[Harp-L] Ghost notes on harp



V

If you play split intervals you will create what i refer to as ghost notes. A ghost note is a tone created from the summation or differential tones of the notes you are actually playing. For example, if you play the 1-4 draw split octave cleanly, you will hear a third note sound between the pitches of 2 notes being played that is not actually being played. This phenomenon is most pronounced playing octaves, but always accompanies split intervals.

Some other double stops that are not split intervals will also create ghost notes, but not at a pitch between the notes being played. I don't understand this as well, and the effect is not as dramatic. I think the creation of summation/differential tones is a characteristic of fixed reed instruments, but there are others who know a lot more about this than i do.

I rely on the ghost notes produced by playing split interval to use as substitutes for chords. They sound very large and fat if you do it right,
and they can fit a wider variety of material than the chords that are available on the instrument.


JP





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