A harp guitar is an extended range instrument based off the standard guitar. Most modern models have 6 un-fretted sub bass strings that typically go lower in pitch than the standard guitar string pitches. The steel string style has been in the US since the early 1900’s. 

The model you saw me playing is a Timberline T60 model that has a multi K&K Sound pickup system installed in it. I am an endorsed artist with both companies.

Every harp guitarist has their own spin on how to tune their instrument. I usually use variations off of a ‘Bennett’ tuning (G-D-C-B-A-G) or multi re-entrant tunings (F#-D-A-C#-F#-G) that are relative to the relative key of the piece I am playing. 

For the guitar I use D’Addario medium gauge strings and the Sub-basses are a custom made set of different D’Addario strings. 

The harp guitar, like any instrument, requires attention to technique and willful study of music that reflects well on the instrument in hand. It is more complex in than standard fingerstyle guitar. 

As a guitarist and bassist for many years, it was an eye-opening experience to discover the harp guitar through artists such as Michael Hedges and Stephen Bennett. In my opinion, they are good examples of different approaches to the same instrument and represent valuable insight for understanding the musical range of the Harp Guitar.