📖 Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Standard Choice: 16 strings is the industry standard for beginners, covering 2 full octaves and allowing for most pop/folk songs.
- Limited Range: 7-string lyres are often Pentatonic. They are great for improvisation but cannot play most specific songs.
- Spacing Warning: As string count goes up (21+), the space between strings gets tighter, making it harder for beginners to play cleanly.
When you browse for a lyre harp, you will see numbers ranging from a simple 7 all the way to a complex 24. A common mistake beginners make is assuming that "more strings equals a better instrument." This is not true.
In my workshop, I explain it like this: A 7-string lyre is a focused tool for relaxation, while a 21-string lyre is a complex machine for performance. The number of strings you choose dictates the repertoire you can play and the difficulty of your technique. Let's find the number that fits your hands.
1. The "More is Better" Myth
Before we dive into specifics, understand the trade-off. Adding strings increases the range (tessitura), but it also increases the tension on the soundboard and reduces the space between strings.
If you have large hands or thick fingers, a 21-string lyre might feel cramped, leading to accidental buzzing. Conversely, a 7-string lyre offers plenty of space but might leave you frustrated when you run out of notes in the middle of a song.
2. 7 to 10 Strings: The Improviser's Choice
These instruments are often tuned to a Pentatonic Scale (D-E-G-A-B-D-E). This means the "tension notes" (semitones) are removed.
Best For:
• Sound Healing: Since there are no dissonant notes, you can pluck randomly and it sounds heavenly.
• Children: Less overwhelming and physically lighter to hold.
• Historical Reenactment: Closer to the ancient Greek or Saxon lyres.
The Downside: You cannot play "Happy Birthday" or "Twinkle Twinkle" correctly because you are missing the 4th and 7th scale degrees.
3. 16 Strings: The "Goldilocks" Zone
If you ask me "How many strings should I get?" and you want to play songs you recognize, the answer is 16.
A 16-string lyre typically covers two full octaves (G3 to A5). This range captures 90% of folk songs, hymns, and simple pop melodies.
- It allows for melody (right hand) and simple bass accompaniment (left hand).
- There are thousands of tabs and tutorials available specifically for 16-string models.
- The string spacing is wide enough for average adult hands.
4. 19 to 24 Strings: The Virtuoso's Tool
Recently, 19, 21, and even 24-string lyres have hit the market. These add extra notes to the bass (low range) and treble (high range).
The Pros: You can play complex piano pieces and richer chords. The extra bass notes add significant resonance to the instrument body.
The Cons: To fit 24 strings on a handheld instrument, the strings must be very close together. Beginners often struggle with "clean plucking," accidentally hitting neighbor strings. Also, tuning 24 friction pegs takes time and patience.
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5. Comparison Chart: What fits you?
| String Count | Best For | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Strings | Meditation, Improvisation, Kids | Zero Experience |
| 10 Strings | Pocket/Travel use, Simple melodies | Beginner |
| 16 Strings | Playing Songs (Pop/Folk), Learning | Beginner to Intermediate |
| 21+ Strings | Complex Arrangements, Piano scores | Advanced |
Conclusion
So, how many strings should a lyre harp have? For 90% of people reading this guide, 16 strings is the correct answer. It offers the perfect balance of range, playability, and portability. Start there. If you eventually outgrow it (which takes years), you can always upgrade to a 24-string model later, but 16 strings will give you the most joy right out of the box.