BASIC MELODY TECHNIQUE
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Second in a series of video Podcasts by Champion autoharpist Jo Ann Smith (www.autoharpist.com). This installment explains a basic melody playing technique called "pinching". Subscribe to this video podcast at: www.autoharpist...
Because of you I have ordered my first autoharp. I hope to some day be able to play as beautifully as you do. Thank you for everything.
this woman is just what the world needs
Hi Jo:
I bought an autoharp maybe 28 years ago but this week when I say your video, it made me want to try to play it now that I am semi retired. Thanks
George
These are wonderful - you're a beautiful teacher. Having been a bluegrass musician in the 70's you have inspired me to take up autoharp. I look forward to hearing more from you - it's beautiful music.
Even at 5 am your instructions are easy to follow. Thank you for giving me hope that I might learn to play the autoharp well. Sigi
Excelllent teaching speed and pleasant personality-easy to listen to. Thank you
This is really helping me. I am frustrated because I can't play melody. I hope to try this technique.
Your videos make me want to get my autoharp out of the back of the closet. All I do is strum and accompany my sister, who plays the recorder, at Christmastime. (o:
Thank you so much and Blessings a plenty for having this channel. Just revived my first auto-harp and it's been a life long dream to play. Your videos are a much needed help and explain so much more. Thank you again For your tutoring and gift;)- and for sharing it!!!!
That is a beautiful sound. I have never seen one of these instruments. Your instruction is so clear, no waffle or wasted words. It is all useful. Just maybe I could learn to play. At 67yrs I have been learning to play guitar for 3 years and I am so slow but I feel this may be easier for me. I will try to find one to buy and let you know how I do. many thanks. Lyn
The nice thing about an autoharp is that virtually anyone can get nice sounding chorded music from it right out of the box. The hardest part is tuning (36 strings, after all), but don't let that intimidate you -- it's just like tuning any other stringed instrument. It just takes longer. ;) Once you've done it a dozen or so times you get a feel for it and you find it's not so hard after all. Keeping it well tuned will make you want to pick it up and strum it again and again -- and before you know it, your hooked!
Sorry I missed your post. Thank you Jo Ann
Did you wind up having a go on the Autoharp?
That was a great short lesson and a very pleasant voice and persona. Totally enjoyable. Thank you
Thank you for the tutorial Jo Ann, that was great!
You're welcome! :)
Extraordinary instrument, thank you for the introduction.
I only have 2 rows of chords(15) and mine is a family 'pass down', over 50 yrs. old. Thanks for the melody picking intros.
During the 60's and 70's, a lot of autoharps were produced with 15 chord bars in 2 rows and are still produced today. The three-row configuration is much more logical, but 21 bars is more than you really need except in rare circumstances. I am in the process of making a video tutorial showing how to change a 15-bar, 2-row chord bar set into a 3-row set. Stay tuned, I should have it up shortly!
I think I have an instrument very similar to yours. 2 rows, 15 chords. My wife's cousin gave it to me a couple of weeks ago. Oscar Schmidt, all black and made before zip codes came into common use.
You are absolutely brill. Thank you so much. You make it very easy and clear and I've learned the maximum utmost.
Love, Black Jake Two Fingers.
P.S. I always wondered how the HECK people managed to play a melody. You have "demystified" it for me! --Alison Ruth Defrese
trixie mattel brought me here
same
Me too
Virtually all autoharps come from the factory set up as chromatic instruments. I generally recommend starting on a chromatic because it does such a good job of teaching you the nuts and bolts of playing. That's how I started out; and your chromatic can always be converted to a diatonic later on down the road if you decide to go that direction.
Great lesson I’m getting my new autoharp 09/02/2022 so reviewing lesson so I will understand lesson!
Nice video and your autoharp sure has a beautiful sound!
I play guitar but i just watched this because i like autoharps. Anyways this is a very good video God bless sister!
Thankyou for reply! Is it best to buy a diatonic or chromatic? I play guitar , banjo and ukelele.
