Autoharp 101 - How I Learned to Pick Melody video free download


52,795
Duration: 07:49
Uploaded: 2009/12/01

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 $28, postage included. Contact me at: [email protected], or click on my handle (gfharper), go to my channel, and you will find my website to get my address.

Comments

10 years ago

John Phillips

Hi, Bill Bryant. I turned 62 years old on December 14, 2014 and I got an Oscar Schmidt 21 chord autoharp for my birthday. I followed your tuning lesson to tune it and I followed your Amazing Grace video and learned how to play my first song, tonight. Thank you for that and all these other videos. I intend to watch them all and this one with the key strumming techniques is amazing. I have 3 songs that I am trying to play ... Seek Ye First The Kingdom of God, Do Lord and I have the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. I have the piano notes and I think I may be able to use these key strumming techniques to play those songs. The chords that they show don't seem to match the autoharp keys? Thanks, again.

11 years ago

TwirreTalks

Wow, so much to learn here! Thank you!

11 years ago

Gramamarie

Great instructions. I,too would love references to more of your videos. 

11 years ago

Jan Drayer

I really, really appreciate your video!!  Most videos I watch focus more on showing off their playing and not focus on teaching. You take time, go slowly, and clearly explain.  I would really appreciate seeing many, many more videos of instruction if you are willing to post them.  Thank you so much.  I took piano lessons when I was a kid.  I also played minimal guitar and now am a drummer on the worship team at church.  I just bought an autoharp as I have a heart for the elderly in the nursing homes and would like to learn to play well so I can go entertain them.  I have no problem playing chords but would really like to learn to pick and play the melodies so they know what I am playing.  I will be referring to this video often!!  Please keep posting videos!!!  God Bless!!

11 years ago

Bill Bryant

I usually start with the middle octave, but whether to pick high or low, depends on what you like. There are no rules you must abide by. If you listen to my other videos, you will notice I prefer the lower octaves on many of my autoharps.

11 years ago

A Craig

When you're 'picking' the melody, how do you know whether to pick high or low (since the same key can be in 3 areas)? I'm confused and frustrated but determined! LOL Thanks a million for your lessons, so helpful.

11 years ago

Bill Bryant

I also have a 54 minute vodeo, entitled, "Autoharp 101", that teaches beginners through advanced, each in sections. It's much clearer than this.

11 years ago

ging3rdragon

Wow amaizing work on the toturials... :-) thia sure is going to help me start playing my harp :-)

13 years ago

Bill Bryant

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).

13 years ago

Ryan Hulin

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?

13 years ago

Bill Bryant

@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".

13 years ago

Ryan Hulin

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?

14 years ago

MaryGrace Barry

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

15 years ago

Joey Gonz

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!!!!!

15 years ago

melodykentucky

It's 15. Thank you!

15 years ago

Bill Bryant

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

15 years ago

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.

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