Sounds like having a diatonic autoharp will be useful for my continuing autoharp journey. Currently doing major surgery on an abused/neglected 1940s(?) 12 bar OS International someone abandoned on the side of the road. Heat/Moisture has caused major separation of most of it's glued seams, it's body warping/bowing as it lost structural adhesion, while still under string tension. A broken Cap has also caused the loss of a couple original wooden chord bars, for which replacements would need to be made . If my patient survives having it's body totally disassembled, straightened and glued back together, my making/modifying whatever is needed along the way of bringing it back to life. I will make it a diatonic autoharp, lovingly name it Frankenstein (taking parts of the dead, creating new life, the name seems to fit). Yes, I know most people would call taking on this project a total waste of my time/energy. But being older and living alone, I have nothing but time. There is no one here to complement or complain, about anything I do or don't do day to day. I do what I want, when I want, how I want (as best my aging body allows). Even attempting to resurrect the dead, away from the judgemental prying eyes of others. And will have quite the story to share, if/when I play my Frankenstein in public. Of how even the most broken and unwanted of us, can be reborn. Allowing us to bring beauty to all those around us.
Very nice. I just found a 60 year old 12 chord Autoharp in mint condition, never been played, and I'm having a lot of fun teaching myself how to pick out the melodies and not just strum it. Thanks for the help.
another great RUclips to add to my list of "how to autoharp" ... for someday when I actually have time to teach (like when I am no longer working 60 hrs a week) ... and Ms JoAnn is more than just an autoharp player: She is a Master autoharp player!
This video was very helpful and the song was BEAUTIFUL! I'm especially glad you mentioned the red fingernail polish. I thought I was the only one with that problem, remembering which goes to which finger shape. Thanks for posting! You sound beautiful!
Great Video! I would suggest that people with little or narrow fingers try different gauge finger picks until they find ones comfortable for themselves!
I've often thought about doing something like that. If retirement ever becomes an option I might actually look into publishing something. But until then I'll have to stick with RUclips. :/
Never have played an autoharp but after hearing the way you play and it can have a different sound other than just a strum it makes me want to give it a try. I play the piano so would you suggest a diatonic, how many cords and which brand do you like? I would appreciate any suggestions that could help me make a better decision. Thank you Your playing is beautiful and loved the version of your song.
Did they re-name that song after it was used in the "Oh Brother" movie? Until then I had always heard it called "Down In The Valley To Pray". I guess it doesn't really matter when it's played as an instrumental. It's what Pete Seeger called a "Zipper Song". You just change one word and you have a new verse. Tremendous job, as usual, Jo Ann.
Thanks, glad you like it! I honestly don't know about the origins of the song, but that movie is what brought to my attention anyway. Doc Watson used 'River' when he sang it on "The Three Pickers" album he did with Ricky Skaggs and Earl Scruggs (Alison Krauss made a cameo appearance singing harmony). Really nice version. Also, Butch Baldassari did an instrumental version on his "Mandolin Hymns" album, and I think that's my favorite. It's the one I was trying to emulate.
I think I first heard it on a Doc Watson & Jean Ritchie album. I haven't heard the "Three Pickers" album, but I'll look it up. Arlo Guthrie did a way over-produced version - ruclips.net/video/0kydPg--aCA/видео.html
Thanks Jo Ann, I was glad to see you were able to upload this video. I have stayed away from using picks because of the problem I have with getting the top of the pick caught in the strings ( that spot where you put the red nail polish). I'm sure it's my strumming style. Do you have any feed back on how to prevent this from happening?
