BASIC MELODY TECHNIQUE

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: http://www.autoharpist.com/Autoharpis...

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  Music

[Anne Baptist]

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...

[Jo Ann Smith]

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.

[bill chambers]

wonderful video..............how much could I pay for a reasonable autoharp please?

Lovely looking lady too!

[Jo Ann Smith]

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.

[bill chambers]

Thankyou for reply! Is it best to buy a diatonic or chromatic? I play guitar , banjo and ukelele.

[Jo Ann Smith]

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.

[Sean White]

Excelllent teaching speed and pleasant personality-easy to listen to. Thank you

[RuthAlAbal]

P.S. I always wondered how the HECK people managed to play a melody. You have "demystified" it for me! --Alison Ruth Defrese

[Ian Tyrrel]

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?

[Susan Bowers]

I have been practicing the pinching technique on my new autoharp. I am so glad that you have these videos to watch. I have a book that came with a CD, but it is very hard to follow. I guess that I am a visual person and actually seeing someone demonstrate something makes it easier for me to understand.

[Ray Unseitig]

Informative, and charming. You made my day. :-)

[Terrie Johnson]

oh, its an Oscar, lolz

[Terrie Johnson]

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.

[Susan Bowers]

Just a note to say that I ordered my first autoharp. I am looking forward to learning to play. I have been watching your videos and others for a couple of years now and have been studying the autoharp manual. I do read music so hopefully my concentration will be on developing good technique.

[sigridh100]

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

[Anne Baptist]

That's a great idea, thank you very much!