An autoharp is a musical instrument with strings stretched across a wooden box, played by strumming while pressing buttons that select which notes will sound. When you press a button and strum, the autoharp plays a chord (a group of notes that sound good together). Press a different button, strum again, and you get a different chord. This makes it easier to play music than on many other stringed instruments, where you have to position your fingers precisely on each string.

The autoharp sits flat on your lap or stands upright against your chest. It typically has 36 or 37 strings and 12 to 21 chord buttons.

People often use autoharps in folk music, bluegrass, and country music. The instrument has a bright, ringing sound that works beautifully for accompanying singing. The Carter Family, pioneers of country music in the 1920s and 1930s, helped make the autoharp famous. Today, musicians still appreciate how the autoharp lets you create rich, full music without years of training, though skilled players can make it sound remarkably sophisticated.