Pretty nice introductionary video, i thought those chords worked as giving another tone and not locking strings. So good to know!
Your best bet is to get one from a dealer who is familiar with autoharps and knows a bit about modifications and repairs. A few come to mind: Pete Daigle, Chuck Daniels and Bob Lewis. Since this comment box won't let me post a link, you'll have to do a Google search with any of those names, plus "autoharp". You'll find them. You can generally pick up a new Oscar Schmidt autoharp for around $300 to $350, and if you get it from one of these guys, it will be fully adjusted and ready to play.
Wow, you're good! Never thought about autoharp experts before! I'm considering buying this old BMI ChromaHarp I saw at the thrift store. Interestingly enough, there is no Em button, but I'd assume if you hold down the G and play the triad in the right order, you're there... Tried doing this today while attempting "Lost in the Flood" by Bruce Springsteen... That song is much easier on piano, but the chord stabs beg for the type of technique an autoharp uses. They look easy to tune, are they?
What a godsend!
That's a great idea, thank you very much!
I have an old autoharp I am thinking about restringing. This video was very helpful and showed me that you can play melody on the autoharp as well as chords, but if you want to play something from a sheet of music can you do that as well and how do you do it?
My go-to method is to first determine the basic chords you would need if you were just strumming background. Each chord has three notes (or four, if you're talking about a 7th chord). If the tune is in the key of C for instance, C major is probably the chord you will need to start and end the song. Since C major has the notes C, E and G, you can pick those three melody notes within that chord. You would typically also need the F major (F,A,C) and G major (G,B,D) for a typical three-chord song in the key of C. you can see that between those three chords you have every note in the C major scale. You switch between those chords to get the notes you need, which will be indicated on the sheet music.
By BEST advice however, is to try to learn to play a simple tune you already know WITHOUT the music in front of you. Your ear will tell you which chord you need. :)
@@autoharpist Thank you for explaining this to me and for your videos.
If i have my intellie on one of my auto harp pegs and i pluck the hi c string, and the intellie says its a b, do i tune the c string ontil the intellie says c? Please get back to me.
Hi, Marilyn. Be careful - any electronic tuner sometimes has issues determining the true note in both the highest and lowest registers. If you keep getting the same reading say, 8 times out of 10, it's probably correct. The *best* way to tell if it's being truthful is to check the other strings. If your autoharp has been tuned on a regular basis, the strings will most likely drift either sharp or flat at a similar rate. So if the other strings - mainly the unwound ones - are also a half step flat, then you can be pretty sure that top string is also a half step flat and you can safely tune it from B to C.
Thanks!
it's now 2020. I just got an auto harp last night. Thank you, glad these are still here. Mine has no keys on it. It's a mandolin auto harp. I don't know much about it.
Hello! Do you perhaps have a recommendation for lyre harp finger & thumb picks? Take care.
I have a lyre harp and I play it bare-fingered. For the autoharp, I prefer a Fred Kelly Speed Pick (white) and ClingPro Fingers Friend finger picks: www.clingpropicks.com/store/fingers-friend-enhanced-single
i thank you all the help ,i can use the help, I just bought a used 9 yrs autoharp has not been payed for yrs like new, but the strings are old ,it has 38 strings, and it is as 21 cord I did buy a yamaha yt- 2200 chromatic tuner, to tune my harp ,it took me 2 hrs to get it in close in tun, , it has the sev, and min, and meg keys can you tell me what keys to use at first and witch key is c cord? would it be a good idea to replace the strings, and pads, ???35 yrs ago i did have a 12 cord harp it was fun to play ,i am having a hard time trying to play this harp,. the base nots well not sound vere good at all,is it that the pads are not good , and the strings are so old ,it is 9 yrs old never been played, hope you dont mine me asking , I love the way you play a autoharp, hope i can learn to play like you do, I am 77 yrs young and love the autoharp sounds, thanks ,I am new at this,
It sounds like you have a custom-made autoharp. If it has more than 36 strings and there are no labels on the chord bars that tell you what chord it is, then it is likely something other than a standard factory-made Oscar Schmidt. If the autoharp is only 9 years old, then the strings and felts (pads) should be absolutely fine and do not need to be replaced, especially if it has not been played much. I recommend that you contact an autoharp expert who does repairs like Chuck Daniels ( autoharprx.com ), Bob Lewis ( autoharpworks.com ), Pete Daigle ( daigleautoharps.com ) or Greg Schreiber ( schreiberautoharps.com ). They can tell you exactly what kind of autoharp you have, what chords are on it, and can give you advice on what it may need to play and sound its best. Also, a good resource for autoharp players is the Autoharp Facebook Group. It’s a great place to visit with other autoharp players and share ideas. Hope this helps!
