In terms of musicology, a jaw harp is a plucked idiophone and bourdon instrument. Bourdon means that a ‘buzzing’ fundamental tone will always be heard, which forms the basis for numerous overtones. The better the jaw harp, the more overtones will be heard. The human mouth and throat are used as a resonator. By changing the shape of the mouth or moving the player’s tongue, as well as breathing techniques, different rhythms and melodies are created.
