The autoharp is technically a chorded zither...it has the felted chordbars to mute the stings you do not want ringing instead of using your hands, like on a zither. With electronic tuners, they're not all that difficult to tune. The strings cover three octaves and include sharps and flats.

With a little practice, it's not hard to learn to pick out tunes...the strings are always in the same place and sound the same note.

Cecile , its never to late to learn guitar . I was 46 when i started to play guitar for the verry first time . Now , 2,5 years later i play along with many songs including some of Arlo . I learnt never musicnotes or scales . I still have much to learn but its much easier now dan it was in earlier days. Now that whe have computers with internet there 's a whole lotta info and lessons within our reach . If you really whant to play an instrument than go for it .

Glad you like the vids. Sues, the autoharp expert. I bet ya'll could play one. I need to finish getting the felts put back on my chordbars. I am so behind in doing stuff like Christmas decorating & decorating has to come first lol.

Yes, that is what I used to tune it, an electronic tuner.
LOL, if I did not have that I would be lost. It must be quite a chore to tune one by ear.

When I put the new strings on I noticed one of the felt pads had gone into the abyss somewhere.
This may sound crazy, but it worked and the chord play good.

I took one of those dense felt things that are used to put under furniture legs, cut it to size and glued it to the chord bar.

I am not too concerned about it, the instrument is a 15 chord and I am thinking of getting a 21 chord kit to put on it.
I would like to have the extra chords so I don't have to substitute.

Yes, I think will start practicing some picking.

Another great replacement for chord bar felt is 1/4" computer mousepad...I've completely re-felted autoharps with this, and it works very well. It holds up, and does not develop an indented groove where the string touches like wool felt does. I cut it into strips the width of the chord bar with sharp scissors, and then into sections of the appropriate size. I glue them on with silicone glue, fabric side to the chord bar.

Yes Guitarman, you're right.
Actually, I got a banjo two years ago (I've always wanted to have one) and since, I've been learning how to play it with videos on the internet. I think it's easier .... but my guitar is still here.

Thanks for the info Sue. I'll have to remember that. The felts seem fine. They just came off for some reason & I need toi gleu them back on. I may not get to do it until after the first of the yr & the Christmas stuff is taken down. Got too much going on like decorating etc...

Thanks also from here Sue. I never gave that one a thought. Have to remember it.

It's amazing sometime when you get in a jam (not a jam,jam) a trouble jam, with a bit of imagination how you can get around problems.