I’m from the Appalachian Mountains in Western South Carolina and music runs deep in our roots. We are very musically inclined and I can’t read any music at all and neither could my family. However, I taught myself the guitar, the banjo, the ukulele, bass guitar, piano, and the mountain dulcimer all on my own. Now I’m about to learn this 😀😀😀
Jo Ann, Who knew that we would be facing this terrible epidemic in March of 2020. I want you to know that your online autoharp lessons are helping me and I'm sure many others to pass the time in our homes in statewide mandatory Stay at Home orders in a way that is both productive and soothing to our souls. Thank you!
I recently retired from teaching. I have a lovely hand-made autoharp that I purchased almost 30 years ago. Unfortunately for my music dreams I became so busy with children and then teaching that I just put my autoharp aside. Now I am extremely excited about learning and playing, and your videos are just the incentive for me to realize an old dream. Thank you!!
I purchased an autoharp a year ago and wanted to play it but wasn’t sure where to start and it needed fixing, so I put it off. Right after I purchased it, I heard a recording of south wind on an autoharp and instantly fell in love with the song and wanted to learn how to play it so bad. I’m finally getting around to learning how to play the autoharp, and in your beginner videos I wasn’t expecting this song to feature and actually be the first song I learn. So when you mentioned south wind, I was so so happy!! Thank you for teaching me this song, I’m so excited to be able to play it soon :):):):)
Thanks for taking your time to put this information out for free! You are a great teacher, I don't really care to learn songs so much as I like learning the techniques and all your suggestions are very helpful.
Thanks for the kind words! The autoharp is one of those instruments that can be played a thousand different ways, from extremely simple to very complex. Glad you like the videos and find them helpful!
@@autoharpist I felt like I was doing very well just on my own because I have some musical experience. Then I heard you say don't hold it like a guitar and was like... Oh that's why my arm is dying. I don't know anything about this instrument!
@@tyler1234321 Just keep working with it and you'll find that the autoharp itself is a great teacher. I had a musical background too -- but had virtually no knowledge of chord theory or any of that stuff. Playing the autoharp is what taught me. And I'm still learning new things from it! :)
Hi Jo Ann. Thanks for your videos! I used to play the guitar, but I had an accident back in 1991 and I lost the last joint of my ring finger. Someone suggested to me the Auto harp. I got one this week. I tuned it up today, and just like you said it was WAAAAY out of tune when I got it. But now it's great! I really appreciate your videos, I have found them to be wonderful, and I am so excited about learning to express myself with the auto harp! Revelation 15:2.
Thank you Jo Ann! These videos are much appreciated. Best wishes from Germany, where autoharps (let alone autoharp teachers) are surprisingly hard to find.
Thank you. I have an autoharp unused as no one around here wants to help. This has me happily making mistakes and not worrying about them. Have a good day and thank you.
Phyllis Anderson Hi, Phyllis. Changing a 15 chord autoharp over to a 21 chord involves purchasing a new chord bar set. Oscar Schmidt used to sell these, but I don’t think they do any more. My best advice would be to contact one of the luthiers that works on autoharps and have them help you determine if your autoharp model is one that can be converted to 21 chords. Here are a couple: Bob Lewis ( autoharpworks.com ) and Greg Schreiber ( schreiberautoharps.com ) This typically isn’t a DIY job unless you’re really handy, but either of these gentlemen will get you pointed in the right direction!
Thank you for publishing content like this! I've had my autoharp for about a year and a half and I love playing it, but there aren't a lot of resources online for learning new techniques. Your videos are greatly appreciated.
You have given me confidence to do this, I like how you explained learning by ear, very helpful. YOu can count on me to help fund your efforts, this is very cool of you! And I love your doggie in the background!
This is so helpful! That exercise at the end helped me understand strumming so much better! Just started playing this week so this was great thank you.
4:40 One Strum 4:55 One two three 5:15 One two three-and 5:29 One two-and three-and 6:13 First round 7:04 Second Round 7:50 Third Round 8:37 Fourth Round
I totally understand your advice to play by ear. I've been making jazz piano and vocal arrangements for years. I have a Master's degree in music and easily read notes and chord symbols. But I found it liberating to put notation on the back burner. I write and arrange music purely by ear. Music is after all an auditory art (historically, notation actually began as an aid to memory). Your ears will tell you what to do!
At first I thought the little animal going towards the door was a miniature hybrid pig. Laughing at that. Well done, Jo Ann. Your interview with Hal Weeks was really good as well.
I can play by ear any instrument I want to learn. I can't read notes. I can try. I'm going to watch you for awhile and then try. I just got it last night.
Thank you so much for these videos! I have a beautiful autoharp that I LONG to play properly, but have no idea how! I've been strumming simply with it but I want to learn everything I can. :)
I do offer lessons via Skype or FaceTime if you think that's something you'd be interested in. The first lesson is free, and there's no commitment because I don't do serial lessons -- just offer help when somebody needs it. Check it out on my website at autoharpist.com and use the code FIRSTFREE.
