Autoharp songbooks are valuable resources for players looking to expand their repertoire and explore new musical styles. These collections offer a range of songs, from traditional folk tunes to contemporary hits, providing both instructional material and performance pieces. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there are many songbooks available to suit your needs. Here’s a look at some popular autoharp songbooks that can enrich your playing experience.
1. “The Autoharp Book” by Robbin Gordon-Cartwright
Overview
- Content: This comprehensive book is designed for both beginners and intermediate players. It includes a variety of songs, exercises, and instructional content.
- Features: The book covers basic techniques, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. It also provides sheet music and chord diagrams for a range of traditional and contemporary songs.
- Highlights: Includes popular folk songs, hymns, and original compositions. The clear instructions and accompanying audio tracks make it easy to follow along and learn.
Why It’s Popular
- Versatility: Suitable for players of different skill levels, offering both basic and advanced content.
- Instructional Value: Provides detailed explanations and exercises to help players improve their technique and musicality.
2. “Favorite Autoharp Songs” by Frank Profitt
Overview
- Content: This songbook features a collection of beloved autoharp songs, focusing on traditional folk and Americana music.
- Features: Contains sheet music, chord diagrams, and lyrics for each song. The arrangements are designed to be accessible for players at various skill levels.
- Highlights: Includes classic folk songs, ballads, and mountain music, making it a great resource for those interested in traditional American music.
Why It’s Popular
- Traditional Focus: Ideal for players who enjoy folk and traditional music.
- User-Friendly: Arrangements are straightforward and easy to play, making it a great choice for beginners.
3. “Autoharp Classics” by Judy Hyman
Overview
- Content: This book features a selection of classic autoharp pieces and arrangements.
- Features: Includes sheet music, chord charts, and performance tips for a range of classic songs.
- Highlights: Covers various styles and genres, from folk and gospel to popular standards. The book provides detailed instructions for each piece.
Why It’s Popular
- Diverse Selection: Offers a broad range of musical styles and genres.
- Detailed Instructions: Provides comprehensive guidance for each piece, including performance tips and techniques.
4. “The Autoharp Method” by David Koenig
Overview
- Content: A well-rounded instructional book for learning the autoharp, featuring a mix of exercises, techniques, and songs.
- Features: Includes step-by-step instructions, chord diagrams, and sheet music for a variety of songs.
- Highlights: Suitable for beginners and intermediate players, with a focus on building fundamental skills and knowledge.
Why It’s Popular
- Comprehensive Approach: Covers both technique and repertoire, providing a thorough learning experience.
- Accessibility: Designed to be approachable for players at different skill levels.
5. “Autoharp for the Absolute Beginner” by Steve Eulberg
Overview
- Content: This book is tailored for absolute beginners, providing a gentle introduction to playing the autoharp.
- Features: Contains basic exercises, chord progressions, and simple songs to get started.
- Highlights: Focuses on fundamental skills, such as strumming and chord changes, with easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations.
Why It’s Popular
- Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for those new to the autoharp, offering a clear and accessible approach.
- Ease of Use: Provides straightforward exercises and songs to build confidence and skills.
6. “Autoharp Songbook: A Collection of Traditional and Contemporary Songs”
Overview
- Content: A diverse collection of songs from various genres, including traditional folk, pop, and contemporary music.
- Features: Includes sheet music, chord diagrams, and lyrics for each song. Suitable for players looking to explore different musical styles.
- Highlights: Offers a mix of popular songs and lesser-known gems, providing a broad range of material for practice and performance.
Why It’s Popular
- Variety: Provides a wide range of musical styles and genres, catering to different tastes.
- Comprehensive: Includes both traditional and contemporary songs, offering something for everyone.
7. “Songs of the Autoharp” by Various Artists
Overview
- Content: A compilation of songs from various artists, showcasing different approaches to playing the autoharp.
- Features: Includes arrangements of popular songs, folk tunes, and original compositions. Each piece is presented with sheet music and chord diagrams.
- Highlights: Features contributions from well-known autoharp players, providing a diverse and inspiring collection of music.
Why It’s Popular
- Diverse Contributions: Showcases a variety of styles and techniques from different artists.
- Inspirational: Offers a glimpse into the creative approaches of accomplished autoharp players.
Conclusion
Popular autoharp songbooks offer valuable resources for players of all levels, providing a wide range of music to explore and enjoy. From comprehensive instructional books to collections of traditional and contemporary songs, these songbooks cater to different interests and skill levels. Whether you’re looking to expand your repertoire, improve your technique, or simply enjoy playing your favorite tunes, these songbooks are excellent resources for enhancing your autoharp experience.