It can be hard to tell the difference between a harp and a lyre, both of which are types of musical instruments. In this article, we will discuss the key differences between these two instruments and how they are used. We also recommend some music resources that you can explore to learn more about them!
What’s the Difference?
These are two different instruments that share a few similarities but have some significant distinctions. Here’s a closer look at what makes each unique:
A harp is a plucked stringed instrument with thirty-two strings stretched over an instrument body. The strings are played by plucking them with the fingers or a pick. A lyre has only one string stretched over the instrument body, and it’s played by rubbing the hand against the strings, producing a sweet sound.
Lyres were usually played by women, who used them to sing accompanied by harps. Despite their differences, both instruments can be used for various types of music. Harps are typically used for blues, Celtic, and folk music, while lyres can be found in classical music and opera. If you’re looking for an instrument that can be used for a variety of genres, both of these instruments are worth considering.
Strings: The Different Kinds
A harp has strings arranged in a chordal pattern, while the lyre has strings that are plucked one at a time. Its strings are tuned in fifths, while lyre strings are tuned in fourths. There are other differences between the two instruments as well, but these particular differences are the most important.
It is also worth mentioning that a harp has a metal string, while a lyre has a series of strings made from animal gut or silk. Both instruments were popular in Europe during the Middle Ages and in the classical and Renaissance periods. There are several different types of lyres, including the Greek kithara, lyre harp, Roman lira, and the Mongolian yurtsur.
Harps and Lyres in Music
The two types of instruments are typically distinguished based on how they are played. A harp is played with a hinged wooden frame and strings, while a lyre is played with a neck and strings stretched across it.
The harp has a more mellow sound because the string vibrations are trapped in the wood frame. The lyre, on the other hand, has a more resonant sound because the string vibrations travel through the air.
Each instrument has its own set of sounds and can be used to create different types of music. The biggest takeaway is that both can be used to create a wide variety of music.
Conclusion
When you ask what the difference is between these two instruments, the answer is that they are two completely different units. A harp has triangular strings mounted on a frame, while a lyre has cylindrical strings.
Harps have been used for centuries to accompany vocal performances, while lyres were primarily used in Ancient Greece and Rome as an accompaniment to choir performances.
