Quinnipiac University will host the 11th annual Harp Guitar Gathering this weekend. The harp guitar, as the name suggests, is an instrument that is part acoustic guitar, part harp. The instrument is held like a guitar, has the six strings of the guitar, and above it, additional harp strings that are plucked by the player.
Harp guitarist and Quinnipiac University Law Professor John Thomas, who organized the event, said the range of the harp guitar is the same as a grand piano. "The player plays the melodies," he said, "and accompanies himself with bass strings at the same time. Because it is the synthesis of two kinds of instruments, it makes a big, beautiful sound."
Some of the best harp guitar players in the world, including YouTube sensation Andy McKee, and "king of the harp guitar" Stephen Bennett, will perform Saturday night at the Harp Guitar Gathering. Throughout the weekend, harp guitarists will have the chance to jam, perform, and hone their skills with a series of workshops.
Below is a video of Bennett performing his version of Jimi Hendrix's "The Wind Cries Mary."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1EANf1ydjc