+Carol Johnson Send me a snapshot of how you're wearing your picks, and another picture of how you have your hand positioned above the strings. That might give me a clue. Go to my website at autoharpist.com and go to the "contact" page. Send me a message there and I'll be able to contact you directly.
why don't you play the whole song next time you upload it you just now said it needs some polishing but I think it sounded great put the whole song on there next time so we'd hear the whole thing glad you're back
Hi, Although I’m planning on buying an Auto Harp, I was drawn to your video by your beautiful face!! Also, I just love your voice. You are hot! 😇 OK, back to work. I learned a lot from this video. Ironically, as a professional guitarist, I finally saw finger picks that should be ergonomic for me on both Guitar and Autoharp.I look forward to watching, and learning from ALL of your videos. Thank you for your time and efforts. Kind regards, Hooch
Is it a dumb question to ask, HOW you shape your metal picks? Do you just bend them, or do you heat them up first or something like that? Thanks for your great videos! Greetings from Germany 👋
That’s a great question. The first thing I do is put the picks on my fingers and fit the wraps. Then, with the picks still on my fingers, I find a firm surface like a tile floor and use firm, gradual pressure to roll the picks upward to fit my fingertips. This has to be done gradually and carefully to avoid making a crease in the metal. In the case of the Dunlop nickel finger picks, I generally used the 0.025 gauge which is quite heavy and it takes a bit of work to get them fitted the way I like. But once shaped, they stay that way forever. The lighter gauges aren’t as hard to fit, but they are easier to crease and can lose their shape just from being carried around. About a year ago I started using a different brand of picks and I absolutely love them: Cling Pro finger picks. I shape them the same way. Here’s a link: www.clingpropicks.com/
I think you are the only musician that's addressed the gauge metal pick. I've been buying .18 and .20. Made the mistake of trying some .15 and it sounded tinny. Interesting to curve the end toward your finger. I'm trying all of this. I'm also finding that the thicker the metal pick the more tired my hand gets. don't know why, but I think I'll go with .20 which is almost .25
I've tried every pick I could get my hands on at some point in the last 20 years, so it's been more of a process than an epiphany. For me, it was about getting the sound that I wanted out of the specific instruments I had. Luthier 'harps tend to have more volume and are brighter-sounding, so everything gets amplified -- even the noise produced when the pick touches the string. You'd think that the heavier pick would produce more noise, but what I found was that I didn't have to pluck the string as hard with the heavier pick to get the volume I needed, so I could use lighter touch. I think this in turn reduced the amount of "pick noise" that I was getting with others. You will also find the combination that sounds and works the best for you and your 'harp -- the main thing is to try a lot of different things and keep your options open. As a matter of fact, I recently restored an older Oscar Schmidt B-model autoharp and I use a completely different set of picks for that one because it's quieter and I needed something that would really punch out the melody, but yet these picks are too loud for my other 'harps. "Horses for Courses", as they say. :)
I love your videos and your music. When I'm stressed out or having a bad hair day or a pity party, I can pull up these videos and all of the autoharp videos on You Tube, and it is so peaceful. I believe music connects us to God and to each other.
Hi, Gene. I use a Kelly Speed Pick. I don’t know the exact thickness, but they are graded by color - orange, yellow and white - with white being the most firm (least flexible). I use the white.
hi, I have a question but not about picks. I've yet to purchase an autoharp but am highly considering it. I have muscle weakness in my hands/fingers and I'm wondering how "difficult" it is to press down on the chord buttons. Do they require much pressure? Thanks in advance; love your channel.
The makers of custom autoharps have fine-tuned their chord bar sets so that they operate with incredible ease, and they can also optimize Oscar Schmidt 21-chord bar sets so that they operate with less pressure. In other words, buy your autoharp from someone who either builds or repairs autoharps, not from a retail dealer. Oscar Schmidt autoharps - and all other manufactured brands - are not as user-friendly as they should be. The 21-bar OS chord bar setups can be made to operate quite nicely, but they certainly do not come that way. Another option would be to purchase a set of custom luthier-made chord bars to replace the manufactured set. But you would want to be sure that the autoharp you’ve chosen is worthy of an upgrade with luthier bars. There are many ways to go about getting an autoharp that is easy to play, and just as many variations in cost. Bottom line, whether you decide to invest in a custom autoharp or a new or used Oscar Schmidt, buy it from an autoharp expert. Here is an article with links to several highly- recommended autoharp luthiers: drive.google.com/file/d/0B-eEM0vxcrJxRjRwNTY5STNCN2M/view?usp=drivesdk
Did you bend your finger picks to create that shape (curving up)? I found Dunlop .025 nickel finger picks online but none with that are curved up. Currently, I have been trying to use L plastic Dunlop finger picks. They pinch my finger as they expand and contract while I play. Ouch! Looking for a better fitting solution. Do you bend them to fit your fingers?
