A demonstration by Tom Schroeder of Modern Old-Time melody techniques for the Autoharp. Demonstrates the Thumb-Lead and Pinch-Pluck techniques with Open Chording.
Holy smokes you are GREAT with the autoharp, I'm a banjo lover but I never thought I'd hear another instrument that sounded as exciting as a good banjo but you have it there you have really mastered that little thing. I just bought an AH in a yard sale and was stuck on dead center trying to figure out what it was capable of, I'm blown away by what you can do with it thanks for posting that
This has got me energized now. I 've playng the AH for 2 years now. Not nearly as good as this/ I've got a lot to learn. Do you teach at any autoharp festivals in NC?
I saw a fellow playing an autoharp with only 6 buttons. It seemed like that little bit was enough for some good old time melodies. What's your opinion. I may scale my 1970s 15 button Oscar Schmidt down to this, but I don't know what keys i need to have. Can you advise me?
Wow. Wonderful. I just bought a harp. I haven’t played for probably 30 years and I bought myself a new one and I’m getting reacquainted. Your video is amazing.
I started playing autoharp in 2017. When I was first trying to figure it out, I remember watching many of Hal Weeks's videos, as well as this one. I distinctly remember watching this specific video and thinking "holy crap, how the hell is he doing this!" Now, four years later, I consider myself to be pretty good. I'm now watching this video again and thinking "holy crap, how the hell is he doing this!" Incredible stuff. Does anybody know the specific harp make/model? It sounds amazing.
@@tschroederautoharp1713 of course, and thank you for sharing! I hope to upload myself playing sometime soon. Going back through your videos is a great treat 😊
The lively rhythm and technique is more like it. The tunes may be Appalachian-ish, but I hear elements of Swiss zither buried in there. Nice. I was introduced to the autoharp by Bill Briggs at a Teton Tea in, yes, the Grand Tetons (late 60s-early 70s). He and friend Will Basset referred to it as the "automatic harp". Bill used it mostly for skier-related slow tunes, which made me groan except for one that included a yodel chorus. I "wrote" a couple of climber-related songs that used a faster (believe or not) Rock-based rhythm and it worked. I've always felt that the instrument deserved more than the typical mush that most seem to play. After contemplating buying another one for a couple of years (to replace the one lost decades ago) this video just might kick me into actually doing it.
I've never seen anything like it!! When he let loose, holy moly, I am so damned impressed. One with the instrument and natural talent--no one plays this good. Holy God!!!
I dropped by for another visit and I have to say I am breathless! How wonderful!!
Thanks for putting a smile on my face!
I love this one, always brings me back.
Brilliant stuff!
Holy smokes you are GREAT with the autoharp, I'm a banjo lover but I never thought I'd hear another instrument that sounded as exciting as a good banjo but you have it there you have really mastered that little thing. I just bought an AH in a yard sale and was stuck on dead center trying to figure out what it was capable of, I'm blown away by what you can do with it thanks for posting that
Wonderful!
A 1+
How do you get your fingers moving that fast?
This has got me energized now. I 've playng the AH for 2 years now. Not nearly as good as this/ I've got a lot to learn. Do you teach at any autoharp festivals in NC?
I saw a fellow playing an autoharp with only 6 buttons. It seemed like that little bit was enough for some good old time melodies.
What's your opinion.
I may scale my 1970s 15 button Oscar Schmidt down to this, but I don't know what keys i need to have.
Can you advise me?
sounds scotch irish celtic gaelic
Wow. Wonderful. I just bought a harp. I haven’t played for probably 30 years and I bought myself a new one and I’m getting reacquainted. Your video is amazing.
I started playing autoharp in 2017. When I was first trying to figure it out, I remember watching many of Hal Weeks's videos, as well as this one. I distinctly remember watching this specific video and thinking "holy crap, how the hell is he doing this!" Now, four years later, I consider myself to be pretty good. I'm now watching this video again and thinking "holy crap, how the hell is he doing this!" Incredible stuff. Does anybody know the specific harp make/model? It sounds amazing.
That is a Clapping Trees Autoharp made in 1985 by Bob Taylor. Thanks for the appreciation of the playing.
@@tschroederautoharp1713 of course, and thank you for sharing! I hope to upload myself playing sometime soon. Going back through your videos is a great treat 😊
Problem is know which cords and when to play them to get melody notes
Beautiful playing. I knew Bryan Bowers long ago and am still amazed the skill you 2 exhibit. Karl in Tarpon Spr Florida
I needed this. All I know is pinch and strum.
The lively rhythm and technique is more like it. The tunes may be Appalachian-ish, but I hear elements of Swiss zither buried in there. Nice. I was introduced to the autoharp by Bill Briggs at a Teton Tea in, yes, the Grand Tetons (late 60s-early 70s). He and friend Will Basset referred to it as the "automatic harp". Bill used it mostly for skier-related slow tunes, which made me groan except for one that included a yodel chorus. I "wrote" a couple of climber-related songs that used a faster (believe or not) Rock-based rhythm and it worked. I've always felt that the instrument deserved more than the typical mush that most seem to play. After contemplating buying another one for a couple of years (to replace the one lost decades ago) this video just might kick me into actually doing it.
That was absolutely jaw dropping.....I am picking my jaw up off the floor.....what an amazing I atrument
Beautiful. Thank you
Sensational!!!!!
Sounds good Tom, nice to hear the A H being played with a lot of welly, cheers.
Cool. Sounds great.
So wonderful to hear Tom!
Are you playing diatonic or chromatic? Where do you find these songs? In an Appalachian songbook, etc?
I think I've watched this 20 times. Fantastic.
Glad to know I’m not the only one.
Who made your harp, Tom? Lovely sound.
You have got to make more videos. You don't have to show how to do it, just play.
I know you are featured in AQ magazine, but it's infrequently.
I wish you'd write some tutorial books to demonstrate these techniques I'd buy one.
Just amazing sweet player! I love your autoharp playing. Cynthia
I've always admired your skill and resulting music, but some how had missed this gem. Thanks!
freakin excellent
Remarkable. 😀
Awesome!
wow that was brilliant
Love this and your other old old time sooooo much!!!
Fabuloso ❤
Damn.
Wow.
outstanding!
Love it!
Fantastically wonderful Tom!! ♥♥
is open chording something done on a diatonic autoharp??
I've never seen anything like it!! When he let loose, holy moly, I am so damned impressed. One with the instrument and natural talent--no one plays this good. Holy God!!!
Beautiful
Here again to enjoy !