Do you have to have short nails for playing the harp?

Question

I would really love to start learing how to play the harp but I have long nails and I love them, I can't bear to have short nails do you HAVE to have short nails?

Answer 1

No, you don't have to.

Answer 2

As long as you can control your strokes, it shouldn't matter.  Many harpists who don't have any nails sometimes have to use picks to get the correct sound with the glissandos, so it might actually be to your benefit to have longer nails.  Ultimately, though, it's up to your teacher.  Some of them can be pretty adamant about having short nails.

Answer 3

well i am not a harp player just a nail tech but i assume you would have to have shorter nails to be able to play it.  but i woulsnt say that they would have to be super short..you could still have a nice small nail just nothing that is super long in length.  if you keep up with regular manicures and keep them trimmed to a nice length i am sure you can have the best of both worlds.  also right now short and manicured is what is in right now in the celebrity world---just an fyi.  i would also try to chat with some harp players and see what they say or try calling a music store or talking with a music teacher.   hope it helps.