Beautiful ❤ thanks - I’m 64, and never played an instrument ! Though I have a lovely 1969 Oscarschmidt . I do need to get a tuner . I’m left handed , though I’m realizing I have to play right handed . Is there any way I can play with the autoharp on my LAP? Not sure I want to place screws in it for a strap .
I really wish you would show the chords for a lot more of the songs you play. I am currently trying to learn how to play the autoharp and find your videos very instructional. Can you play "oh beautiful star of bethlehem" and show the chords you use, please? I am trying to learn this song in particular because it is one of my favorites.
You can find the chords needed for almost any song by doing an internet search with the song name plus the word “chords”. You may have to transpose the song to a different key if you can’t find a version in a key that will work on the autoharp. Since the autoharp only has plain major, minor and dominant seventh chords, any complex chords you find would have to be simplified - a Dm7 would have to be a Dm, for example.
I hope to eventually get to the point where I can start posting lessons for diatonic autoharp. That’s where the techniques I use for Amazing Grace would be addressed because the arrangement requires a diatonic tuning and non-standard chords.
The reason there are 21 chords on a chromatic autoharp is because you don't have room for any more than that. The top six bars are typically troubled with harmonics, so are less than optimal. The autoharp only covers 2 1/2 to 3 octaves over 36 strings, with the bottom 10-12 being dedicated to supporting the root and fifth of the main chords. The keys of E flat and A -- although present and playable on a standard chromatic autoharp -- are actually at the extremes of the range that the autoharp can support and don't sound that great. To be honest, the top six bars closest to the sound hole are so riddled with harmonics that many players find them unusable. Bottom line, the autoharp was never intended to be able to play in every key. It was designed to favor Bb, F, C, G and D -- common keys for vocals and folk music. If you want to play in every key, you need a second autoharp with a set of custom strings to cover the rest of the circle of fifths. In my opinion, three autoharps with 15 bars and custom strings for each key range would do a much better job of doing justice to every key in the circle. The chromatic autoharp is one of those instruments where less is better. Trying to make it do more than it was intended to yields dismal results.
Jo Ann I have both of your cd’s and love this play along. Will you be doing more lessons like this where we can use your cd as the soundtrack to play along to?
Jo Ann-- I would appreciate your guidance on a problem I have. Around 1969 I purchased an OS 15BH which has not been played for around 50 years. I decided to try again. Fortunately, I found your lesson and, after listening to lesson two, I purchased a KLIQ Ubertuner (top of the line) When I tried using the device it would not detect the top 5 strings. After working with a factory tech today, he finally said: "Some autoharps do not put out enough vibration to allow our tuner to sense the sound". He said I should return the tuner. My question is Where do I go from here? If it's really my autoharp, I'm sunk. If it's a matter of a poor tuner, then I would appreciate your recommendation.
It’s not your autoharp, and it’s probably not the tuner either. I’ve tried a number of different clip-on type tuners over the years and have had satisfactory results. The biggest problem is finding a consistently good attachment point for the clip. The only place that seems to work is somewhere on the tuning pins. I try to place the clip so that it clips onto two of the tuning pins. But even then, it tends to slip and pop itself off. The best method I have found for attaching the tuner is to attach it to the handle of a T-handle tuning wrench. I happen to have two of them, so I use one for holding the tuner, and the other for actually tuning. Even then, you may need to move the tuner to a different position along the tuning pins to get a good, consistent reading. I typically have no problems with the top strings triggering the tuner. Just be sure to pop that string good and loud. The ones that seem to be the hardest to read are the very bottom strings. I takes several tries before I get enough readings to determine what’s real and what isn’t. Hope this helps! If you continue to have problems with the tuner after trying these tips you may want to return it. I like the little clip-on types for quick touch up tuning, but for more detailed work I like the Korg TM-60. amazon.com/Korg-TM60BK-Tuner-Metronome-Microphone/dp/B0792W36R6 . Your OS 15BH is a good little autoharp! I’m assuming it has a trapezoid-shaped logo silk-screened on the front. I have restored/converted several of these little beauties with nice results.
