Harp String Chart — How to Identify and Replace Any Harp String

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Last Updated on July 11, 2026 by folkstrings

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The One Thing That Is Universal — String Colours

Even though gauges vary between models, the colour coding system is consistent across virtually every lever and pedal harp made worldwide. Red strings are always F notes. Black or dark blue strings are always C notes. This convention exists specifically so that players can navigate the instrument by feel, and it has been standardised across the industry for this reason. If you can identify the colour and count from there, you can always identify the note name of any string on any harp.

Why You Cannot Just Order Any Harp String

The tension on a lever harp is carefully calculated for each string position. A string that is slightly too thick will add excess tension that stresses the soundboard and neck over time. A string that is slightly too thin will sound twangy and may break more quickly than expected. Some makers will void a warranty if they find incorrect strings fitted to the instrument. This is not overcaution — it is a genuine engineering consideration that affects the long-term health of the instrument.

The practical upshot: always use the string chart that came with your harp (usually glued inside the soundbox), or contact your maker directly. For more on harp strings and materials, see our lever harp string materials guide which covers the differences between nylon, gut and wire wound strings in detail.

Author Profile

Daniel Johnstone

Daniel Johnstone is an English writer and folk musician who has been playing stringed instruments for over twenty years. He started on guitar as a teenager before working his way through cavaco, tenor guitar, autoharp, mountain dulcimer, and harp. He founded Folkstrings.com to provide practical, experience-based buying advice for folk instrument players at every level — the kind of guidance he always wished had existed when he was finding his feet.