
The autoharp, a unique and versatile stringed instrument, produces beautiful music through a combination of its physical components and playing techniques. Understanding how an autoharp works involves examining its structure, the mechanics of sound production, and the methods used to play it.
Structure of the Autoharp
An autoharp typically consists of a rectangular or slightly trapezoidal wooden body, a series of strings stretched across the soundboard, chord bars, and a set of tuning pegs. Here’s a breakdown of its main components:
- Body: The body of the autoharp is usually made of wood, which acts as a resonating chamber. The soundboard, the top surface of the body, amplifies the vibrations of the strings. High-quality autoharps often use solid wood for better resonance, while more affordable models may use laminated wood.
- Strings: The autoharp can have anywhere from 12 to 37 strings, depending on the model. These strings are made of metal and are tuned to specific pitches. The standard autoharp has 36 or 37 strings, with each string corresponding to a specific note in a chromatic or diatonic scale.
- Chord Bars: Chord bars are a crucial feature of the autoharp. Each bar is equipped with felt pads on the underside, which mute certain strings when the bar is pressed. This muting action allows the unmuted strings to produce a specific chord. The number of chord bars can vary, with common configurations including 12, 15, or 21 bars.
- Tuning Pegs: Tuning pegs are located at one end of the autoharp and are used to adjust the tension of the strings, thereby tuning them to the desired pitch. The other end of the strings is anchored to hitch pins.

Mechanics of Sound Production
The autoharp produces sound through the vibration of its strings, which are plucked by the player. Here’s a step-by-step look at the process:
- Pressing a Chord Bar: The player presses down on a chord bar, which mutes certain strings using the felt pads on the underside of the bar. Only the strings needed for the desired chord remain unmuted.
- Strumming or Plucking: With the chord bar pressed, the player strums or plucks the strings using their fingers or a pick. The unmuted strings vibrate, producing sound.
- Resonance: The vibrations of the strings are transferred to the soundboard, which amplifies the sound. The body of the autoharp acts as a resonating chamber, enhancing the volume and richness of the sound.
- Releasing the Chord Bar: When the player releases the chord bar, the felt pads lift off the strings, allowing them to vibrate freely. The player can then press a different chord bar to produce another chord.
Playing Techniques
Playing the autoharp involves a combination of strumming, plucking, and pressing chord bars. Here are some common techniques:
- Strumming: This is the most basic playing technique, where the player strums across all the strings with a pick or their fingers. By pressing different chord bars, the player can produce various chords. Strumming is often used for rhythmic accompaniment.
- Plucking: More advanced players may pluck individual strings to play melodies or arpeggios. This technique requires greater precision and finger dexterity but allows for more complex musical arrangements.
- Fingerpicking: Similar to plucking, fingerpicking involves using the fingers to pluck strings in a pattern. This technique can add a delicate and intricate texture to the music.
- Use of Capos: Some autoharp players use capos to change the pitch of the strings without retuning. Capos clamp down on all the strings at a specific fret, effectively changing the key of the instrument.
Maintenance and Tuning
To keep an autoharp in good working condition, regular maintenance and tuning are necessary. Players should clean the strings and body to prevent dust and grime buildup. Tuning the autoharp involves adjusting the tuning pegs to ensure each string is at the correct pitch. An electronic tuner or tuning app can be helpful for this process.
Conclusion
The autoharp is a fascinating instrument that combines simplicity and versatility. Its unique design allows players of all skill levels to produce harmonious music with ease. By understanding the structure, mechanics, and playing techniques of the autoharp, musicians can fully appreciate the beauty and complexity of this beloved instrument.