Hi, Deb. Yes, I do bend the finger picks upward to curve around the ends of my fingers. And I work the wraps so that they fit snugly around my fingers. Both of these processes need to be done gradually - a little bit at a time - until you get a fit that works best for you. I’ve never been a fan of the plastic picks. Like you mentioned, they move around a lot and can pinch your fingers. On top of that, I have found that the plastic picks make more noise on the strings than the metal ones do. It’s a matter of technique too, of course - but the metal allows you to get a very clean, strong pluck with plenty of volume unlike the plastic.
It sounds to me like you have a chord zither, sometimes called a mandolin-harp or mandolin-guitar. Here is a link to a gentleman who plays it beautifully! ruclips.net/video/ExA9lhy0_cc/видео.html
oh thank you Jo Ann, I'll have a look. I just bought a full auto harp so I'll be watching your videos. I love them both. I was lucky enough to get an auto harp as well, thank you.
Видеоклипы
Sounds like having a diatonic autoharp will be useful for my continuing autoharp journey. Currently doing major surgery on an abused/neglected 1940s(?) 12 bar OS International someone abandoned on the side of the road. Heat/Moisture has caused major separation of most of it's glued seams, it's body warping/bowing as it lost structural adhesion, while still under string tension. A broken Cap has also caused the loss of a couple original wooden chord bars, for which replacements would need to be made . If my patient survives having it's body totally disassembled, straightened and glued back together, my making/modifying whatever is needed along the way of bringing it back to life. I will make it a diatonic autoharp, lovingly name it Frankenstein (taking parts of the dead, creating new life, the name seems to fit). Yes, I know most people would call taking on this project a total waste of my time/energy. But being older and living alone, I have nothing but time. There is no one here to complement or complain, about anything I do or don't do day to day. I do what I want, when I want, how I want (as best my aging body allows). Even attempting to resurrect the dead, away from the judgemental prying eyes of others. And will have quite the story to share, if/when I play my Frankenstein in public. Of how even the most broken and unwanted of us, can be reborn. Allowing us to bring beauty to all those around us.
Very nice. I just found a 60 year old 12 chord Autoharp in mint condition, never been played, and I'm having a lot of fun teaching myself how to pick out the melodies and not just strum it. Thanks for the help.
another great RUclips to add to my list of "how to autoharp" ... for someday when I actually have time to teach (like when I am no longer working 60 hrs a week)
... and Ms JoAnn is more than just an autoharp player:
She is a Master autoharp player!
This video was very helpful and the song was BEAUTIFUL! I'm especially glad you mentioned the red fingernail polish. I thought I was the only one with that problem, remembering which goes to which finger shape. Thanks for posting! You sound beautiful!
Great Video! I would suggest that people with little or narrow fingers try different gauge finger picks until they find ones comfortable for themselves!
I couldn't get used to the finger picks. Much better as you do it!
If you take a pair of pliars and bend just the tip of the fingerpicks back just a little it give for a better sound and more accuracy.
I wish you or will smith would put together a tutorial book with some of your tips and instructions for playing some folk music
I've often thought about doing something like that. If retirement ever becomes an option I might actually look into publishing something. But until then I'll have to stick with RUclips. :/
Jo Ann Smith
Oh yes... I would buy it!!
I especially love your snazzy intro!!!
your videos are so helpful and calming
Thank you!
Gorgeous
Love it! I always feel like such a hack after I listen to you, but there's still hope for me! I'm off to mess with my finger picks...thank you!
Really lovely! Thanks for the pointers!
Great job really nice sound I love that
Gorgeous!
Love the melody at the end.
