Autoharp Books and Videos: Marc Gunn's Picks

If you are wanting to learn how to play the autoharp, learn the way I did. Read a book! Below is a wonderful list of essential autoharp reading.

The Top Five Autoharp Books

1. The Autoharp Owner's Manual (Book)
   by Mary Lou Orthey
   Covers everything from maintenance to building an autoharp. Another essential for anyone just learning or the seasoned expert.

2. Celtic Autoharp (Book/CD)
   by Karen Mueller
   Fanastic book for anyone wanting to learn how to play Celtic autoharp. Includes easy-to-read tablature, popular Celtic tunes and a CD to help you learn. This is essential even if you're not into Celtic autoharping!

3. Cowboy Songs for Autoharp (Book)
   by Carol Stober
   Wonderful collection of old cowboy songs with easy to read tab for beginngers or advanced players.

4. Mel Bay's Complete Autoharp Songbook (Book)
   by Meg Peterson
   This is the first book I learned from. Packed with lots of different strum patterns and easy-to-read tab, Meg Peterson's have taught a huge number of autoharpists worldwide.

5. Melody Book, The: 300 Selections from the World of Music for Piano, Guitar, Autoharp, Recorder and Voice (Book)
   by Patricia Hackett
   While this isn't a great "learn to play" tool, it is a book that is packed with great songs that is perfect for anyone wanting to play just about anything. My parents bought this book a decade ago, and it's still a favorite.

Autoharpists with Books and Videos

There are several great instructors and authors of autoharp books. Check out these below to find a great list of autoharpists.

Carol Stober, the Autoharp Lady

Easy Autoharp for Beginners (VHS and tablature)
Melodic Autoharp (VHS and tablature)
Autoharping the Gospels (Book and CD)
Appalachian Autoharp (Book and Cassette)
Cowboy Songs for Autoharp (Book)
Autoharp (Book)

Meg Peterson

Mel Bay's Complete Autoharp Songbook (Book)
Mel Bay's Complete Method for Autoharp or Chromaharp (Book)
You Can Teach Yourself Autoharp (Book)
Beatles Greatest Hits : Easy Autoharp (Book)
Songs of Christmas for Autoharp (Book)

Evo Bluestein

Autoharp Method - In Four Easy Steps Book/CD Set

Free Autoharp Books

If you just want some basic facts about how to play the autoharp, the Georgia Autoharpers have put together the following eBook. Download it for free.

Autoharp Workshop : The Guide for the Occasional Player (702k) pdf

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