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A pedal harp is a large, concert-grade harp that uses a sophisticated pedal mechanism to change the pitch of strings. Also known as a concert harp or orchestral harp, the pedal harp stands approximately 6 feet tall and features seven pedals at its base that allow the player to play in all major and minor keys. This distinguishes it from smaller lever harps, which use manual levers instead of pedals to alter pitch.

Not all harps have pedals. Concert harps (pedal harps) have pedals, while smaller folk harps and Celtic harps typically use levers instead. The pedal harp is the standard instrument used in orchestras and professional classical settings. Lever harps are more portable and often used for folk music, therapy, and by beginner students.

A pedal harp has seven pedals, one for each note of the musical scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, and B). These seven pedals are arranged in a specific configuration: three pedals on the left side (D, C, B) and four on the right side (E, F, G, A). Each pedal can be positioned in three notches, allowing the harpist to play sharps, naturals, and flats across all octaves simultaneously.

Harp pedals change the pitch of all strings of the same note name across every octave. Each pedal has three positions: the top position creates a flat note, the middle position produces a natural note, and the bottom position makes a sharp note. When you move a pedal, it engages a mechanism inside the harp's column that rotates small discs against the strings, effectively shortening the vibrating length and raising the pitch.

Harp pedals work through an ingenious mechanical system invented in the early 19th century. When a pedal is pressed, it pulls rods that run up through the hollow column of the harp. These rods connect to rotating discs positioned along the neck of the instrument. Each disc has two small pins that pinch or release the string, changing its effective vibrating length. Moving the pedal through its three positions (flat, natural, sharp) rotates these discs to either leave the string free, shorten it once, or shorten it twice, raising the pitch by a half-step each time.

A standard pedal harp has 47 strings, though some models have 46 or 48 strings. The strings span six and a half octaves, ranging from the lowest bass strings to the highest treble strings. These strings are color-coded for easy identification: C strings are red, F strings are blue or black, and all other strings are white or natural. The strings vary in material, with bass strings made of wire-wrapped nylon and treble strings made of gut or nylon.

Pedal harps are a significant investment, with prices varying widely based on quality, maker, and condition. New professional pedal harps typically cost between $15,000 and $40,000, with premium handmade instruments from renowned makers like Lyon & Healy or Salvi reaching $50,000 or more. Entry-level new pedal harps start around $12,000 to $18,000. Used pedal harps can range from $8,000 to $25,000 depending on age, condition, and brand.

Playing the pedal harp requires coordinating both hands and feet simultaneously. The harp is positioned on your right shoulder, and you pluck strings with the first four fingers of each hand (the pinky is not used). Your feet operate the pedals to change keys as needed during a piece. Proper technique involves curved fingers, correct hand position, and smooth pedal changes that don't disrupt the music. Most harpists study for years to master the instrument, beginning with basic scales and arpeggios before progressing to complex classical repertoire. Formal lessons with a qualified teacher are essential for developing proper technique.

Tuning a pedal harp is a meticulous process that takes 30-60 minutes. First, set all seven pedals in the middle (natural) position. Using a tuning key and electronic tuner, tune each of the 47 strings to its corresponding pitch, starting with the middle octave C string as your reference. Work systematically through all octaves, tuning each note name before moving to the next. After tuning in the natural position, check the flat and sharp positions by moving each pedal to ensure the mechanism properly adjusts pitch. Temperature and humidity affect tuning, so pedal harps need frequent tuning—often before each practice session or performance.

The pedals on a harp allow the instrument to play in all keys without retuning. Before the pedal mechanism was invented, harps could only play in one or two keys, severely limiting their repertoire. The pedals enable instant key changes and accidentals during performance, making the harp suitable for complex classical music, orchestral works, and chromatic passages. This innovation transformed the harp from a primarily folk instrument into a sophisticated concert instrument capable of playing the full Western musical repertoire.

The pedal harp was invented in 1810 by Sébastien Érard, a French instrument maker. His double-action pedal mechanism, which allowed each string to play three pitches (flat, natural, and sharp), revolutionized harp design. Earlier single-action pedal harps, developed in the 1720s by Jacob Hochbrucker, could only produce two pitches per string (natural and sharp). Érard's double-action mechanism became the standard that is still used in all modern concert harps today, fundamentally changing what music could be performed on the instrument.

A standard pedal harp has 47 strings and 7 pedals. The seven pedals correspond to the seven notes of the musical scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B), and each pedal affects all strings of that note name across all octaves. This means one pedal controls multiple strings—for example, the C pedal simultaneously changes all seven C strings (one in each octave). This elegant system allows the harpist to play in any key with just seven pedals controlling 47 strings.

Pedal Configuration: 3 pedals left (D, C, B) | 4 pedals right (E, F, G, A)

Pedal Positions: Top (flat) | Middle (natural) | Bottom (sharp)

Standard String Count: 47 strings across 6.5 octaves

String Colors: Red (C) | Blue/Black (F) | White/Natural (all others)

Typical Cost Range: $12,000 - $50,000+ for new harps

Invented: 1810 by Sébastien Érard (double-action mechanism)