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Catalog > Books > Autoharp updated May 31, 2008
Titles listed in alphabetical order
Autoharp Method - In Four Easy Steps (with CD) -- 32 pages, by Evo Bluestein $14.95
Part One of this highly regarded method includes basic music theory and details Evo's easy 4-step method. Part Two includes rhythm strumming instructions, melody chord changes, and lyrics to 18 well- known American folk songs and southern fiddle tunes in the keys of G, F, C major, and A modal (keys that are provided on standard 12, 15 and 21 bar harps). Also included are instructions for transposing to other keys. All songs are included on a solo performance CD for the purpose of ear training and accompaniment.
Autoharp Owner's Manual -- 148 pages, spiral bound, by Mary Lou Orthey $19.95
Covers autoharp maintenance, conversions, tuning and string schedules (both diatonic and chromatic), building your own instrument, playing techniques, evaluating instruments, chord bar setups, amplification, history, and much more. Each subject is addressed by a current premier musician/builder. The articles in this book have been taken from past issues of Autoharp Quarterly and have been updated to address current innovations, problems, and instruments. It is a "must have" for every autoharp player.
Autoharping the Gospels -- 104 pages, by Carol Stober and Steve Kaufman $14.95
This book is an extension of Flatpickin' the Gospels by Steve Kaufman with autoharp arrangements written by Carol Stober. She makes it easy to learn these great gospel tunes on the autoharp! This book can be used to play chords along with singing, or for playing the melody solo. The arrangements are written as simply as possible to facilitate sight reading, so that you do not have to memorize the tune in order to play up to tempo. Complete lyrics are included. In notation and tablature.
Celtic Autoharp (with CD) -- 56 pages, by Karen Mueller $19.95
This book contains brief explanations and instructions on tablature, basic music notation, and playing accompaniment. The book also has music for 35 celtic tunes featured on the companion CD.
Complete Method for Autoharp or Chromaharp (with CD) -- 174 pages, by Meg Peterson $24.95
The most complete, authoritative text available on autoharp. Presents a colorful array of songs and styles as well as a myriad of strum patterns in an easy-to-understand manner. This self-teaching course features Meg's highly acclaimed system for teaching melody solo performance on the autoharp. Each of its 48 lessons builds on the one before it, with a reference section included for those who wish to learn about music notation, theory, harmony, transposition, and chord substitution. There are 122 practice songs and many more suggested ones. Also included is information on tuning, changing strings, and altering chord position on the instrument. The CD is a stereo teaching tape with vocal instruction and performance demonstrating many of the strum patterns and tunes in the book at full tempo with a singer.
Fun With the Autoharp -- 32 pages, by Sue Banks $5.95
A great beginner's book containing basic technical instruction plus melody lines, chords, and lyrics for 48 folk favorites. Includes information on playing positions, fingering, strumming, glissando playing technique, and more with helpful photographs. Lyrics are placed above the music to make reading easier while playing chords.
Hymns For Autoharp -- 56 pages, by Meg Peterson $8.95
The first section of this book is chorded for simple strumming. The second section is arranged for melody playing, with string numbers indicated. A popular collection which includes 69 songs!
Love Songs For Autoharp -- 120 pages, by Carol Stober $14.95
A collection of favorites in easy-to-play arrangements for either autoharp melody solos, or basic rhythm accompaniment. The format can be easily understood by a novice autoharpist, as well as a more advanced skill-level musician. Each song includes standard melody notes, chord progressions, autoharp tablature, and lyrics for sight-reading a tune on the fly, or the information can be a helpful guide for play-by-ear enthusiasts.
Scottish Airs and Ballads for Autoharp -- 40 pages (with CD), by Alex Usher $14.95
A collection of 25 traditional melodies written in standard music notation as well as autoharp tablature. Accompaniment chords are indicated. The melody-playing techniques used are explained here in detail. Also included is a professional performance CD which provides more than an hour of listening pleasure to all of the tunes, including "Wild Mountain Thyme," "My Luv is Like a Red, Red Rose," "White Cockade," "Corn Rigs," "Auld Lang Syne" and more.
A Treasury of Favorite Songs For Autoharp -- 48 pages, by Meg Peterson $6.95
The 50 songs and ballads in this book include a rich selection of favorite American folk songs, patriotic songs, sentimental songs from the past, and songs from other lands. They have been arranged in the keys that are most suitable for singing, and can be played in a variety of styles using only the words and the accompanying chords. In cases where there are two versions of a particular tune, both have been included. If one version is not well known, however, the most widely used melody is selected. Includes chords and lyrics for autoharp, guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, and keyboard.
A Treasury of Songs for Young People -- 40 pages, by Meg Peterson $6.95
The songs in this book are familiar to children of all ages. They include not only traditional children's songs, but also rounds, cowboy tunes, and popular Christmas songs. They have been arranged in the keys that are most suitable for singing, and can be played in a variety of styles using only the words and the accompanying chords. In cases where there are two versions of a particular tune, both have been included. If one version is not well known, however, the most widely used melody is selected. The songs are written as lyrics with chord symbols only; no music notation is provided. Chords provided for autoharp, guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, and keyboard.
You Can Teach Yourself Autoharp -- book and CD $19.95

A step-by-step self-instruction method. Includes care of the autoharp, playing positions, chord changes, back-up strums, arpeggio strums, melody picking, rhythm picking, and much more! Each song teaches something new and each strum pattern is built on the previous one. When you have practiced each selection and perfected each strum, you will have the necessary foundation to go on to more advanced styles and more intricate picking.

The songs in the book are arranged for the 15-chord instrument, since it is the most popular for beginning students. In the 60-minute instructional recording, the author uses autoharp and vocals to demonstrate the major styles presented in the book, from simple to advanced strums to melody picking. The player learns effective ways to practice each new style, and has a chance to play along with the singer on the songs that are repeated, unaccompanied.