Jo Ann-- First I want to thank you for the time you spent with my problem. It is absolutely amazing to me that the KLIQ tech was unable to make the suggestions that you outlined in your reply. Your suggestion of placing the tuner by clipping on to a couple of the pins and giving the strings a good solid pop solved the problem. I don't seem to have a problem with the lower octaves but I will look for inconsistent results when tuning that octave. I'll see how the KLIQ works and, if it's a struggle, I'll purchase the Korg. I like the idea of a remote mike as used on the Korg You are correct about the OS logo on my autoharp. I played the autoharp for about a year but my business got in the way; that is the reason for the long break. I'm now retired and more sedentary (and 84 years young) so decided to try it again. One question: I find that the placement of the bar buttons on my 15 is different than that used on your 21. In your lesson 3 the bar buttons are next to each other to play the song, but not so on the 15. Does one ever move the arrangement of the bars to replicate the first row of the 21? I would make one comment. I have two tuning keys: a right angle and a T. The T handle places all the leverage on the wrist while the L handle places the leverage on the arm and shoulder. From a pure strength point of view, I find the L much easier to use. Maybe if I was 30 instead of 84 the T would be ok. Finally, I want to again thank you for your time and interest in getting me back on track. You are an exceptional individual and I am a dedicated fan for life!!!.......Bill
Bill Rich The two-row, 15 bar set is something I suggest you change if you possibly can. There really isn’t any way to set them up in a logical pattern that is consistent from key to key. On top of that, they’re noisy and more difficult to operate than they should be. Three rows is the way to go, and since you have a good model it would be well worth the investment to get a good set of bars in three rows. Doing this will allow you to start with a logical setup that will let you go from key to key without changing your fingering. You can have a set of 21 OS bars installed, which will give you more keys, or you can go with a set of wooden luthier-made bars that not only look good but operate like a dream. I suggest contacting one of the luthiers at the end of this little article I wrote on getting your first autoharp: drive.google.com/file/d/0B-eEM0vxcrJxRjRwNTY5STNCN2M/view?usp=drivesdk . They can do the installation for you or order the set for you if you want to DIY. As to the tuning wrench, you might want to look at getting a long-handle tuning wrench - the kind that piano tuners use. The problem with the little L-shaped tuner that comes with the autoharp is that it’s made of metal that’s softer than the tuning pins. With use, the square hole in the wrench becomes rounded and more and more difficult to use. On top of that, it ends up marring the tuning pins. So if the T-handled wrench is giving you wrist issues, look online for a long-handled wrench and go that route. I know an autoharp player who swears by them and says that it actually makes small adjustments easier. Hope this helps!
@@autoharpist -- Again, many thanks for your advice and council. I will let you know how it all shakes out. I'll quote a bar change and see what the $$ bring. Also, I did return the KLIQ as it was a real pain to use. I also discovered that it does not detect sharps. It appears that the strategy is to tune the base string to the max sharp rather than detecting the actual sharp note...............I'm sure you have many thankful devotees that you have help...........I'll give you and update when things change.....................Bill
@@billandleona3290 I converted a 15 bar harp to a 21 bar myself. Took about an hour about an hour. Oscar Schmidt has instructions on it's web site. Drilling the holes is the hardest part.
Instead of showing the chord change as it changes, could you set it up so that the current chord is showing and then it has to the side what the next chord will be? And maybe go a little slower? It's really good but I keep getting all mixed and and confused once you hit the run with the upstrums to the point I have to either just focus on the melody and rhythm or focus on the strum pattern.
I plan to put up more videos on TH-cam in the future, but they will mostly be song performances rather than actual lessons. If you’re referring to my Patreon page, I will be closing that shortly and consolidating everything here where support is optional. Glad you liked Southwind!
Appreciate your videos! I did struggle with the south win so long because I have a 15 bar OS and the Bb maj. is far away from the C and F ☹️ I’m going to keep practicing but I wonder why mine is so different. It has the white pegs sticking up and only 2 deep so I’m having trouble with my left hand fitting over the keys. Any advice or if you can steer me to other videos for autoharp like mine would be appreciated!! Thank you again-you do a great job!!
The two-row chord bar assemblies are inferior because they don’t allow you to arrange the bars in a logical fashion from key to key. Consider purchasing a 21-chord bar set that has the buttons in 3 rows. Much, much easier. If you have a Do-It-Yourself spirit, take a look at my video that shows how to change a two-row chord bar set to three rows. I consider doing this a temporary fix until you can secure a set of custom, luthier bars.
Any tips to prevent my left wrist from hurting? The bending it upward to press the chord buttons bothers it after I have been playing for a while. I think I am in the same body position as you on the video. I'm not sure if it will strengthen over time or if it is just a weakness that is going to limit my playing time:/ Sometimes it is also difficult for my fingers to press the chord buttons hard enough too. I think that should strengthen over time though, right?
Hi, Deb. If playing causes you pain, then some adjustments need to be made so that doesn't happen. The first thing I'd check is to see how straight up and down the longest edge of the autoharp is when you're holding it. It should be as close to perfectly vertical as possible, with just enough tilt so that it just clears your jaw. What tends to happen when holding it is to let the autoharp tip to the side so we end up having it in more of a cradled position. This forces the left arm to roll the shoulder forward, bring the elbow up and bend the wrist more severely than is necessary. Having the autoharp in a straight up and down position (as close to that as possible, anyway), allows the left arm to work in a more neutral position. If you aren't using a strap, I suggest investing in one -- it will help support the heavy autoharp so your arms don't have to work so hard. Also, I suggest looking into having someone optimize your chord bars -- which is essentially lowering the action and making them easier to push so you don't have to work so hard. Bottom line, if it hurts to play, find out why and make adjustments. Make the autoharp fit YOU, not the other way around.
