Autoharp 101 (my own experience)

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00:00 Intro
0:25 Basic info (model, mechanism)
2:53 Finger picks
3:53 Tuning Wrenches
4:54 Tuning (or: the boring part)
8:14 After tuning - How it sounds
9:17 All 21 chords on the Chromatic Autoharp
This is not a sponsored video! Just decided to share my own experience on how I do things. (It might not work for you, but it works for me!)
The Autoharp model I'm using is - Oscar Schmidt OS120CNE Autoharp Adirondack (chromatic 21 chord).
The app I'm using is called - Cleartune (but any tuner should be fine)
Let me know if you have any questions, I'll try to respond to them - or perhaps make a sequel video at some point.
Thanks for watching!
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[@sigmundjester]

I knew absolutely nothing about an autoharp and now you’ve educated me. Thank you Kami. Very interesting and well presented.

[@rooseveltdumornay4954]

Same here. I just found out about it in this video. I never even knew this existed. It looks incredible. It sounds amazing.

[@cFlats]

Such a cool and unusual instrument and an equally cool and unusual accent.

[@jbthor9032]

Thanks for the lesson Kami. I am considering getting one because I know how to play the trumpet and I self taught myself the guitar and piano. Now I to try tha autoharp

[@paulb.searles7481]

Hi Miss Kami; A very nicely done video. I've been playing the autoharp for several decades, and I learned a tuning method, which, if done correctly, will yield wonderful results. First, tune the center octave-to octave-&-a-half exactly to the electronic tuning device. Then, for tuning the strings above & below what I will call that temperament octave (or 1-1/2 octaves), you tune the strings so there is no "beat frequency" between the center octave string and its high and low counterparts. We sometimes refer to the sound as a wah-wah between two strings an octave apart. When tuned to get rid of the wah-wah, the harp has a much more consonant, and fuller sound! And, you'll notice, if you check those upper & lower octave notes with the electronic tuner (after tuning), the high ones will indicate higher than the center octave, and the lower octave notes will indicate lower than the center octave. I hope you'll give it a try; it may take a couple-three tries, but it'll work. Wishing you all the best for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! - bro Paul -

[@The333Wanderer]

Your accent? It’s lovely.

[@JC20XX]

You can support her via Patrón brand tequila lol

[@warpig7441]

@@JC20XX whatever that’s supposed to mean

[@sandwichsteen]

Yeah, but her autoharp??

[@carriekay5987]

Wow, I love this video! My first ever on the autoharp. I love this instrument. THANK YOU!

[@marcuscooper8018]

Great session. Tried many others to teach me. I am brand new to autoharp and your video is best the best. No added talk just to hear yourself talk. Simple, succinct and super helpful. Thanks! Oh yah and I was glad to see I picked the same instrument as you.

[@dalemoreland5106]

Thank you Kami for sharing about your Autoharp. I knew absolutely nothing about the Autoharp and you gave an excellent demonstration on how to tune your Autoharp. Very interesting instrument. You have a beautiful voice and I love your cover of the Joni Mitchell and James Taylor songs, All I Want and You Can Close Your Eyes. I could listen to you sing those songs all day, you are very talented. God bless you!

[@DannyBoyPhelan]

Thanks for going through each note! You're the only person on youtube that did that. I didn't believe the high string went that high!

[@h.wagner]

Kami - Excellent video. If I may make a tuning suggestion to help make your instrument sing more sweetly: Since the autoharp spans 3-1/2 octaves, the tuning will require some tempering to sweeten the chords which span that range. An electronic tuner will do a decent job, but maybe you can try this method...First, tune the mid-octave, starting at the first non-wound string with the electronic tuner. Then, go up to the next octave and tune each string to the same note in the octave you just tuned electronically. This will allow you to hear the harmonic structure and get the strings in very close agreement. Then, tune the next octave to the one you just tuned to the mid-range. Then, start down from the mid range and tune the next octave down to the electronically tuned strings, again by ear. Then tune all the lowest strings to the octave below the mid-range. Let me know if this method gives your instrument a sweeter more "musical" sound, instead of the somewhat disonant "autoharp" sound.