@@autoharpist hi , and thank you for the mail I tryed to send you
photos of the harp was not able to sorry,
the, autoharp is a LARK IN THE MORNING , 36 strings, and 21 cords,
has magr, and 7th, and miner keys, I do not now how to play it or what key is the real C, cord,and D ,and F, cord, I, hope this helps you to now
what I have , so you can tell me what I have ?? I did send photos on the reply to and it would not send it to you sorry, thank you for the help :))
Sorry I didn't reply before now -- Just now found your reply. The autoharp you have is probably one that was built from a kit. I went to the Lark in the Morning website and it appears they no longer carry this kit. However, they most likely still have the instructions on file that show how the autoharp was supposed to be tuned and how the chord bars were recommended to be arranged. Email them and see if they can send you a copy, and this should answer your question about which chord bar is the C major chord.
There is something else you can try. A C major chord contains the notes C, E and G. By pressing down on each of the major chords and plucking the open strings, you can tell which notes are which by using your tuner. When you find the major chord that has only C, E and G notes open when pressing down the bar, then you will know that this is the C major chord. You can then do the same thing for the other chord bars by pushing down on each bar and checking with your tuner to see which notes are open. A G major chord has G, B and D. An F major chord has F, A and C. etc.
@@autoharpist thank you very much, I did buy the yamaha yt-2200 chromatic tuner, I just a bought got it tuned, thanks to you , I now now what I have , and I did buy a auto pick up for the harp so now it well be as electric autoharp, I can use my amp ,so i can hear it better,, I did not now it was a kit, it does not look like a kit,?? long as it plays as nice as your autoharps i well be happy, now i got to learn some songs to play on it , god bless you for all the help , I well give you up dates, , as you said it takes a wale to get all working , I do have to tune each time i work on it but it been in the case for 9 yrs so its going to take a wale ,:)))
Thank you!!!!!
man, i hate tuning my 6 string guitar i cant imagine the frustration with an autoharp
Hi. Jo Ann , lm trying to figure out how to play Mary had a little lamb. Are you using the chord bars as well as plucking strings .? Thanks in advance for your reply.and Lang may your rum leak .Kind regards , Bill
Yes, I’m using chord bars and plucking strings. You have to be pushing down on a chord bar in order to mute all the strings except those that have the notes for the melody. In the case of Mary Had a Little Lamb, you only need to use two chords to play the song. In the key of G, you would need G major and D major. Those two chords contain all the necessary melody notes. You switch between them to get the note you need at the time. So the chord changes to play Mary Had a Little Lamb would look something like this: G D G D G G G, D D D, G G G, G D G D G G G G D D G D G.
I agree with givsum. You are distractingly beaufitul.
100 Thank's
Здравствуйте, если на данном инструменте установить устройство, позволяющее понижать и повышать долго ноты как на грифе гитары, это будет просто SUPER. Правда придётся увеличить деку инструмента.😋
Hello, if you install a device on this instrument that allows you to lower and raise notes for a long time as on the guitar neck, it will be just SUPER. The truth will have to increase the deck of the instrument.
Некоторые люди пытались разработать систему, которая позволяла бы временные изменения настройки на авторезине, но есть ограничения - как по количеству изменений, которые могут быть выполнены без изменения диаметров и длины струны, так и по величине напряжения (напряжения), которое Твердое тело может выдержать. Это тонкий баланс.