@@miahoover9225 Hi, Mia. The plectrum of the pick - the part that *looks* like a fingernail - goes on the underneath side of your finger, on the fleshy part where your fingerprint is. The wrap-around part wraps around your finger and holds it in place.
@@autoharpist that makes sense. I couldn't quite tell on the video. I ended up buying the white Fred Kelly Speed thumb picks. I like them. I also have DAddario metal picks that look similar to yours.
Is it me seeing it wrong or do the best autoharpists play with all plastic plucks? I'm wondering if I'm making things hard for myself by using steel plucks.
I don’t know what the numbers actually are, but I am not a fan of plastic finger picks. They cannot be adjusted to fit the fingers adequately, and because the plectrum (the ‘pick’ tip) is so thick it is hard to get a precise pluck of a single string. They also seem to make more noise on the strings than the metal picks. Many players use the plastic picks because most autoharps come with them.
Hi, Deb. These are the only 4 Beginner tutorials I have so far. I'm working on others, but they will be targeted toward more advanced playing techniques. An excellent autoharp player, Tom Schroeder, has just launched a TH-cam Channel called "The Autoharp Player's Companion" and so far he has 5 tunes posted with instructions. I highly recommend his work.
It’s funny that you mention Tom’s TH-cam channel. I just found it and subscribed. I’m not a total beginner so I might be able to work through some intermediate level tutorials. I am so grateful for generous musicians like you and Tom. Thank you!
Hi, Emma. The autoharp I'm using in this video was made by Tom Fladmark. Just google "Fladmark Autoharps" and you'll find his website. This particular one is made of Koa and Engelmann Spruce, and is tuned to play only in one key -- the key of F -- so it's a 'diatonic' autoharp rather than a standard chromatic.
@@autoharpist I’m sorry for questions but what is the difference in diatonic and standard? Right now I have an acoustic electric 21 chord (I think) Oscar Schmidt. Having a hard time keeping it in tune in this cold state. Also doesn’t have all the chords I want to sing with :(. Really wanting to learn to pluck melodies too. Do you have any books on how to do that??
@@emmaandy4647 The difference between a chromatic autoharp and a diatonic autoharp is that the chromatic is strung and tuned like a piano -- with all 12 notes -- naturals, sharps and flats so you can play in almost any key because all the notes are there. BUT, there is only room for a limited number of chord bars, so you're limited to only majors, minors and dominant sevenths for each key. If you want a suspended fourth or a minor seventh, you're out of luck. The diatonic autoharp is tuned so that it only plays in one or two keys. For instance, a diatonic tuned in the key of C would be like a piano with no black keys. No sharps or flats, because the key of C doesn't have those. This limits you to the number of major, minor and seventh chords you can make with only those seven notes -- BUT, you have room for cool chords like suspended 4ths, minor sevenths, major sevenths, etc. You can also play a diatonic more like a Zither -- without using the chord bars all the time which gives a much more smooth and flowing feel to the music. Diatonics are typically used for complex instrumentals and for solo work. Of course, you can't play in the key of B flat if you have a diatonic that's tuned in C. So you end up getting a diatonic autoharp for each key. I have 8 of them right now. ;)
I loved that , thank you from England . Will you marry me , l don’t suppose my wife would mind she’s very understanding that way . Ha ha .Honestly though l did enjoy that . Bill
I’m from the Appalachian Mountains in Western South Carolina and music runs deep in our roots. We are very musically inclined and I can’t read any music at all and neither could my family. However, I taught myself the guitar, the banjo, the ukulele, bass guitar, piano, and the mountain dulcimer all on my own. Now I’m about to learn this 😀😀😀
I'm from Upstate SC also.
@@timbeaty854 I’m from Pickens!
@@thegoodwitchofthesouth5390 I'm from Gaffney.
Please don't. Take up anything else. Do yourself and everyone within earshot a favor.
Jo Ann, Who knew that we would be facing this terrible epidemic in March of 2020. I want you to know that your online autoharp lessons are helping me and I'm sure many others to pass the time in our homes in statewide mandatory Stay at Home orders in a way that is both productive and soothing to our souls. Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you like the lessons!
Ditto! Thank you!
I recently retired from teaching. I have a lovely hand-made autoharp that I purchased almost 30 years ago. Unfortunately for my music dreams I became so busy with children and then teaching that I just put my autoharp aside. Now I am extremely excited about learning and playing, and your videos are just the incentive for me to realize an old dream. Thank you!!