[@aBachwardsfellow]

I've found that if you take the time to absolutely center it on the tuner it removes most of the de-tuning -- but to your point, checking and correcting the octaves by ear is the final touch; she was not exactly centering each string on the tuner in this example which left some notes a bit of off-pitch. I've noticed sometimes that if I tune it "cold" that, after holding it awhile it warms up and affects the tuning, so I've learned to play it for a while before tuning it. Then when I set it down and it cools it goes slightly out of tune. After warming up again it comes back into tune -- at least mine does (Oscar Schmidt)

[@h.wagner]

@@aBachwardsfellow Oscars will go out of tune if you stare at them harshly. But, playing first, then tuning does have the advantage of tuning the instrument in the condition you will be playing it in. The issue with electronic tuners is that they are usually set up in Equal Temperament. This tends to exacerbate the dissonance between the harmonic structures of the strings over a large tonal range. They will get you into the close neighborhood, but final tuning is a matter of a very deft touch of the tuners. As an example, in my current recording project, I have been finding that to get specific pieces into absolutely the best sounding tuning, I need to use the fine tuners to adjust individual notes for the specific arrangement I am playing. Another tune in the same key may sound off unless some very fine adjustments are made on a couple of the strings. This is an expression of the temperament of the tuners and their approximation to the real world.

[@aBachwardsfellow]

​@@h.wagner exactly -- I understand and agree! Temperature is often a factor in pipe organs - I played in a church where the pipes were split across the chancel - the sun came up on one side and warmed the east chamber first, so it went out of tune with the other side -- they had to tune the organ at 11 AM - 12 PM to make it work for the service. Similar issues are encountered in piano tuning - stretching the higher pitches to tame the overtone collisions, etc. I've noticed it somewhat in the autoharp - in particular some strings just never seem to become "happy" - sour overtones -- seems in particular with B and Bb in the mid range - I attribute it to the scale (diameter) of the strings needs to be different. In the final analysis the instrument needs to be in tune with itself -- whatever the tuning -- the octaves need to beatless, and that's best done by a good ear.

[@h.wagner]

@@aBachwardsfellow Along these lines, as I have encountered this very day, is that when I perform certain pieces, I play on specific harmonic node points to create different voicings. Especially in the bass end, this can cause a mismatch of the harmonic structures with the higher strings. This was especially troublesome this morning when I was recording a piece played in a minor modal, after having tuned very carefully for a I-IV-V piece, and there the amount of mis-tuning between the bass and the remainder of the strings was grotesque (at least when melody notes are played individually). This characteristic actually helps create the characteristic dissonant sound of the autotharp, as played by most people. Since the strings taper down from the top, when one strums straight across, one is exciting a different harmonic structure in each and every string. One needs to follow the taper down to sweeten the sound of the instrument. Then, suddenly, the instrument sounds like an instrument, not an autoharp.

[@aBachwardsfellow]

​@@h.wagner excellent point and suggestion! I'm familiar with nodes and strike points from piano tuning and also aware of the different mix of overtones emphasis that comes from striking the string in different places. I also play a folk harp some, and utilize that to give the melody a different/brighter timbre than the accompaniment strings.

[@franceslarina5508]

Excellent video, thank you so much for taking the time to explain this in such a clear, concise manner. Nice editing, too!

[@larryrhindress2972]

Great info!! I just got an auto harp and no very little about it I play guitar, so it's easy to get started. I'm not sure about how I will hold it, but am working on different positions. Thanks Kami !

[@KamiMaltz]

Thanks for bringing this topic up - I might to a sequel one day and could address that (and strapping!)

