The Autoharp Witches’ personal Vision is to promote the benefits of the enchanting Autoharp and make this instrument, accessories and knowledge, more accessible and inclusive to the curious musical traveller, particularly in Scotland my native land.
The Autoharp Witches’ Mission is to use experience and skill to bring expert autoharp knowledge and products from around the world together in an inclusive, secure, accessible website. Collaborate nationally and internationally with masters of the autoharp and those drawn to the allure of this enchanting instrument with the aim to fulfill the vision. Promote the autoharp through performance, art, fundraising, musical and social activities within Scotland and online.
The Autoharp Witches’ Values is to be a seeker, a facilitator, a teacher, a healer and protector of all things autoharp and to walk this path with humanity, integrity and an open mind.
The Autoharp Witch website plans are fluid and can be influenced by subscriber input. If you are a subscriber and would like to see The Plan.
How the Autoharp Works - An autoharp has a number of wooden or metal chord bars stretching across the strings. Each chord bar rides on a type of spring at either end, and has a button so that you can press the whole bar down onto the strings. The underside of the bar is covered in hard felts, and when the bar is pressed down, the felt damps-out all the unwanted strings and prevents them from sounding. Notches are cut in the felt above certain selected strings corresponding to notes in that chord, so that they are not damped and can ring-out when strummed, picked or plucked. Each chord bar is cut in a different pattern, so that it will select all the notes of just one musical chord when the bar is pressed down. For example, a 21-bar autoharp will let you choose any one of 21 chords with a single finger... to the envy of all guitarists!
Autoharp Advantages - This gives the autoharp a unique advantage for new players. To strum a chord, you only have to push down one button on a chord bar (damping out all the unwanted strings) and sweep a plectrum or a finger-pick across two-and-a-half octaves of strings. Only the notes of the selected chord will ring out. As a result, the autoharp has the most, gentle beginning learning curve of any stringed instrument. It only takes a little practice to produce some real music!
Is The Autoharp For Me? - The Autoharp is a wonderful instrument for any music lovers, song writers, the weird the wonderful and is an unusual addition to any musician’s repertoire. With a little practice and understanding your skills may develop to playing melodies and plucking tunes in ANY key you choose to use. The Autoharp can be a very creative instrument which works on many levels. It is an excellent instrument for people with physical or mental disabilities as it can be played in a variety of styles and positions to suit the user.
How to choose, buy and safely package an Autoharp?
Consider your budget, your personal needs and wishes. Autoharps like most instruments range from decorative wall hangings to beautiful instruments that sound as sweet as hot summer rain.
Buying your first autoharp can be a confusing and difficult experience. Autoharps are seldom available in music stores and on the occasion they are in stock there is a very limited choice and little informed help or customer support. Buying a used autoharp can be risky if you are not aware of the pitfalls.
Please CONTACT me if you need any help.
View FAQ for More Info…How to Maintain your Autoharp?
Keeping your instrument sounding sweet is simple with a little know-how and some tender loving care. There are videos and documents to help you Improve the sound of your autoharp. Tune, clean and replace strings. Replace chord felts. Create new chord bar layouts. Fix a buzzing string and rattling chord bars. Add strap buttons and much more hints, tips, tricks from experienced autoharpers.
Sign In for More Info…How to Play your Autoharp?
Play the autoharp whatever way you like! It is one of the reasons I fell in love with the instrument. There is no right and wrong, just enjoy and find your own path. There are many styles of playing and various inspiring autoharp masters from past and present that are happy to share their knowledge with you. Playing position. Tuning up. Play Patterns. Playing the scales. Worksheets, tunes, songbooks and many useful pdfs and external links.
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