I purchased an autoharp a year ago and wanted to play it but wasn’t sure where to start and it needed fixing, so I put it off. Right after I purchased it, I heard a recording of south wind on an autoharp and instantly fell in love with the song and wanted to learn how to play it so bad. I’m finally getting around to learning how to play the autoharp, and in your beginner videos I wasn’t expecting this song to feature and actually be the first song I learn. So when you mentioned south wind, I was so so happy!! Thank you for teaching me this song, I’m so excited to be able to play it soon :):):):)
So glad I could help! Thanks for the kind words!!❤️
Thanks for taking your time to put this information out for free! You are a great teacher, I don't really care to learn songs so much as I like learning the techniques and all your suggestions are very helpful.
Thanks for the kind words! The autoharp is one of those instruments that can be played a thousand different ways, from extremely simple to very complex. Glad you like the videos and find them helpful!
@@autoharpist I felt like I was doing very well just on my own because I have some musical experience. Then I heard you say don't hold it like a guitar and was like... Oh that's why my arm is dying. I don't know anything about this instrument!
@@tyler1234321 Just keep working with it and you'll find that the autoharp itself is a great teacher. I had a musical background too -- but had virtually no knowledge of chord theory or any of that stuff. Playing the autoharp is what taught me. And I'm still learning new things from it! :)
Hi Jo Ann. Thanks for your videos! I used to play the guitar, but I had an accident back in 1991 and I lost the last joint of my ring finger. Someone suggested to me the Auto harp. I got one this week. I tuned it up today, and just like you said it was WAAAAY out of tune when I got it. But now it's great! I really appreciate your videos, I have found them to be wonderful, and I am so excited about learning to express myself with the auto harp! Revelation 15:2.
Thank you Jo Ann! These videos are much appreciated. Best wishes from Germany, where autoharps (let alone autoharp teachers) are surprisingly hard to find.
You're welcome!
Thank you. I have an autoharp unused as no one around here wants to help. This has me happily making mistakes and not worrying about them. Have a good day and thank you.
You're welcome!
Jo Ann, I have a 15 chord and would like to change it to a 21 chord. Do you have instructions for this? Grandma Phyl.
Phyllis Anderson Hi, Phyllis. Changing a 15 chord autoharp over to a 21 chord involves purchasing a new chord bar set. Oscar Schmidt used to sell these, but I don’t think they do any more. My best advice would be to contact one of the luthiers that works on autoharps and have them help you determine if your autoharp model is one that can be converted to 21 chords. Here are a couple: Bob Lewis ( autoharpworks.com ) and Greg Schreiber ( schreiberautoharps.com ) This typically isn’t a DIY job unless you’re really handy, but either of these gentlemen will get you pointed in the right direction!
Thank you for publishing content like this! I've had my autoharp for about a year and a half and I love playing it, but there aren't a lot of resources online for learning new techniques. Your videos are greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
You have given me confidence to do this, I like how you explained learning by ear, very helpful. YOu can count on me to help fund your efforts, this is very cool of you! And I love your doggie in the background!
This is so helpful! That exercise at the end helped me understand strumming so much better! Just started playing this week so this was great thank you.
4:40 One Strum
4:55 One two three
5:15 One two three-and
5:29 One two-and three-and
6:13 First round
7:04 Second Round
7:50 Third Round
8:37 Fourth Round
Thank You! 😊
These are wonderful! Very easy and helpful! And Southwind is one of my favorites!
You're welcome -- it's one of my favorites, too!
Oh this is superb. Very easy to follow along! Marvelous, thankyou. 🎶😊
Glad you like it!
Thank you for uploading much appreciated
I totally understand your advice to play by ear. I've been making jazz piano and vocal arrangements for years. I have a Master's degree in music and easily read notes and chord symbols. But I found it liberating to put notation on the back burner. I write and arrange music purely by ear. Music is after all an auditory art (historically, notation actually began as an aid to memory). Your ears will tell you what to do!
Thank you so much. You are very helpful.
You're welcome!
At first I thought the little animal going towards the door was a miniature hybrid pig. Laughing at that. Well done, Jo Ann. Your interview with Hal Weeks was really good as well.
I can play by ear any instrument I want to learn. I can't read notes. I can try. I'm going to watch you for awhile and then try. I just got it last night.
I want to learn David Cassidy music on it since that's what I know best.
Brilliant! Thank you!
You're very welcome!
Thank you so much for these videos! I have a beautiful autoharp that I LONG to play properly, but have no idea how! I've been strumming simply with it but I want to learn everything I can. :)
I do offer lessons via Skype or FaceTime if you think that's something you'd be interested in. The first lesson is free, and there's no commitment because I don't do serial lessons -- just offer help when somebody needs it. Check it out on my website at autoharpist.com and use the code FIRSTFREE.
@@autoharpist Thank you!
