Strumming the Autoharp

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Ranked #295 in Music, #10,635 overall

My Autoharp Story

I love the feel and look of stringed instruments.  My most recent love is the Autoharp, with enough strings to keep anyone happy tuning, strumming, and tuning some more.

My love for stringed instruments started with the violin as a child, I still love the sound of the violin, either played classically or folk/fiddle style.  But the violin just wasn't my "niche".

About 4 or 5 years ago I saw and heard my first autoharp, and it was love at first sight :-)  I said goodbye to the violin, selling it to someone who was starting a studio to teach violin lessons in New York City, and used the money to purchase a 21 chord autoharp.  It was pre-owned, had been given to someone who wasn't interested in the instrument, and kept it in storage since the 1970's  It's a beautiful instrument, like the one pictured, with a bit lighter, nicely grained wood.

I also purchased a Korg tuner, a nice sturdy tuning wrench, and finger picks for all fingers, plastic for the thumb, and metal for the fingers.  I don't use all of them most of the time, more often that not I use the thumb and two finger picks.

Playing is so easy if you have music that provides you with chords...and the more chord buttons your autoharp has the better.  It does take some practice and getting used to, and if you want to tune your own harp, that will take time too, but once it's tuned, if the pegs are tight, it will hold the tune just fine for some time.  Humidity and temperature changes can affect the tuning a bit, but generally, I don't have to tune it more than once a month, if that, when played regularly.

I really enjoy the Mel Bay autoharp books, they are great when you're just learning to play. I have Mel Bay Presents "You Can Teach Yourself the Autoharp" which has great instructions and also a CD in the back so you can view playing methods online.  I use Mel Bays "Hymns for the Autoharp" and also have Mel Bay's "Traditional Autoharp", an Instructional Manual. Each has it's unique way of presenting the instrument and how to play.

Take a look at the autoharp books and resources that are available, I'm sure you'll find something you're looking for, and if you have any comments or questions, do get in touch!  I love hearing from other Autoharp lovers, or lovers of other folk instruments.

Thanks for stopping by!

Playing Method #1 - On Your Lap 

Enjoy the music!

Notice in this method the player is not using the full strings, but the small section of strings between damper and wide end of the Autoharp.

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curated content from YouTube

Playing Method #1 Part 2 - On the Lap 

June Carter Playing

June is strumming using the same method as the musician above.

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Playing Method #2 - Holding Upright 

This woman is holding the instrument upright as she plays, strumming with one hand, working the chord dampers with the other. I hold the instrument like this most of the time.

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curated content from YouTube

Buying an Autoharp 

If you are interested in buying an autoharp, I did another lens that may interest you on the subject, visit Buying an Autoharp, New or Used.

Learn through a couple of mistakes I made when purchasing my used Autoharp.

How an Autoharp Sounds 

A Sampling of Autoharp Music

Check out my favorite songs! I've handpicked these MP3s from Amazon. Take a listen. If you like, you can click to buy them on Amazon.

Articles About Music 

Here is a collection of music related articles for you, to visit, click here...at least they should be related to music, you may find a random one that's unrelated.

Please feel free to sign up and add your articles to the site if you like.

Some Autoharp Items that Caught My Eye 

The autoharp offered here looks a lot like mine, though mine is an Oscar Schmidt, and I own at least a few of the Mel Bay books listed. You learn something from every one.

Washburn 21 Chord Autoharp

Washburn 21 Chord Autoharp

One of the most popular autoharps available. Chord more...1 point

Songs of Christmas for Autoharp by Meg Peterson

Songs of Christmas for Autoharp by Meg Peterson

Thirty-one Christmas songs from all over the world more...1 point

Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Autoharp by Meg Peterson

Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Autoharp by Meg Peterson

A step-by-step, self-instruction method. Includes more...1 point

Mel Bay Hymns for Autoharp by Meg Peterson

Mel Bay Hymns for Autoharp by Meg Peterson

Gospel music is rooted in the folk tradition of Am more...1 point

Autoharp Owner's Manual by Mary Lou Orthey

Autoharp Owner's Manual by Mary Lou Orthey

The Autoharp Owner's Manual covers autoharp mainte more...0 points

Autoharp Goodies on CafePress 

Visit the Link Under the Pics to See More Items

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by happynutritionist

A few years back I purchased my first autoharp.  It's a beautiful instrument, both easy and complex, an instrument that definately deserves a "le...

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