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So you want to record a novelty cover of a popular song but you don't have an accordion, ukulele or mariachi band handy? No problem! We recommend you pick up a harp and get to pluckin'. No longer just found in mall rotundas and movies about the 17th Century, the harp is on its way back, my friend.

The harp craze got a major boost a few months ago when the internet discovered a young lad playing an amazing version of the Star Wars Cantina theme. Now other harpers (or, if you're classically inclined, harpists) are popping up with soft, beautiful versions of their favorite modern songs.


Led Zeppelin - 'Stairway to Heaven'


Harpers seem to love covering heavy metal. It makes sense: guitar solos sound fantastic on only six strings so they'll probably sound even better on a harp, which has 46 or 47. So, why not use all those extra strings to cover the most famous heavy metal song of all time?


Journey - 'Don't Stop Believin'

Just when you thought the Journey revival was over, Fox's 'Glee' busted out 'Don't Stop Believin' and inspired this masterful harp tribute. Is there an instrument on which this song doesn't sound awesome? (There is not.)

Iron Maiden - 'The Trooper'

We weren't kidding about all the heavy metal. This version of an early-'80s Iron Maiden song is one of the most popular harp covers out there and it's easy to see why. Trust us, the finale is the best part.


Harptallica - 'The Unforgiven'

The ladies of Harptallica kick out wicked dueling harp licks that make us want to bang our heads while running through a sunny meadow. They've even released a whole album of Metallica harp covers.


Lenny Kravitz -- 'Are You Gonna Go My Way'

TheSillyHarpist has actually created a series of harp karaoke videos so you can sing along with her mesmerizing tributes. Bonus points: This video features a curious guinea pig who looks like he wants to start an "animals playing harps" craze.