Thank you 😊
Beautiful ❤ thanks - I’m 64, and never played an instrument ! Though I have a lovely 1969 Oscarschmidt . I do need to get a tuner .
I’m left handed , though I’m realizing I have to play right handed . Is there any way I can play with the autoharp on my LAP? Not sure I want to place screws in it for a strap .
Yes, you absolutely can play the autoharp lap-style. In fact, this is the way the autoharp was initially meant to be played. Give it a try!
I really wish you would show the chords for a lot more of the songs you play. I am currently trying to learn how to play the autoharp and find your videos very instructional. Can you play "oh beautiful star of bethlehem" and show the chords you use, please? I am trying to learn this song in particular because it is one of my favorites.
You can find the chords needed for almost any song by doing an internet search with the song name plus the word “chords”. You may have to transpose the song to a different key if you can’t find a version in a key that will work on the autoharp. Since the autoharp only has plain major, minor and dominant seventh chords, any complex chords you find would have to be simplified - a Dm7 would have to be a Dm, for example.
Beautiful
Thank you! I'm looking forward to the melody lessons. Do you or will you also teach your style of Amazin Grace?
I hope to eventually get to the point where I can start posting lessons for diatonic autoharp. That’s where the techniques I use for Amazing Grace would be addressed because the arrangement requires a diatonic tuning and non-standard chords.
Thank you
Hi Jo Ann, why has Autoharps only 21 chords? The Circle of fifth has 24 of them. And in which key the Autoharp can't play?
The reason there are 21 chords on a chromatic autoharp is because you don't have room for any more than that. The top six bars are typically troubled with harmonics, so are less than optimal. The autoharp only covers 2 1/2 to 3 octaves over 36 strings, with the bottom 10-12 being dedicated to supporting the root and fifth of the main chords. The keys of E flat and A -- although present and playable on a standard chromatic autoharp -- are actually at the extremes of the range that the autoharp can support and don't sound that great. To be honest, the top six bars closest to the sound hole are so riddled with harmonics that many players find them unusable. Bottom line, the autoharp was never intended to be able to play in every key. It was designed to favor Bb, F, C, G and D -- common keys for vocals and folk music. If you want to play in every key, you need a second autoharp with a set of custom strings to cover the rest of the circle of fifths. In my opinion, three autoharps with 15 bars and custom strings for each key range would do a much better job of doing justice to every key in the circle. The chromatic autoharp is one of those instruments where less is better. Trying to make it do more than it was intended to yields dismal results.
Thankyou!
You’re welcome!
Jo Ann I have both of your cd’s and love this play along. Will you be doing more lessons like this where we can use your cd as the soundtrack to play along to?
Yes, I do plan to do more of these play-along type of tutorials. I’ll also be showing how to play melody on the songs in addition to strumming.
@@autoharpist Looking forward to that. Has it been released yet?
Jo Ann-- I would appreciate your guidance on a problem I have. Around 1969 I purchased an OS 15BH which has not been played for around 50 years. I decided to try again. Fortunately, I found your lesson and, after listening to lesson two, I purchased a KLIQ Ubertuner (top of the line) When I tried using the device it would not detect the top 5 strings. After working with a factory tech today, he finally said: "Some autoharps do not put out enough vibration to allow our tuner to sense the sound". He said I should return the tuner. My question is Where do I go from here? If it's really my autoharp, I'm sunk. If it's a matter of a poor tuner, then I would appreciate your recommendation.
It’s not your autoharp, and it’s probably not the tuner either. I’ve tried a number of different clip-on type tuners over the years and have had satisfactory results. The biggest problem is finding a consistently good attachment point for the clip. The only place that seems to work is somewhere on the tuning pins. I try to place the clip so that it clips onto two of the tuning pins. But even then, it tends to slip and pop itself off. The best method I have found for attaching the tuner is to attach it to the handle of a T-handle tuning wrench. I happen to have two of them, so I use one for holding the tuner, and the other for actually tuning. Even then, you may need to move the tuner to a different position along the tuning pins to get a good, consistent reading. I typically have no problems with the top strings triggering the tuner. Just be sure to pop that string good and loud. The ones that seem to be the hardest to read are the very bottom strings. I takes several tries before I get enough readings to determine what’s real and what isn’t. Hope this helps! If you continue to have problems with the tuner after trying these tips you may want to return it. I like the little clip-on types for quick touch up tuning, but for more detailed work I like the Korg TM-60. amazon.com/Korg-TM60BK-Tuner-Metronome-Microphone/dp/B0792W36R6 .
Your OS 15BH is a good little autoharp! I’m assuming it has a trapezoid-shaped logo silk-screened on the front. I have restored/converted several of these little beauties with nice results.