[@Archiveofobscurity]

Thank you Kami, the tuning bit brought me back to reality! No way i could ever have that much patience 😭❤️

[@quadq6598]

Great, thanks. Sat here in Liverpool UK with an Autoharp I just picked up at a junk shop., no clue what to do with it but now I know what to do before selling it, there is zero chance I have the will power to learn but at least I can sell it tuned up now.

[@povratakuoz]

This is cool, thank you Kami! I just got an autoharp recently and I realised how much I miss the fine tuning system! And Bm occasionally haha. Do you ever try to substitute chords that you don't have for covers (like using E7 instead of E for example)? I'd love to see how you record and edit the sound of the autoharp in daw (do you use a mic or record through the pickup...) Anyways, I love your work, thanks for the inspiration!

[@KamiMaltz]

Hi! Yes, the Bm is a chord I sometimes need and wish I had. I mostly transpose the songs to the keys I have. (If the E7 fits well in the song, then sometimes I’d use that instead of a regular E). They do sell chord bar replacements - you COULD potentially buy a Bm shaped chord bar, (or buy the felts and shape one yourself), but you’d have to give up another chord. I sometimes wonder if I’d do that at some point. most autoharp players simply own more than 1 - it’s very common especially in playing traditional folk songs. (And they sometimes own the 15 diatonic ones too). About your other question - maybe if I make another video I can show that! I mostly just use a condenser mic. Built in pickup is mostly helpful for live shows - when the room is big and the acoustics isn’t great, and when I use pedals.

[@povratakuoz]

@@KamiMaltz Ah yes, I'm still figuring out which other chord I'll never need. I'll keep my eyes peeled for the sequel! Oh and you could also maybe show us next time how you installed the strap on yours. Cheers!

[@1045yale]

Thank you

[@aBachwardsfellow]

@@povratakuoz possibly the Ab major? Depending on what music you play -- I'd use a Bm a lot more often - but putting it in the Ab slot puts it way out of the patttern. I figured I'd need to shift other chords around to make it work.

[@leeperrybender5811]

I converted a bar to a 7th chord, after noticing how often I wanted to use one. I lost a chord that I didn't use as often for my voice range.

[@naan6348]

I’m getting an auto harp this week! I’m really exited!!

[@christianlicheclarken2479]

Thank you. Beautiful playing!

[@tunesnmusicandstuff2063]

Great video I’ve been really on the fence about getting an auto harp since there kind of expensive but I think I’m gonna

[@faroshscale]

The Am to Em chords are SO pretty

[@ksbrook1430]

I was recently gifted an autoharp. I appreciated your explanation of how you tune your autoharp.

[@mikepower4113]

Good introductory video. I learned a lot.

[@mandolinjournal]

Exactly what I was looking for…. I just wanted to be sure that the instrument has a maple body. Is the top made up of spruce? Also is it possible to use a guitar or mandolin pick? Can the instrument be held upside down so the operating becomes easier for guitar or mandolin players?

[@kathrynwebster6307]

Best to use a thumb pick and finger picks, such as a banjo player would use. It’s also easiest to hold it upright against your chest “Appalachian style”. It’s a completely different instrument than the fretted ones you are referring to. New skills to learn!

[@rodrigobaltar]

Hi, greetings from Brazil! Where i can buy your musics in mp3 or flac? I dont like to use apps like spootify. I was impressed with your work, especially with the cover of joni mitchell and wanted to know more about his authorial songs.

[@MF-111]

@A D 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 @Pewdiepie

[@KamiMaltz]

My Bandcamp should do the trick! kamimaltz.bandcamp.com/

[@68corvette08]

From 8:31-8:43, I love that little tune you played.

[@StopFear]

I don’t know whether Kami Maltz is still reading these comments but I recently got one of these brand new Oscar Schmidt’s from a Goodwill store. I cannot say I am very impressed by the overall sound. It’s just so limited in application. Cannot say it “sounds bad” when you pluck individual strings. But together as chords it just sounds like an accompaniment to northern snd east European folk tales.

