autoharp etymology

Etymology:

The word "autoharp" is a portmanteau of two Greek words:

  • Auto-: meaning "self"
  • Harpa: meaning "harp"

Meaning:

An autoharp is a stringed musical instrument that is played by pressing buttons or levers that pluck the strings. It is typically played with the left hand pressing the buttons while the right hand strums the strings.

Origin:

The autoharp was invented by Charles Zimmermann in 1885 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Zimmermann combined elements of the zither and the dulcimer to create a unique instrument. He initially named it the "finger-pick guitar," but later changed the name to "autoharp."

The autoharp quickly became popular as an easy-to-learn instrument for home and school use. It was especially popular in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States, where it became an important part of traditional folk music.

Today, the autoharp is still used in many different genres of music, including folk, country, and bluegrass. It is also a popular instrument for beginners and for people who want to learn to play a stringed instrument without having to learn to read music.

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