Autoharp 101 - How I Learned to Pick Melody

This is how I learned to pick melody on an autoharp. All of my videos are out of sync on You tube, because You Tube doesn't support the webcam I bought. The actual videos and my workshop video do not have these problems. There are other methods, this is mine. I don't read music, but I know the scales - do, re mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do. I made a habit of always practicing them to improve my melody. Best way to know how clear a melody you're picking, is to record yourself, then later, play it back and listen intently to the hear if the melody is coming out. If you're interested, I have a 54 minute (DVD) video teaching beginner autoharp, intermediate to very advanced autoharp. Learn strumming tricks, melody picking, double octaves, pick tricks, books, magazines, playing like a hammer dulcimer, maintenance, double picking(picking both directions), double sweep (making a chromatic sound like a diatonic - and increasing volume), rhythm chops, singing with your autoharp, to name some. Take your autoharp to whatever level you wish, all in one video, and for $23, postage included. Contact me at: bryant@cyberport.net, or click on my handle (gfharper), go to my channel, and you will find my website to get my address.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• autoharp
• instruction
• lesson
• melody
• picking
• how
• to

[gfharper]

Most autoharps made in the USA during the 70's were exceptional quality, with rounded edges, are usually red, tan - not light or black. If you can't spend the money for a luthier 'harp, learn to do it yourself. I have bought autoharps at garage sales for less than $50, put on new strings (less than $100), and felt (about $25).

[huliniswhoiam]

I noticed you're playing a Oscar Schmidt OS45 are they good harps? I was thinking about getting one, do they have good tone and quality?

[gfharper]

@huliniswhoiam if you buy one from a music store, they will be inferior, as they are made in China, and are not put together very well. If you want a good new one, go to d'Aigle Autoharps, online. He will sell you one that has been gone through to obtain the best sound. If you ask, he can even put upgraded strings on it, and it will sound like a luthier's autoharp. Or, you can have Pete d'Aigle build you a luthier 'harp to fit anything you so desire. Listen to my video "Dumbarton's Drum".

[melodykentucky]

Thank you so much. I'm very new to the autoharp. I'll do my scales! It's such a beautiful sound. I need to do something about my keys. They click loudly when I release them and I have one that doesn't go down all the way sometimes and sometimes sticks.

[gfharper]

If you have a 12 or 15 chord autoharp, remove the two covers at each end of the bars - there's two small screws at each end. the bar that sticks can be removed carefully (don't lose the springs), and sanded or filed at one end until it moves up and down easily. Then buy the smallest felt pads - self - sticking, cut so they just cover the end without hanging over anywhere - say, about as big as the diameter of a pencil. Put the cover back on, and see if that improves it. Bill

[huliniswhoiam]

Is there any one that makes a cheaper harp I'm not looking to spend $700 on a autoharp but I still want one that is good quality and has good tone, is there not a cheaper maker you can recommend?

[NonaMaryGrace1952]

Thank you , this was very helpful. I am very new at playing the Autoharp and your lesson was very very helpful.

[joeygirlmb]

Are there any music books you suggest??? I'm learning to pick better... and I play mainly in a bluegrass band... just wondering! Thanks for your post!!!!!

[cjcidaho]

Thank you, Bill, for this informative video. I get lazy about practicing scales and yet I know it's the key to picking clean melody. You're very generous with your knowledge, and sharing with others.

[melodykentucky]

It's 15. Thank you!