[musictlk] More questions about the autoharp

[Tara Briggs]

Thank you! I did notice on the autoharp in the class that there were a seven columns of three buttons each. That was very helpful exclamation! Now the next thing I'm wondering, is what about the different ways to play it. Can any of you guys describe how that works to me? From what I saw on YouTube there was picking, plucking, and strumming, there's also a technique where you lead with your thumb. Does anyone know what those things mean? Thanks again you guys this is being extremely helpful for me! Maybe there are some other people on this list her considering the  autoharp and perhaps they find this helpful too.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 8, 2017, at 9:16 AM, Steve Jacobson via MusicTlk <musictlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Tara,
> 
> It is a little hard to know what to explain without knowing how familiar you
> are with chords, but here goes.  On all of the autoharps I have seen, chords
> are organized in a way to make their use easier with common musical chord
> progressions.  Usually, the buttons are arranged in rows and columns with
> perhaps three or four buttons in each column.  This can vary depending upon
> the model of the autoharp.  If you have a good musical ear, you can figure
> out what each does, but if you can't you'll need to ask someone to at least
> read one column so that you know what each chord is.
> 
> When I say that chords are arranged according to common musical
> progressions, I mean that from the C chord, moving to the next chord in one
> direction you will find the G chord and the other direction will be the F
> chord.  
> 
> Within each column of buttons will be variations on the particular chord you
> are playing.  Most commonly you will use the major chord, but there will
> likely at least be a minor version and a "seventh" version.  There could be
> other variations as well, but these are the most common.  
> 
> Knowing what of the above makes sense to you is important before saying any
> more.  
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> Steve Jacobson
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: MusicTlk [mailto:musictlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tara Briggs
> via MusicTlk
> Sent: Friday, July 07, 2017 6:36 PM
> To: musictlk at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Tara Briggs <thflute at gmail.com>
> Subject: [musictlk] More questions about the autoharp
> 
> Hi all! I just purchased an autoharp. I am way excited! I have been looking
> on the Internet and I gather there are three ways to play the strings. You
> can pluck it, you can strum  it, and you can pinch it. Can anyone explain
> exactly how that works? Also, what is the fastest way to learn what button
> please what court? Thanks for any help! I'm really looking forward to this!
> My family gets together and plays music and I've always wanted to learn an
> instrument so that I can accompany everyone. My heart belongs to the flute,
> but I think this will be a really enjoyable thing to learn! Any  advice
> would be more than welcome!
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
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