G
Ur is awsome it sorta sounds like down to the river to pray
Thanks! That's one of my favorite songs, and one that I play regularly.
Never have played an autoharp but after hearing the way you play and it can have a different sound other than just a strum it makes me want to give it a try. I play the piano so would you suggest a diatonic, how many cords and which brand do you like? I would appreciate any suggestions that could help me make a better decision. Thank you
Your playing is beautiful and loved the version of your song.
Please do a video about a 15 chord autoharp.
Did they re-name that song after it was used in the "Oh Brother" movie? Until then I had always heard it called "Down In The Valley To Pray". I guess it doesn't really matter when it's played as an instrumental.
It's what Pete Seeger called a "Zipper Song". You just change one word and you have a new verse.
Tremendous job, as usual, Jo Ann.
Thanks, glad you like it! I honestly don't know about the origins of the song, but that movie is what brought to my attention anyway. Doc Watson used 'River' when he sang it on "The Three Pickers" album he did with Ricky Skaggs and Earl Scruggs (Alison Krauss made a cameo appearance singing harmony). Really nice version. Also, Butch Baldassari did an instrumental version on his "Mandolin Hymns" album, and I think that's my favorite. It's the one I was trying to emulate.
I think I first heard it on a Doc Watson & Jean Ritchie album. I haven't heard the "Three Pickers" album, but I'll look it up.
Arlo Guthrie did a way over-produced version - ruclips.net/video/0kydPg--aCA/видео.html
good info
Thanks Jo Ann, I was glad to see you were able to upload this video. I have stayed away from using picks because of the problem I have with getting the top of the pick caught in the strings ( that spot where you put the red nail polish). I'm sure it's my strumming style. Do you have any feed back on how to prevent this from happening?
+Carol Johnson Send me a snapshot of how you're wearing your picks, and another picture of how you have your hand positioned above the strings. That might give me a clue. Go to my website at autoharpist.com and go to the "contact" page. Send me a message there and I'll be able to contact you directly.
why don't you play the whole song next time you upload it you just now said it needs some polishing but I think it sounded great put the whole song on there next time so we'd hear the whole thing glad you're back
Hi, Although I’m planning on buying an Auto Harp, I was drawn to your video by your beautiful face!! Also, I just love your voice. You are hot! 😇 OK, back to work. I learned a lot from this video. Ironically, as a professional guitarist, I finally saw finger picks that should be ergonomic for me on both Guitar and Autoharp.I look forward to watching, and learning from ALL of your videos. Thank you for your time and efforts. Kind regards, Hooch
Is it a dumb question to ask, HOW you shape your metal picks? Do you just bend them, or do you heat them up first or something like that? Thanks for your great videos! Greetings from Germany 👋
That’s a great question. The first thing I do is put the picks on my fingers and fit the wraps. Then, with the picks still on my fingers, I find a firm surface like a tile floor and use firm, gradual pressure to roll the picks upward to fit my fingertips. This has to be done gradually and carefully to avoid making a crease in the metal. In the case of the Dunlop nickel finger picks, I generally used the 0.025 gauge which is quite heavy and it takes a bit of work to get them fitted the way I like. But once shaped, they stay that way forever. The lighter gauges aren’t as hard to fit, but they are easier to crease and can lose their shape just from being carried around. About a year ago I started using a different brand of picks and I absolutely love them: Cling Pro finger picks. I shape them the same way. Here’s a link: www.clingpropicks.com/
@@autoharpist Thank you SO MUCH! Great answer! I wish you all the best 😘👋👋👋
Jo Ann can you play Danny Boy?
Yes, I can play Danny Boy. I haven’t recorded it though.
