there is a good type of lyre harp to start with or are they sort of all the same?
The first thing to consider is the type of music you want to play. Germanic music is best played on 7 strings, Greek or ancient music on 10 strings. If you want to play a wide range of music, consider a lyre with more strings. 16 is great for beginners. If you have a musical background, you can even consider 21 or more strings. Of the 3 lyres in this video, the round ones are a bit easier to play because the strings are a bit further apart.
@@SamanthaonMars thank you so much! I have not played an instrument in many years but have always loved to tone of lyres. This definitely helps alot
@@surimonizarro9791 Happy to help! :)
I know that I am late,but can someone please tell me where I can find a good lyre for cheap? Or can I just order from platforms like Amazon and dont have to look out for quality?
Im currently trying to tune my lyre and i dont understand which note is, which 😂
I have seen a lot of people playing "Halo by Beyoncé" on a big harp. Do lyre harps have enough strings to play it too?
Yes, I think so. You can follow the blue notes in this video: ua-cam.com/video/SG6hQ5uefh0/v-deo.html .
I tried the kalimba. I found it hard because none of the notes were labeled so i was just guessing most of the time. I really want to try a labelled lyre hard
Having the notes is so much easier. I totally understand! Other people have told me the bowl lyre (i.e. solid body lyre) no longer came with notes, so it may not be suitable for you. But the other two lyres still have the notes on them. You can look at different brands and find one that fits.
All 4 models are unavailable to me in Amazon T-T good video tho!
Hi Guille. Thank you! You may check out other brands. Some of them produce lyres with exactly the same body shapes just with small tweaks here and there. I hope you find what you need.
Hey I have got put on so to speak on this How do you find music sheet to this as I can't read the other kind
Hi. A website I like is musescore dot com because it has a play-along feature on top of their sheet music. Other times I just run a google search to see what I'll find on the Internet.
Thx 4 translation
You're welcome!
Mine doesn't have the notes burned into the wood, I thought it would have them but looked again at what I ordered and nope. I have to make up a cheat sheet now...😆
Oh, that happens, lol. Some people put small stickers next to the strings to label them. Perhaps that's an idea to try? :)
@@SamanthaonMars , That is a great idea! 👍🏻
How do you tune it? Do i have to take it to a musci shop?
You can tune it at home, just download a chromatic tuner app on your phone. I've also made some tuning tutorial videos. You're welcome to check out if that would be helpful!
@@SamanthaonMars thank you so much, i saw the tutorial right after writing my comment haha
Sadly the apps you recommend aren't available to me but I found a different one that works!
Also it turns out it's really hard to tune a lyre, or maybe just mine it's super sensible :0!
Are you going to leArn how to hold it rather than on a tAble..it sounds better if it’s not leaning on something
Filming is the only time I play it on a table, because my phone captures the music most beautifully this way. When I practise I hold the lyre up.
@@SamanthaonMars perhaps it would be useful to show the hold position…I understand it’s probably clearer to see the notes to fill on a table though
@SamanthaonMars how do you convert music to the lyre notes d3 d4 d5 etc :)? i have just got my first lyre in my life;p
I use punctuation marks to tell them apart. A comma (,) is visually low, so I use them to represent low notes. Replace commas with 3. An apostrophe (') is high. Replace them with 5. A note without any punctuation is in the middle, and in the octave of 4.
D3 = D,
D4 = D
D5 = D'
I use punctuation marks instead of the numbers because it's easier to see on screen. Hope it helps. Let me know if you have other questions. :)
@@SamanthaonMars thanks but my question is do you read music sheet and write down punctuation marks d ' d3 etc ? How you prepared this . Like in your tutorial videos
@@RobFilm I play by ear most of the time. After listening to a melody, I write out the letter notes in C major. It works for simple melodies. For more difficult pieces, I look for free sheet music online. If they're written in C major, then bingo! I can use them right away. If not, I may try to transpose it to C major, but it depends on the melody. Some melodies are not suited for the lyre at all. For example, those that require lots of sharps/flats and their natural notes at the same time. Free sheet music is hard to come by. So sometimes I turn to UA-cam. There may be tutorials made for other instruments, that can be used on the lyre if written in C major. So that's about it.
@@SamanthaonMars thank you :D you really help me out :D and i understand what im looking for C major that who is called :D thxn again:D
@@RobFilm You're welcome!
Now I want a Lyre 🤭
🤣 me here just wanting to be a real life sky kid
question can you still play some songs on the 19 strings same as the 16 strings?
Hello! Yes, songs for 16 strings can be played on 19 strings, but it may not work the other way round.
Hi can i ask how many strings for beginners is 16 string is ok for beginners?
Hi Samy. 16 is great for beginners. For those more adventurous, 19 is also a good option.
hey i suscribed to your channel i want to buy a lyre harp but one question before i'll get it can i play it with finger picks? because i dont want my fingers to get calluses. i hope you could answer me
Hi. Yes, you can play with a pick like what he does here: ua-cam.com/video/REYZ2nxS_s0/v-deo.html. You can also use picks that wrap around the finger, like in this video: ua-cam.com/video/xn0RskY07ZA/v-deo.html (this is not a lyre but those would work).
Thanks a lot for that I bought it already I’ll be learning your songs
@@bryancruz3262 Happy to help!
Very nice..🙂
You play the lyre very well!
@@SamanthaonMars Thank you Samantha.
How many strings do you reckon is the best? I'm currently looking into lyres and I found one that has 24 strings, but I'm not really sure or knowledgeable in this area
EDIT: I'd like to buy something wherein I won't need to buy another one in the future again
Depends on the type of music you wish to play. If you want to strum chords to accompany something else, you need less strings, perhaps 7 would be enough. If you're into historical music, get a historical lyre. They have less strings than their modern counterparts. If you want to play a variety of melodies, 16 is a decent number to start, or 19. Anything more is more suited to someone with some musical knowledge, and who knows how to utilize all the strings. But then there's no harm in getting a lyre with more strings. You don't have to use all of them. I say get a lyre that you think will motivate you the most.
@@SamanthaonMars thank you so much!
I honestly just want to make covers of some songs, so I think I'll go with 19. More strings just make it too much for me and of course I need to take consideration of the price