Some people have tried to develop a system for allowing temporary tuning changes on the autoharp, but there are limits -- both to the amount of change that can be accomplished without changing string diameters and length, and to the amount of stress (tension) that the autoharp body can withstand. It's a delicate balance.
Man she is not only beautiful but she can play beautiful. When I saw all those stupid strings that totally blew my mind. She as given me hope. I think that I'll give it a try. I wonder if she can play some heavy metal or some acid rock. I bet she'd go wild.Just kidding. But you do play beautiful and I thank you. Adios.
oh, its an Oscar, lolz
You have significant audio "drift" in this video....which is a shame because your playing is divine. The sound is NOT aligned with your mouth moving = audio drift. Hoping you can resolve this. LOVE your playing !!!
Sorry you're having trouble with it. I've checked it on several different devices here, but I'm not seeing any drift. I contacted some friends of mine who live in different locations to see if they were experiencing any drift, and they said that it played fine for them. All I can assume is that the problem might be with either your connection or device.
TH-cam streams audio and visuals separately. It might be off on your end due to your connection speed. Looks fine for me.
It’s fine for me. Audio and visual line up perfectly.
playing begins at 5:50! you are welcome :)
Your voice is like a DJ's, beautiful. I loved the way you explained all of this. You just broke it down so simply and thanks for the encouragement. Well done, fantastic presentation.
thanks so much for these videos. I just inherited a 12 chord from the 50's. The same one my mom played while she was pregnant with me. Now with your help I am learning more every day.
Wow - I hope that 12 years later you kept up with it!
How beautiful....14 years later....I too hope you kept up with it and would LOVE to heR you play!!!
Need to lower the camera so we can see the entire instrument and both of your hands
I was thinking the same thing! I was like damn if only I knew exactly what both hands were up 2 I would have learned exactly what to do and allready be on my way to playing Mary had a little lamb
Jo Anne, I just found an autoharp for 150!!
omg, i dont really own any of these beautiful instruments and i totally binge watched your videos... i felt like i was in a private class! Love how you explained everything!
INSPIRATIONAL !
You are an absolutely wonderful instructor...direct and with clear, easy to grasp examples! Thank you!
Obijon2112 she’s a superb tutor, I have personal lessons with her ‘online’ and they are superb, totally geared to the students level, needs and requests. I still come back to watch these though!
I fell asleep with this video yesterday. What a great calming voice! Very instructive also. I am thinking of buying an autoharp but I don't know if it's going to sound loud enough to play it on the streets. Can you help me out with this? I am a street singer / guitarist and looking for something new. Greetings from Belgium.
Luthier-made autoharps, like the one I’m using in the video, have significantly more volume than the manufactured brands. But there are options among the manufactured brands that might fit your needs. I would suggest looking at a 21 chord Oscar Schmidt model OS73C or a 21 chord ChromAharP. The upper bridge on these two autoharps consists of a single steel rod over which all of the strings pass. This type of bridge (“A” style) produces more volume than the bridge style that is found on other models. This bridge type (“B” style) consists of individual pins, one for each string. The sound of autoharps with B style bridges tends to be more smooth and sweet, while the sound of autoharps with an A style bridge is more bright and bold.
Jo Ann Smith thank you very much!! 👍
I got it second time around...Thankyou.
If you have a Facebook account, look for the autoharp group I started on Facebook about a year ago. At last count there were almost 300 members from all over the world. There might be someone in that group that lives close enough to you and might be able to help you find an autoharp. All you need to do is request membership in the group and I'll get you signed up.
TX< JoAnn, I've played guitar since just after the first Folk Scare...late 60s. Some banjo. But I haven't attempted autoharp till now...at 66. Your first lesson looks GREAT> Anxious to work on all of 'em. You're a great teacher.
John Wilson how did you get on?
Very nice video! I'm thinking about taking up this instrument, but I'm afraid it will be quite difficult to get one around here (Belgium). It's not a very well-known instrument around here, such a shame...
i'm not sure what kind of harp i got
thank you! excellent explanation of pinching a melody! I appreciate this very much!