[@KamiMaltz]

It could be that the AH is in bad shape, you might want to get new strings or take it to a luthier. About the sound, I think you make it what you want - I sometimes plug it to pedals and use it in a more electronic way. Create the music you want to hear!

[@RustyBrakes]

What was the hardest part about learning autoharp? It looks difficult to accurately play the right range of strings if you want a smaller chord. Also, can you play melodies on it too? I guess if you do then you need to find the right button to mute the strings afterwards

[@KamiMaltz]

My best advice to any beginner would be to just spend time with it and play. Yes, it's possible to play melodies (I do the intro on "you can close your eyes", or sometimes a riff here and there on "Rehab" for example; you can check out those videos to see what I'm talking about. but mostly, the autoharp is a great tool to accompany my singing). You need to remember where the notes are and which chord "opens" them for you to play. however, when/if you have a diatonic autoharp, (or tune your 21 chord this way) there are more options to play each note - so it SHOULD be easier to access and play harder melodies. I've never tried one - but just from observing, it looks slightly easier.

[@joshparker5779]

the sound of that instrument is my favorite ever!

[@andrewterrien9818]

Thanks for the video Kami. A friend of mine is loaning me her autoharp and I want to avoid damaging it on accident. Any tips on how to properly handle/play it would be really helpful.

[@KamiMaltz]

I don't think you can really damage it by playing on it. Just make sure to not leave it in a car/a space that's too hot or too cold for extended periods of time. (I would never leave the AH in a car's trunk). Always keep it in a case when you're not using it. Tune at least once a week. Have fun with it!

[@Lion_Of_Magma]

Hi kami It sounds so good after the tuning

[@Sopranoknits]

Ah! What synchronicity - I just got my autoharp TODAY and was really wondering what to do about the finger picks that are too big and...behold! Any guidance on exactly what you mean by hot water? 😅 I'm guessing hot enough to work but not hot enough to melt them and imagine that could be a fine line. Do you always play with finger picks or do you use other picks or just your fingers? Also - just thanks for posting this and I'd definitely be interested in more videos. I am an opera singer and dabble in a few other instruments so this was pretty easy to pick up and play but...I want to build technique over time. I love your videos and was so happy to see this today - right on time!

[@KamiMaltz]

Yes! Hot enough to bend them - but not boiling. I’m sure you can find the right temperature. (You can try to throw in a piece of plastic you don’t care about that’s about the same thickness and test it. Or just another pick - sometimes you get a few of them in a batch). I always play with finger picks - never with my nails or fingers. Good luck and congrats! Autoharps are forever friends.

[@DocM221]

Great video! Makes me want to go buy an autoharp haha

[@sophievanderbilt1325]

Such a nice video! I inherited an old “mandolin-guitar” that looks exactly like an autoharp, but without the chord buttons. It was made by the Bell Harp co in NY. I’m having the hardest time trying to find info or tutorials on it! Have you heard of this type?

[@KamiMaltz]

Sorry, haven't heard of these... :(

[@sophievanderbilt1325]

@@KamiMaltz it's ok, thank you for letting me know :)

[@bobbybeaubaggins4113]

Look up Zither tutorials. Basically the predecessor to the Autoharp, no buttons

[@MC-ef6wo]

Oh my gosh I'm having the same problem! I bought an antique no. 2 Phonharp that was discontinued around 1940s and I'm having the hardest time trying to find strings for it. I don't know if you can use just any strings. I know absolutely nothing about stringed instruments

[@yonkel0]

Israeli? Love your music. I loved your duets with Josh Turner. More please.

[@rosemaryminkler]

Loveeee this!! What a great vid!

[@christina.menelaou]

Hello!! I wanted to buy one but i was wondering whether the only chords you can play on the autoharp are the ones already set up by the buttons it has i.e. one button - one chord?

[@KamiMaltz]

Pretty much, yep. you could buy a different chord bar (separately) and set it up your way, if you're able to. but most professional AH players either have multiple diatonic AHs (say, one in the key of C or D, etc) or learn to maximize the chromatic ones as you say - one button one chord. good luck!

