FREE Autoharp Lessons & Information

 * Autoharp is VERY easy to play. You press "chord" keys down with one hand as you strum (the strings) using your other hand. That's all there is to it. You needn't know theory to find chord "progressions" that sound good. You WILL need to know chord NAMES if you expect to play with other players. I own a 15 chord model (above), but there is also a 21 chord model available (below). *

Example of a 21 "chord" Autoharp

Perhaps the EASIEST way to "hold" an  Autoharp is NOT to hold it at all.  Just place the instrument ON a table.. and play!!  There are 3 "feet" for this purpose.  Also, depending on what SURFACE you select to place it on, the instrument may acutally be amplified by "natural" resonation.. (i.e., vibrations).

Then of course there are "variations" as shown below.

Dolly Parton playing her 15 chord Autoharp

LAP STYLE  Option #1

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LAP STYLE  Option #2

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But..

Since I'm basically a "guitar" player.. I also modified MY Autoharp by adding a strap. I first carefully drilled two small holes, then used Strap Locks & an ordinary guitar strap.

Strap placement was set up to mimic where you'd normally expect guitar straps to be.

NOTE: The strap buttons were placed ON THE SIDE.. NOT the back of the instrument.

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This is how it looks when played in this manner. I've NEVER seen this done, but I'm sure SOMEONE else has figured this "method" out ;-)

Standing Up	A Back View

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TUNING:

Fortunately, tuning is easy.  Each string is directly above a "written" note name.  The layout is similar to a keyboard.. UNTIL you get to the bass strings.  The bass notes are spread out sparingly to say the least.  Their main function is to pick up "general" low notes.  This causes the low end to START on the Root note (one) at times.. but ALSO the 3rd (or minor 3rd) OR.. Major 5th tones.

As you "pluck" (for instance) a "C" on one end (the keyboard looking thing under the strings shown above), your other hand "tunes" the corresponding "C" note at the other end (via the tuning pegs.. by using a tuning wrench is usually included when instrument is purchased).

Each peg is clearly marked and is tuned using a tuning wrench.

CHORDS

Chords are clearly marked on Autoharp.. but you DON'T have to know theory to press a key and play!  In time you will learn WHAT is a "G" or "G7" or "Gm" (which are just a few of the chords available) by the SOUND of the chord (or because you're jamming with someone who keeps reminding you, "That's supposed to be "Gm".. NOT "G" Major").  Later you will KNOW that a "G" is a "G" because you've played it OVER AND OVER AND...  This is a great way to begin to understand other musical instruments as.  Sort of an easy musical way to "get your feet wet".

Side view of the sound hole, key pads & note strip (left to right).

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Playing "Darlin' Be Home Soon"

At Marlowe's on Elvis Presley Blvd., 10/22/99

CLICK HERE for a LIVE Autoharp sample.

"Darlin' Be Home Soon" is by the Lovin' Spoonful, written by John B. Sebastian. ©1966

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