Strumming the Autoharp

I love the look and feel of stringed instruments.  My most recent love is the Autoharp, a folk instrument, 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.