Se eu tocar igual vocêis tabom maís sei tocar só sei de violino 🎻 mais quero um má arpa prá mi
I think you are the only musician that's addressed the gauge metal pick. I've been buying .18 and .20. Made the mistake of trying some .15 and it sounded tinny. Interesting to curve the end toward your finger. I'm trying all of this. I'm also finding that the thicker the metal pick the more tired my hand gets. don't know why, but I think I'll go with .20 which is almost .25
I've tried every pick I could get my hands on at some point in the last 20 years, so it's been more of a process than an epiphany. For me, it was about getting the sound that I wanted out of the specific instruments I had. Luthier 'harps tend to have more volume and are brighter-sounding, so everything gets amplified -- even the noise produced when the pick touches the string. You'd think that the heavier pick would produce more noise, but what I found was that I didn't have to pluck the string as hard with the heavier pick to get the volume I needed, so I could use lighter touch. I think this in turn reduced the amount of "pick noise" that I was getting with others. You will also find the combination that sounds and works the best for you and your 'harp -- the main thing is to try a lot of different things and keep your options open. As a matter of fact, I recently restored an older Oscar Schmidt B-model autoharp and I use a completely different set of picks for that one because it's quieter and I needed something that would really punch out the melody, but yet these picks are too loud for my other 'harps. "Horses for Courses", as they say. :)
I love your videos and your music. When I'm stressed out or having a bad hair day or a pity party, I can pull up these videos and all of the autoharp videos on You Tube, and it is so peaceful. I believe music connects us to God and to each other.
Agreed!
Could you tell us the type and weight /thickness of the thumbpick you are using? Thank you
Hi, Gene. I use a Kelly Speed Pick. I don’t know the exact thickness, but they are graded by color - orange, yellow and white - with white being the most firm (least flexible). I use the white.
hi, I have a question but not about picks. I've yet to purchase an autoharp but am highly considering it. I have muscle weakness in my hands/fingers and I'm wondering how "difficult" it is to press down on the chord buttons. Do they require much pressure? Thanks in advance; love your channel.
The makers of custom autoharps have fine-tuned their chord bar sets so that they operate with incredible ease, and they can also optimize Oscar Schmidt 21-chord bar sets so that they operate with less pressure. In other words, buy your autoharp from someone who either builds or repairs autoharps, not from a retail dealer. Oscar Schmidt autoharps - and all other manufactured brands - are not as user-friendly as they should be. The 21-bar OS chord bar setups can be made to operate quite nicely, but they certainly do not come that way. Another option would be to purchase a set of custom luthier-made chord bars to replace the manufactured set. But you would want to be sure that the autoharp you’ve chosen is worthy of an upgrade with luthier bars. There are many ways to go about getting an autoharp that is easy to play, and just as many variations in cost. Bottom line, whether you decide to invest in a custom autoharp or a new or used Oscar Schmidt, buy it from an autoharp expert. Here is an article with links to several highly- recommended autoharp luthiers: drive.google.com/file/d/0B-eEM0vxcrJxRjRwNTY5STNCN2M/view?usp=drivesdk
Did you bend your finger picks to create that shape (curving up)? I found Dunlop .025 nickel finger picks online but none with that are curved up. Currently, I have been trying to use L plastic Dunlop finger picks. They pinch my finger as they expand and contract while I play. Ouch! Looking for a better fitting solution. Do you bend them to fit your fingers?
Hi, Deb. Yes, I do bend the finger picks upward to curve around the ends of my fingers. And I work the wraps so that they fit snugly around my fingers. Both of these processes need to be done gradually - a little bit at a time - until you get a fit that works best for you. I’ve never been a fan of the plastic picks. Like you mentioned, they move around a lot and can pinch your fingers. On top of that, I have found that the plastic picks make more noise on the strings than the metal ones do. It’s a matter of technique too, of course - but the metal allows you to get a very clean, strong pluck with plenty of volume unlike the plastic.
mine doesn't have keys on it. It's a mandolin auto harp. Thank you. I wouldn't need the keys.
It sounds to me like you have a chord zither, sometimes called a mandolin-harp or mandolin-guitar. Here is a link to a gentleman who plays it beautifully! ruclips.net/video/ExA9lhy0_cc/видео.html
oh thank you Jo Ann, I'll have a look. I just bought a full auto harp so I'll be watching your videos. I love them both. I was lucky enough to get an auto harp as well, thank you.
and it has the three layered chords as you mentioned.