History of the Jaw Harp

Ancient Times

The jaw harp is the oldest musical instrument in the world. It's origins can be traced back to ancient China, where paintings of people playing a small bamboo musical instrument date back as far as the 3rd century B.C. Over the following centuries, the jaw harp quickly spread throughout Asia and into the Middle East . By the 13th century A.D., the jaw harp had spread to all parts of Europe.   During this time, it became popular in just about every culture from East Asia to Western Europe. Jaw harps were constructed with bamboo, wood, bone, or a metal such as brass during these early centuries, but is today almost exclusively constructed with modern metals.

Because of it's widespread popularity, the jaw harp is known by over 800 different names in many parts of the world. In France it is called the Gimbarde. Italians call it Scacciapensieri. Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Denmark and Finland use variations of the word harp - Munnharpa, Mundharpe and Huuliharpu, respectively. In English speaking cultures, it is also known as jew harp, jew's harp and mouth harp.

Popularity Today

In modern times, the jaw harp has found it's place in world cultures around the globe. In contemporary American music, the tiny quirky little instrument has reached popularity in rock, pop, country and bluegrass. Famous bands such as The Who, Bon Jovi (Blaze of Glory), Red Hot Chili Peppers (Give It Away), Joe Walsh (Life's Been Good) and Lungfish have all recorded songs with the jaw harp's accompaniment. Heavy metal music has also been influenced, most notably in the song Sleeping Village by Black Sabbath.

Popular culture has also embraced its twangy sound. In the cartoon Peanuts, Snoopy the dog is often seen playing a melody for the other characters. Atticus Finch, one of the main characters in Harper Lee's classic novel To Kill A Mockingbird was said to be an avid player. Many spaghetti western soundtracks also featured a jaw harp, most notably A Fistful of Dollars, composed by Ennio Morricone.