When most people think of the autoharp, they think of a classroom instrument. Perhaps your kindergarten teacher sang and strummed the autoharp. Maybe your elementary school music class had an autoharp for the students to play with. You probably didn’t realize that the autoharp is actually a serious instrument that you could learn and master. The autoharp can be a lot of fun to learn and is much more complex than you may realize.
Autoharp History
The autoharp is a fairly recent invention as far as musical instruments go. While there is actually some debate about the exact year the autoharp was invented, it was definitely sometime in the late 1800’s. Some sources give Zimmermann credit for his 1871 patent of the idea for the autoharp. Other sources say that Gutter should get the credit for his 1883 patent and creation of the instrument (or rather, something somewhat similar to today’s autoharps).
So What is an Autoharp?
Basically, an autoharp is a chorded zither. It is a stringed instrument that normally is made up of 36 strings (although, this number varies as there are several custom instruments out there of all kinds of specifications). A typical store bought autoharp will have 15 or 21 chords. Some of the older factory made autoharps may have only 12 chords. The exact chords used and the arrangements of the chords vary depending on the manufacturer. Many autoharpists change the chord bars around to an arrangement that best suits their needs. These chord bars dampen the strings that are not in the chord (using felt) so that you can easily play the desired chords on your autoharp. While the autoharp is not actually a true harp, it can certainly produce some beautiful harp-like sounds.
What Can You Do With an Autoharp?
If you’ve ever even heard an autoharp before, chances are that you heard someone doing some simple strumming on one. The autoharp is great for strumming chords because you don’t even need to know what notes are in each chord to be able to strum the chords. However, there is so much more you can do with an autoharp! The autoharp can function as a rhythm instrument in a band. You can also play melody on an autoharp, which is something that most people don’t realize. Even though the autoharp is essentially a chord instrument, you have to remember that chords are in fact made up of individual notes. These individual notes can be picked out so that you can play beautiful melodies and even back yourself up with some chords.
How Do You Play the Autoharp?
There are several different styles of playing the autoharp. This instrument does not have as many boundaries as say, a flute or violin. The autoharp can be played on a table or your lap. You can play the autoharp cross-handed or if you don’t want to cross your hands, you don’t have to. You can play the strings above or below the chord bars, your choice. If you don’t want to play the autoharp laying flat, you can also hold it upright and play it Appalachian style, with or without a strap. You can stand up or sit down and play the autoharp. Some autoharpists use fingerpicks, others use flatpicks. Some people prefer to use their fingernails or even their bare fingertips to play the autoharp. If you look for an autoharp video on YouTube, you will see a huge variety in styles. Many people just play accompaniment, but there are still many different picking and strumming styles to choose from. Others play melody, but some use the chorded method while others use open noting. If you’re tired of sticking to other people’s rules on how to learn an instrument, the autoharp is for you. No rules, no boundaries, just fun and music.
Okay, So Who Actually Plays the Autoharp?
Believe it or not, there are famous autoharpists! If you’re old enough to remember Johnny Cash and his show, you probably remember Maybelle Carter playing “Wildwood Flower” on her autoharp. June Carter Cash also played the autoharp. In the autoharp festival world (yes, there are autoharp festivals!), Bryan Bowers is a fairly famous autoharp player. He also has several instructional videos out. For a more contemporary musician who uses the autoharp in performances, take a look at PJ Harvey. And there are definitely openings for more people to play. Who knows, maybe with some practice you’ll be the next big name in the autoharp world.
So if you’re looking to learn an instrument, don’t overlook the autoharp. This can be a fun and exciting instrument to learn. You won’t be bogged down with restrictions and you’ll be able to play some beautiful music fairly quickly. Despite the initial ease of learning, there is always more that you can do with your autoharp. This wonderful instrument can provide you with enjoyment for years to come.