Jo Ann-- First I want to thank you for the time you spent with my problem. It is absolutely amazing to me that the KLIQ tech was unable to make the suggestions that you outlined in your reply. Your suggestion of placing the tuner by clipping on to a couple of the pins and giving the strings a good solid pop solved the problem. I don't seem to have a problem with the lower octaves but I will look for inconsistent results when tuning that octave. I'll see how the KLIQ works and, if it's a struggle, I'll purchase the Korg. I like the idea of a remote mike as used on the Korg
You are correct about the OS logo on my autoharp. I played the autoharp for about a year but my business got in the way; that is the reason for the long break. I'm now retired and more sedentary (and 84 years young) so decided to try it again.
One question: I find that the placement of the bar buttons on my 15 is different than that used on your 21. In your lesson 3 the bar buttons are next to each other to play the song, but not so on the 15. Does one ever move the arrangement of the bars to replicate the first row of the 21?
I would make one comment. I have two tuning keys: a right angle and a T. The T handle places all the leverage on the wrist while the L handle places the leverage on the arm and shoulder. From a pure strength point of view, I find the L much easier to use. Maybe if I was 30 instead of 84 the T would be ok.
Finally, I want to again thank you for your time and interest in getting me back on track. You are an exceptional individual and I am a dedicated fan for life!!!.......Bill
Bill Rich The two-row, 15 bar set is something I suggest you change if you possibly can. There really isn’t any way to set them up in a logical pattern that is consistent from key to key. On top of that, they’re noisy and more difficult to operate than they should be. Three rows is the way to go, and since you have a good model it would be well worth the investment to get a good set of bars in three rows. Doing this will allow you to start with a logical setup that will let you go from key to key without changing your fingering. You can have a set of 21 OS bars installed, which will give you more keys, or you can go with a set of wooden luthier-made bars that not only look good but operate like a dream. I suggest contacting one of the luthiers at the end of this little article I wrote on getting your first autoharp: drive.google.com/file/d/0B-eEM0vxcrJxRjRwNTY5STNCN2M/view?usp=drivesdk . They can do the installation for you or order the set for you if you want to DIY. As to the tuning wrench, you might want to look at getting a long-handle tuning wrench - the kind that piano tuners use. The problem with the little L-shaped tuner that comes with the autoharp is that it’s made of metal that’s softer than the tuning pins. With use, the square hole in the wrench becomes rounded and more and more difficult to use. On top of that, it ends up marring the tuning pins. So if the T-handled wrench is giving you wrist issues, look online for a long-handled wrench and go that route. I know an autoharp player who swears by them and says that it actually makes small adjustments easier. Hope this helps!
@@autoharpist -- Again, many thanks for your advice and council. I will let you know how it all shakes out. I'll quote a bar change and see what the $$ bring. Also, I did return the KLIQ as it was a real pain to use. I also discovered that it does not detect sharps. It appears that the strategy is to tune the base string to the max sharp rather than detecting the actual sharp note...............I'm sure you have many thankful devotees that you have help...........I'll give you and update when things change.....................Bill
@@billandleona3290 I converted a 15 bar harp to a 21 bar myself. Took about an hour about an hour. Oscar Schmidt has instructions on it's web site. Drilling the holes is the hardest part.
Instead of showing the chord change as it changes, could you set it up so that the current chord is showing and then it has to the side what the next chord will be? And maybe go a little slower? It's really good but I keep getting all mixed and and confused once you hit the run with the upstrums to the point I have to either just focus on the melody and rhythm or focus on the strum pattern.
The sheet music is available as a download in the description below the video. It shows the changes both for strumming and for melody picking.
hello Joann by becoming a patron will you have lessons like you did on south wind recorded on you tube ? love listening to your music.
I plan to put up more videos on TH-cam in the future, but they will mostly be song performances rather than actual lessons. If you’re referring to my Patreon page, I will be closing that shortly and consolidating everything here where support is optional. Glad you liked Southwind!
Where can I purchase your cds?
Appreciate your videos! I did struggle with the south win so long because I have a 15 bar OS and the Bb maj. is far away from the C and F ☹️ I’m going to keep practicing but I wonder why mine is so different. It has the white pegs sticking up and only 2 deep so I’m having trouble with my left hand fitting over the keys. Any advice or if you can steer me to other videos for autoharp like mine would be appreciated!! Thank you again-you do a great job!!
The two-row chord bar assemblies are inferior because they don’t allow you to arrange the bars in a logical fashion from key to key. Consider purchasing a 21-chord bar set that has the buttons in 3 rows. Much, much easier. If you have a Do-It-Yourself spirit, take a look at my video that shows how to change a two-row chord bar set to three rows. I consider doing this a temporary fix until you can secure a set of custom, luthier bars.
I want to learn. I just got a mandolin auto harp. It's very vintage.
Any tips to prevent my left wrist from hurting? The bending it upward to press the chord buttons bothers it after I have been playing for a while. I think I am in the same body position as you on the video. I'm not sure if it will strengthen over time or if it is just a weakness that is going to limit my playing time:/ Sometimes it is also difficult for my fingers to press the chord buttons hard enough too. I think that should strengthen over time though, right?