Excellent, this is like having a personal tutor.
Thanks!
It would have been helpful to have the name of the chords for the song. Otherwise, this was a helpful lesson.
Yes, I agree. the chords switch between G and D. I found it helpful to practice singing and strumming the chord changes so you learn where they go before attempting the melody strumming.
You do a great job with these tutorial videos!
Thank you so much for demonstrating how to play melody. I'm having a hard time finding a natural movement in my strumming and pinching, especially when playing something with a quicker rhythm. Any tips?
Hi I am a mandolin player and wish to play the autoharp upside down… is that possible?
Bottom line, you can play any instrument upside down if you want to. Are you left-handed? Are you planning to play it Appalachian style (held upright) or lap style?
@@autoharpist thanks for your reply. I want to be able to hold it the same way as a guitar or mandolin and perhaps strap will stabilize it…
A strap would indeed be your best bet, although you could play it while sitting by resting the edge on your lap. If you do apply strap buttons, don’t mount them on the top (soundboard), but rather on the outer perimeter where you’ll be drilling into the much-sturdier frame that surrounds the autoharp
@@autoharpist thanks a million!
Thank you for the great lesson! I have been playing guitar for over 35 years and bought an Oscar Schmidt Autoharp about ten years ago and am just picking it up to learn. I am subscribing and am going to check out whatever else you have posted. Thank you again your lesson helped me greatly.
To begin, I have to say this made the autoharp seem a tonne less intimidating. I have taken 11 years of music theory, can play any brass instrument, trained for 8 years on piano, and can play the harmonica and banjo. I want to pick up the autoharp. Hopefully with all I've learned it won't be too daunting. It does make me feel like I need to work on the "claw-hammer" picking style before I begin.
I was having a dull grey afternoon. Somehow it feels so much sunnier after watching this.
LOVE YOU JO ANN. I get my very first mint/aged/used 15 chord harp on Friday WITH like new hardshell case for 100.00 US. I have been waiting about 4 months, and have saved all of your videos. THANK YOU and GOD BLESS for making your instruction free.
I am 49 yrs young, have guitar experience, but I know this is the right instrument for me.
Jo Ann Smith, I like your Aura 🙂
Where did you get the leaf Autoharp. Beautiful I start lessons on Monday!
Hi what would a 5cord 19 string chroma harp (tokai gakki) worth, want to buy it but haven't a clue, strings mast be replaced, thank you blessing Dave
Hi, Dave. The instrument you’re describing is miniature version of an autoharp that was intended to be used by very young children. (I have one hanging on the wall in my studio.) Don’t consider it at all if you’re wanting to get an autoharp for yourself for serious playing, or even learning. It’s not intended for that purpose. It might be good for little kids, but in its current condition it would be dangerous in small hands (brittle, rusty strings prone to breakage, etc.). If you have a small child or grandchild that might like something like this, plan on spending around $75 - $100 making it safe and playable. There are much better, safer alternatives for kids available - so in my opinion, this autoharp is worth what you’d be willing to pay for wall art.
@@autoharpist thank a lot Iam in South Africa and strings are gone cost me 500rand or more, Blessings
I just bought two in a yard sale today a large and a smaller one and these are the first I've seen since my grandmothers some 60plus years ago.
I think with your videos I stand a chance of finally learning how to play these. Better late than never
Thanks for such well done videos.
I dream of playing as quickly as I did during middle school..and I could read music.!!! Thank you, Johann...I learned about low vs higher notes and of course...melody picking!!
I love this video. I bought my first autoharp about 6 years ago and while it was being shipped to my house I watched you over and over and over so when my autoharp got to my house I actually picked it up and started playing it... everyone just looked at me kind of funny. 😊 Thank you so much for teaching me how to play! ♥️
Thank you Jo Ann ! Your videos have taught me to play the autoharp. Going on 3 years now. You are amazing
Just ordered one.....discovered an old omnichord in a relatives junk! Been having fun, but I'm ready for a real instrument! Cannot wait! You are very calming...I'll be checking out more of your tutorials. YEEHAW!
