Jaw Harp has been played since the Middle Ages. A type of mouth harp was popular in Scotland, Dancers danced a jig to its lively, twanging tone. Although the harp can only produce a single note, players can vary the instrument's tone by changing the shape of their mouth.

In the 18th century, Williamsburg merchants sold jaw harps in their store inventories. You can buy a jaw harp today in Colonial Williamsburg.