Hi, Deb. If playing causes you pain, then some adjustments need to be made so that doesn't happen. The first thing I'd check is to see how straight up and down the longest edge of the autoharp is when you're holding it. It should be as close to perfectly vertical as possible, with just enough tilt so that it just clears your jaw. What tends to happen when holding it is to let the autoharp tip to the side so we end up having it in more of a cradled position. This forces the left arm to roll the shoulder forward, bring the elbow up and bend the wrist more severely than is necessary. Having the autoharp in a straight up and down position (as close to that as possible, anyway), allows the left arm to work in a more neutral position. If you aren't using a strap, I suggest investing in one -- it will help support the heavy autoharp so your arms don't have to work so hard. Also, I suggest looking into having someone optimize your chord bars -- which is essentially lowering the action and making them easier to push so you don't have to work so hard. Bottom line, if it hurts to play, find out why and make adjustments. Make the autoharp fit YOU, not the other way around.
Which direction should thr finger pick go on my finger. Am I using the back of the pick?
@@miahoover9225 Hi, Mia. The plectrum of the pick - the part that *looks* like a fingernail - goes on the underneath side of your finger, on the fleshy part where your fingerprint is. The wrap-around part wraps around your finger and holds it in place.
@@autoharpist that makes sense. I couldn't quite tell on the video. I ended up buying the white Fred Kelly Speed thumb picks. I like them. I also have DAddario metal picks that look similar to yours.
Is it me seeing it wrong or do the best autoharpists play with all plastic plucks? I'm wondering if I'm making things hard for myself by using steel plucks.
I don’t know what the numbers actually are, but I am not a fan of plastic finger picks. They cannot be adjusted to fit the fingers adequately, and because the plectrum (the ‘pick’ tip) is so thick it is hard to get a precise pluck of a single string. They also seem to make more noise on the strings than the metal picks. Many players use the plastic picks because most autoharps come with them.
@@autoharpist Ah. Thanks! I thought yours were plastic, I'll stick to my steel picks then. Take care!
Beautiful and talented woman
Are there only 4 tutorial videos? I really like them. Are there more on your paid PATREON site?
Hi, Deb. These are the only 4 Beginner tutorials I have so far. I'm working on others, but they will be targeted toward more advanced playing techniques. An excellent autoharp player, Tom Schroeder, has just launched a TH-cam Channel called "The Autoharp Player's Companion" and so far he has 5 tunes posted with instructions. I highly recommend his work.
It’s funny that you mention Tom’s TH-cam channel. I just found it and subscribed. I’m not a total beginner so I might be able to work through some intermediate level tutorials. I am so grateful for generous musicians like you and Tom. Thank you!
JoAnn what is your brand auto harp? Which one do you have?
Hi, Emma. The autoharp I'm using in this video was made by Tom Fladmark. Just google "Fladmark Autoharps" and you'll find his website. This particular one is made of Koa and Engelmann Spruce, and is tuned to play only in one key -- the key of F -- so it's a 'diatonic' autoharp rather than a standard chromatic.
@@autoharpist I’m sorry for questions but what is the difference in diatonic and standard? Right now I have an acoustic electric 21 chord (I think) Oscar Schmidt. Having a hard time keeping it in tune in this cold state. Also doesn’t have all the chords I want to sing with :(. Really wanting to learn to pluck melodies too. Do you have any books on how to do that??
@@emmaandy4647 The difference between a chromatic autoharp and a diatonic autoharp is that the chromatic is strung and tuned like a piano -- with all 12 notes -- naturals, sharps and flats so you can play in almost any key because all the notes are there. BUT, there is only room for a limited number of chord bars, so you're limited to only majors, minors and dominant sevenths for each key. If you want a suspended fourth or a minor seventh, you're out of luck. The diatonic autoharp is tuned so that it only plays in one or two keys. For instance, a diatonic tuned in the key of C would be like a piano with no black keys. No sharps or flats, because the key of C doesn't have those. This limits you to the number of major, minor and seventh chords you can make with only those seven notes -- BUT, you have room for cool chords like suspended 4ths, minor sevenths, major sevenths, etc. You can also play a diatonic more like a Zither -- without using the chord bars all the time which gives a much more smooth and flowing feel to the music. Diatonics are typically used for complex instrumentals and for solo work. Of course, you can't play in the key of B flat if you have a diatonic that's tuned in C. So you end up getting a diatonic autoharp for each key. I have 8 of them right now. ;)
@@autoharpist oh I just love this knowledge! Thank you so much for putting out your videos and education! What a blessing!!!
My strumming didn't sound anything like the song. 😢
I loved that , thank you from England . Will you marry me , l don’t suppose my wife would mind she’s very understanding that way . Ha ha .Honestly though l did enjoy that . Bill