[@DannyHauger]

Excellent and insightful overview!! I'd love to collaborate some original music with you sometime!!

[@davidguilfoyle]

Hi Kemi, a couple of questions: a) Do the strings ever need replacing and if so how do you re-string? b) If you are a left handed picker are you all out of luck?

[@Squarebulb]

She said at the beginning that she had all the strings replaced.

[@NathanCavaleriMusic]

Thanks so much for this!!

[@ETSUO392]

I watched this video in Japan with great interest.The scale when the button is not pressed is indeed scary.(Chuckles) Thank you very much.

[@leeperrybender5811]

Thanks for the tip about the app for tuning. I just found my autoharp in the "basement" and it will definitely need a full tuning. New strings would probably be a good idea! ~ Just a comment, no offense intended, but when you played every chord, to me it seemed a few were slightly off.

[@aliciamramirez]

Beautiful video! i'm wondering if when you press a button it stays down, or do you have to manually keep it pressed? Thxs!

[@decibullmetatron2341]

and her pick bag matches the pillow!!! my type of vibery wowow

[@riceski]

Great presentation

[@noisy99_]

Hey Kami, I'm really interested to get myself an autoharp, but I live in a country that doesn't sell one and I've been trying to look some online, but the credibility is still questionable. Maybe, can you give some tips (by replying this comment or making a video about it) on how to choose and purchase the perfect autoharp? Thanks :)

[@KamiMaltz]

I recommend one that has a built-in pickup (if you plan on playing in bigger rooms or record with it) and fine tuners. (what I'm showing at 4:02). Back in the time I orders mine from www.autoharpstore.com/ they were credible then, so I can only hope/wish they still are! Good luck!

[@kd3623]

Can the buttons be flipped vertically? Hoping to get one but i’d like to play it on a tabletop instead of hugging it

[@BestChannelNever]

I just got one for my birthday! It’s also an Oscar Schmidt. Will any finger picks work?

[@KamiMaltz]

Yup, as far as I’m aware - any plastic picks that you like should work.

[@Will-Max]

Thanks for a very helpful video. I wonder how often do you have to tune it?

[@KamiMaltz]

Normally once a week, or before I play/record an important session

[@libracordial]

Are there any autoharps that provide all 12 major and 12 minor triads?

[@joeblow593]

That 1st strum....Man in the wilderness.... by Styx, cool.😀

[@sandwichsteen]

Autoharp is siiiiiiiiiick

[@PirateSixActual]

Good Lord, I thought restringing and tuning a twelve string Rickenbacker was a pain... Great video! 🙂💚

[@emmanarvlanski8140]

What was the little diddy that you played at 8:32? beautiful!

[@KamiMaltz]

Just a quick little major scale! thanks :)

[@ShaniArshadMusic]

@8:23 Candy Crush

[@deanfeldman2505]

I appreciate your having mezuzot

[@Saboramii]

Hi! Are there any autoharp teachers you recommend on KZbin? Thanks

[@KamiMaltz]

Back in 2010 I watched some of @billbryant videos, and I ordered his CD. (now days I'm not sure if they are available). I still find this video to be helpful! Check it out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnLIf4GAmq1rea8

[@hera7409]

Could you please tell me the name of the tuning app on your smartphone? Thank you!

[@KamiMaltz]

It's called "Clearunte". But ANY tuning app should be fine!

[@marcooros9103]

Oh that's great sounding harp. Also, could You only play major chords?

[@TracyKMainwaring]

Her autoharp has major, 7th and minor chords

[@miorieser3210]

Absolute Spitze. 👍💕

[@1Live2Love3Thrive]

What's the best brands and models you can purchase?

[@jasonjobe8346]

Love the accent

[@USMC_BABE38]

How hard are they to tune

[@Gusli_32]

Спасибо за обзор. Познавательно. Творческих успехов.

