The First 50 Songs You Should Play On Autoharp: A Beginner's Guide to Mastering the Instrument

Embark on an enchanting musical journey with the autoharp, a delightful instrument that combines the charm of a harp with the strumming ease of a guitar. As a beginner, it's essential to start with songs that are not only enjoyable to play but also help you develop a solid foundation. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the first 50 songs that will kickstart your autoharp mastery. Let's dive into the world of autoharp music and create beautiful melodies!

First 50 Songs You Should Play on Autoharp

by Fred Sokolow

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10525 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	80 pages

FREE

Essential Chords for Beginners

Before embarking on our musical adventure, let's familiarize ourselves with the essential chords that will serve as the building blocks for many autoharp songs. These chords are relatively easy to master, even for beginners, and will provide you with a solid foundation to explore more complex chords in the future.

• C Major: This cheerful chord is the perfect starting point for autoharp players. It's formed by pressing the C, E, and G buttons.
• G7: Adding a touch of spice to your melodies, the G7 chord is created by pressing the G, B, and D buttons.
• D Major: With a bright and uplifting sound, the D Major chord consists of the D, F#, and A buttons.
• A Minor: Infuse your songs with a touch of melancholy using the A Minor chord, played by pressing the A, C, and E buttons.

Basic Strumming Patterns

Now that you have a grasp of the essential chords, let's explore some basic strumming patterns that will bring your autoharp songs to life. These patterns are simple to learn and will help you develop a steady and rhythmic strumming technique.

• Down-Up Strum: Start with a simple down-up strumming pattern, alternating between strumming downwards and upwards. This is a great starting point for beginners.
• Quarter Note Strum: Maintain a steady rhythm by strumming four times per measure, evenly spaced. This pattern is commonly used in folk and country music.
• Eighth Note Strum: Double the speed with the eighth note strumming pattern, strumming eight times per measure. This pattern adds a lively and upbeat feel to your songs.

The First 50 Songs for Beginners

With the essential chords and strumming patterns under your belt, you're now ready to embark on your musical journey with these 50 beginner-friendly autoharp songs:

1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
2. Mary Had a Little Lamb
3. You Are My Sunshine
4. Amazing Grace
5. When the Saints Go Marching In
6. Oh, Susanna
7. Camptown Races
8. Skip to My Lou
9. Home on the Range
10. Jingle Bells
11. Silent Night
12. Deck the Halls
13. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
14. Old MacDonald Had a Farm
15. The Wheels on the Bus
16. Itsy Bitsy Spider
17. Baa, Baa, Black Sheep
18. London Bridge Is Falling Down
19. Row, Row, Row Your Boat
20. Michael Row the Boat Ashore
21. Frère Jacques
22. Au Clair de la Lune
23. Sakura
24. Edelweiss
25. Scarborough Fair
26. Greensleeves
27. Wild Mountain Thyme
28. Shenandoah
29. Wagoner's Lad
30. Cripple Creek
31. Down in the Valley
32. Shady Grove
33. Rocky Top
34. Country Roads
35. Leaving on a Jet Plane
36. Blowin' in the Wind
37. Imagine
38. What a Wonderful World
39. Over the Rainbow
40. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
41. Can't Help Falling in Love
42. Unchained Melody
43. Yesterday
44. Hallelujah

Tips for Learning Autoharp Songs

As you embark on your autoharp journey, keep these tips in mind to maximize your progress and enhance your playing skills:

• Start Slowly: Don't rush into learning complex songs. Begin with simple melodies and gradually progress to more challenging pieces.
• Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Dedicate time each day to practice your autoharp, even if it's just for a short duration.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome helps you maintain a steady rhythm and improve your timing.
• Listen to Recordings: Familiarize yourself with how the songs should sound by listening to recordings of professional autoharp players.
• Find a Teacher or Group: Consider taking lessons from an experienced autoharp teacher or joining a group to learn from others and receive feedback.

Congratulations on taking the first step towards mastering the autoharp! With dedication and passion, you'll be strumming beautiful melodies in no time. Remember to start with the essential chords and strumming patterns, and gradually expand your repertoire by learning the 50 beginner-friendly songs outlined in this guide. Happy autoharp playing!

First 50 Songs You Should Play on Autoharp

by Fred Sokolow

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10525 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	80 pages

FREE