What an AMAZING instrument!!!!!!!!! I just bought me o e on Ebay and I've decided that I will name her Sarah Carter....after the Carter Family.....
I just won an Oscar Schmidt 36 string autoharp at an auction and I'm so thrilled! However, I'm left-handed. Is it possible to play it the other direction? Or do I try to train myself to play right-handed?
I play Autoharp in guitar orchestra The sound is very good
DEMAREZ Michel
What auto harp are you using?
This autoharp was made in 1999 by Tom Fladmark.
I clicked cuz she looked pie eyed . A stoned harp player could be a right mellow teacher . She wont smack my knuckles with a ruler . She might even take her bra off and tweak my nip- HEY ! Cool it lady ! I just want to learn a few chords! and maybe rub my shoulders, yeah that feels good ,just a little lower ,oh yeah that's the ticket Just a lttle lowe---HEY! Slow yer roll honey , ths is a G Rated lesson, well maybe not THAT .Why am I so weird ?
Excellent, a really well put together tutorial which is of great help, thank you for posting
Hi Jo Ann , Translation from Gaelic meaning long may your rum ( chimney )emit smoke , in other words may. Your life be long . Regards. Bill .
It sucks to live in Brazil, see this video, and realize that i can't find a single auto harp to buy here. :-/
I just stumbled across an autoharp today and it's so cool that i actually want to learn
Thank you for these brilliant videos, I got an autoharp a few years ago to accompany myself singing, but it is difficult to get a good sound and I'd love to be able to play melodies, this clearly explains it and you make it sound less complicated!
Informative, and charming. You made my day. :-)
Thankyou Jo Ann. I very much appreciate you taking time to reply.
I will now begin my hunt! Thankyou!
Thanks, Jo Ann for your great insight to a technique I have long wondered about!
TX for a concise, idiot-proof lesson. One thing I might offer. MY autoharrp was about 50 years old when I got it--and the tuning pegs were very hard to turn. SO--I put a pair of vise-grip pliers cross-wise across the tuning key. The leverage makes a BIG difference.. I'll b a regular student. Many thanks.
Excellent teaching
I really looking for auto harp teacher
you are wonderful
how could i learn from you?
i love your videos! i am spreading the word over hear in europe.
i seen a irish women playin irish leads i was like what n0w i w0nt 0ne lol
Really enjoying these videos, Jo Ann, and looking forward to more!
Thanks - these are great lessons, do keep up the good work!
What a neat instrument. Great touch Joanne.
Thanks ...... good stuff
Excellent teacher , thank you so so much . Beautiful sound . I've been given one by a friend & it doesn't have the tuning wrench & i don't know how to tune it ☺😊 i'd love to learn to play it & would be be great full if you could help me please ? King regards Ben 🙏
Go to www.daigleautoharps.com to order a tuning wrench. They will have the correct size for autoharps. When you’re ready for lessons I offer them via Zoom. You can find all the details on my website at autoharpist.com
great basic beginner instructions! want to see the whole series - how can I watch them in sequence?
I've just removed every second string (and chord bars as well) and made it a diatonic zither - no problem to play a melody, and the sound is much more clear and pleasant than just strumming in a general direction of notes.
Many people don’t care for the sound of strumming across all those muted strings, myself included. I play nothing but pure diatonic autoharps now, and my playing style is much more akin to zither-style, playing melody notes without using chord bars as often as possible. But I still like having the chord bars because it allows me to make short chords in the lower end that accompany the single-note melody further up the string bed. The chord bars can also be used very selectively to control the sustain. Take a look at some of my most recent videos and you’ll see what I mean.
thank you SOOOOOOO much for posting!
👍+ 💕
Thanks. Escellent instruction.
You're welcome.
can i strum with my thumb and index because i use two for banjo and guitar- carter scratch style
Yes.
@@autoharpist ok thank you for the tip