[@kristoffersvartbkkengrinda4029]

Just a little tip: using a worn out Unbrako hex key will for sure wreck your screws. always use ones that are not worn out.

[@hajimeogawa8684]

thanks fasisnatig posting your tuning pitch A＝440hz?

[@KamiMaltz]

Yep!

[@sallyflores532]

tuner? are you using your phone?

[@KamiMaltz]

Yes, any tuning app should be fine. I’m using one called “Cleartune”

[@jenswittenberg9808]

😍😍😍

[@jonathanhall1823]

Not sure why you said you have a funny accent, maybe American people around you commented on it? Your accent is adorable, the way you speak is natural. You should try make a podcast and I’m sure plenty of people would love to listen to you speak.

[@KamiMaltz]

Sometimes people make fun of my pronunciation, since English isn’t my first language. When that happens, I normally ask “well, how many languages do YOU speak?” 😬 and then they remain silent and embarrassed.

[@jonathanhall1823]

@@KamiMaltz They’re just ignorant. I don’t think anyone who speak a second language to your level would make fun of a non native speaker’s accent. But on the other hand, a lot of people make fun of accents of other regions in the same country too. How we perceive the sound of accents/languages heavily depends on our exposure to them. So there is really no need to make fun of any accent or language. Don’t overthink this 😊

[@stephaniecampbellwalton5864]

My first release it out now called Wishing on One- wanted to share for your consideration!! :)

[@tuubiasmanes]

👍😎

[@Mel_Elio]

can u play extended chords like E7 flat 9? or Amin7 flat5?

[@KamiMaltz]

Nope! all the cords I can play are listed at 1:17 and played at 9:17

[@oncehuman9901]

@@KamiMaltz oh OK thank u

[@aBachwardsfellow]

@@oncehuman9901 some folks will cut special chord bars to do that -- typically they have several harps and switch harps for different songs

[@stephpicher]

I thought it would end with "stay tuned" to be honest. :)

[@ericbusby8451]

I knew nothing about autoharps and I still don't. I paid no attention, I was just oogaling at how attractive you are. I think I'm in love. I will watch again and try to learn something about the autoharp

[@broadbubble7535]

I have a 36 string 15 chord oscar schmidt that I got for christmas and I have NO idea how to play it. I’m experienced in wind instruments and the only string instrument I’ve played is ukulele so this is completely foreign to me. Do you have any tips or tutorials for learning? Or do you know anyone who does?

[@KamiMaltz]

What would you like to learn, more specifically? I can try to point you at videos that target that. I'm also thinking of making another at some point - so you can also let me know and I might address that.

[@priyasindhutalukdar6003]

It is a Swarmandal

[@post1305]

the first 5 chords = "Lets do the time warp yeah"

[@הראלב-ו3ב]

You have to really love music to play such an instrument..

[@ctrey8395]

Omg teach me 😭😭😭🎵🎶

[@rooseveltdumornay4954]

I've only ever been told about the guitar abd piano.

[@librabearxox7470]

Anyone else Google "Trixie Mattel moving parts instrument" just me okurrrr

[@nickcastaneda203]

And I thought tuning a 12 string guitar was hard

[@noisy99_]

I love it, but tuning is certainly the most tedious part

[@canturgan]

Cheapest one on eBay is £400.

[@superman00001]

This beautiful girl is mesmerising.

[@sketchesforyou8020]

Seems like a pain to tune.

[@redel37]

9:46 not as sad as D minor...

[@alejandrolago4495]

You talk like a song

[@shubham.1172]

Anyone here from The Big Bang Theory? (S10 E20)

[@robertobonani8571]

To me it sucks , but is a good way to learn chords I guess

[@gwenhaskie-dinepride898]

2:48 Scary huh?

[@I-Am-Blue]

took you 8 minutes to play it and thats all i needed not all the useless filler

[@libracordial]

Are there any autoharps that provide all 12 major and 12 minor triads?

[@libracordial]

Are there any autoharps that provide all 12 major and 12 minor triads?