Against the backdrop of Kensington Metropark in South Lyon, MI, Jacob Warren performs his original composition Zola, which features harp harmonics. The basic technique involves placing the thumb on a harmonic node and plucking with either the index or middle finger of the same hand.

’One of the things that makes harp harmonics especially interesting as a bowed string player is that it allows us to play multiple lines simultaneously like a pianist,’ Warren told The Strad. ’This new piece Zola uses an ostinato in seven in the right hand while melodies move above and around it in the left hand. Writing out these compositions is also interesting as I have to use a piano grand staff to separate the functions of the right and left hands.’

Sheet music of the piece is available at www.jacobvwarren.com/store

Warren explains the basic principles and technique of harp harmonics in this video:

Watch: ‘Chinquapin Hunting’ from prizewinning double bassist Jacob Warren

Read: Technique: Double bass sound production

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